She Won't Be Ignored Any Longer

I stared vacantly at the plate of cold food sitting across the table from me and sighed unhappily. It was another lonely evening of sitting by myself waiting for my husband to come home with even more excuses about having to work late.

He had barely been away from his office over the Christmas and New Year holiday and even when he had been at home, he had been busy at his desk most of the time. I knew he was working on a major project but this would be the ninth time this month he had missed dinner and we weren't even half way through it yet.

It was going to be another long and lonely month just like January, I thought to myself, as I morosely took another mouthful of the excellent white wine I had bought especially for the night.

I had just blown out the two candles on the table when my mobile phone rang. Snatching it up I checked the display to see that it was Stephen, my husband of four years.

"Hello." I elected to take the call rather than simply ignore him.

"Hi Jessica, I'm really sorry but Carl and I are still working on that merger. He's suggested we head off to the Red Lion and get something to eat so we can continue our discussions."

I took a deep breath, I could already feel the tears already pricking the corners of my eyes "So, when should I expect you home?"

"Don't wait up for me. It'll be late. We've hit another snag in the negotiations"

"Just when is late? I'd prepared a romantic dinner for us tonight."

"Probably after midnight and I'm sorry about dinner but this merger needs all of our attention right now. If it comes off, we'll be set for life."

"I'll look forward to that." I answered more than a little sarcastically, wondering if the rest of his life included me.

"I have to go. Love you baby."

"Fine." I hung up abruptly.

A single tear ran down my cheek and I wiped it away, blinking back the others that threatened to follow. This wasn't how I had expected my marriage to be and it certainly wasn't how the first three years had been.

Picking up my wine glass I swirled the pale liquid around before swallowing it all and let my mind wander back through my recent past, recalling how I had first encountered the man of my dreams.

I had met Stephen Morton at a wedding of all places. Going alone as a friend of the bride while he had been one of the groomsmen. From the moment I first saw him I could hardly take my eyes off him and went out of my way to speak to him.

We had hit it off immediately, he had been three years older than me at twenty-seven. Six feet tall with messy brown hair, that always seemed to need a trim, his penetrating hazel-eyes had captivated me. He had charmed to me from the first moment I was introduced to him and I was ecstatic when he asked me to have dinner with him.

However, my own deep-set insecurities had prevented me from even considering a long-term relationship with him, at least to start with. I had always thought I was too skinny and plain for anyone to want to date me seriously. That lack of confidence had discouraged me from seeing any of the few previous men I had briefly been out with as a long-term partner.

Not that Stephen had perceived me like that.

He told me his impression was of a fairly tall, 5' 8", attractive girl with long dark brown hair that fell way past her slim shoulders. Her slender small-breasted 34B-24-34 figure had filled the dress she was wearing just sufficiently to tease rather than flaunt and she had enchanted him from the very beginning.

Although I wasn't experienced sexually, only having had unsatisfying sex with two of my previous boyfriends, I had, nervously, slept with him on our third date. Suddenly I found out what all the fuss was about when he made me orgasm repeatedly leaving me exhausted but fulfilled for the first time ever.

We had dated for six months before Stephen proposed and I had said yes without a moment's hesitation.

Initially marriage had been even better than I could have imagined. We were head-over-heels in love and happily spent as much of our time together as we could. Sex had been wonderful and we had fucked every day, almost without fail, for the first couple of years.

Understandably the frequency of our love making had diminished by the third year, in part this was due to the general demands of life but mostly it was because of Stephen's new job. We still had sex at least three or four times a week but sometimes the intensity and the passion were noticeably lacking.

Then, just a few months ago, he had been promoted and become involved, with his boss Carl, in a huge project to merge with another company. It had meant long hours and numerous business trips, some for several days at a time, and the effect on our marriage had been almost catastrophic.

I had not made love with my husband for nearly three months now because he either wasn't around or was simply too tired. Socialising had also become a thing of the past as Stephen was always working and, apart from the occasional meeting with friends, I hadn't enjoyed a night out in a long time.

I sighed wearily again and poured myself another glass of wine holding up the half empty bottle and considering whether to finish it or not. Taking a mouthful, l looked across the table at the dinner I had spent so long preparing as a surprise for my husband and wondered why I had bothered.

Standing up I took the meal I had lovingly cooked and calmy scraped the cold, congealed food into the bin before disposing of the plates and cutlery in the dishwasher.

With the meal things cleared away I picked up my glass and took the bottle into the lounge to sit down. Just to banish the oppressive silence I turned on the television although I didn't really watch what was on. Instead, I continued to contemplate the things going wrong in my life as I gazed unseeingly at the screen, a steady stream of tears trickling down my cheeks.

For the next hour I stared blankly at nothing in particular as I finished my glass before pouring myself another.

Was it work or had my husband lost interest in me already? I had always appreciated everything he had done for me and, as far as I knew, been a faithful and loving wife so what was wrong?

Taking my time, I eventually finished the whole bottle, kicking it over as, partly inebriated, I stumbled off to bed and hopefully to sleep, miserable and alone.

I must have dozed off because I didn't hear what time my husband came home. It was only apparent he had been in bed with me by the rumpled bedclothes and pillows next to me. In fact, it wasn't until early the following morning when I heard the front door closing as Stephen left for work, that I realised he had even come home at all.

Cautiously climbing out of bed I felt more than a little nauseous from the hangover, caused by my drinking excesses of the previous evening, I immediately made a beeline for the bathroom to take two aspirin and have a shower.

It wasn't until I returned wrapped in a towel that I saw the handwritten note that had been placed on the bedside cabinet.

Jessica, I didn't want to wake you as you looked so peaceful. Sorry about last night, things are getting pretty hectic                            now we're almost there.

I'll be late again tonight. We're meeting the other side for drinks to finalise the               sign-off.

Don't wait up for me.

Love you XXXX

Snatching the piece of paper up I stared angrily at the note as I read it then re-read it twice more before screwing it up and throwing it into the bin.

I looked so peaceful! He didn't want to wake me!

Did he have no idea what the date was today?

Staring at my reflection in the dressing table mirror I concluded that I had had enough of sitting at home alone, waiting for an absent husband to make an appearance. If he could be out till God knows when, doing God knows what, then so could I.

My mind made up I swapped the towel for a robe and made my way down to the kitchen to make myself a coffee and plan the rest of the day.

Staring gloomily out of the window at the morning sunshine I wondered what Stephen was up to today? Where was he, what was he doing?

The fact that I never even considered who he might be with was simply a testament to my trust in the man I loved. However, that didn't solve my problem of what to do about being left all alone.

A little retail therapy would be my first objective I decided as I sat at the kitchen counter with my cappuccino. I would splash out and get myself a new dress, a pair of shoes and maybe even some sexy lingerie. Perhaps I would also see if I could get an appointment to have my hair and nails done.

Now that my mind was made up, I quickly finished my coffee and went back to the bedroom to get myself dressed.

After making the bed and quickly tidying up the house I made a call to the hairdressers and was fortunate enough to get an appointment for late that afternoon. Pulling my long hair into a ponytail I quickly applied a little light make-up; a touch of mascara, some eyeshadow and lip gloss. It was enough to highlight my eyes and satisfy my vanity but not so much that I looked a tart while out shopping.

Selecting my clothes was a lot easier and, as it looked like being a warm day, I settled for my tight, ripped jeans and a red vest top with just some everyday plain black lace underwear beneath.

Inspecting myself in the mirror I felt my spirits lifting for the first time in several weeks. Stephen might not appreciate me but I was determined to do something for myself and stop sitting around waiting for him.

With everything done I checked the clock one last time and, seeing it was a quarter past ten, I picked up my bag and keys before leaving the house to head off on my shopping expedition.

Traffic was remarkably light and I easily made it to the town centre in twenty minutes, spending the time driving to make a mental note of the shops I specifically wanted to visit.

Parking my car, I walked the short distance to the main street and took a second to look around before starting my search for a new dress. It took me into a number of shops and small fashionable boutiques before I found exactly what I wanted.

With thin shoulder straps the royal blue dress was fitted around the bodice with a deep V that was held together by two shiny silver buckles. It looked classy while still emphasising a fair amount of my modest cleavage. The skirt was unusual in that the hem at the back came down to just above the knee but around the front it curved up, crossing over at mid-thigh and revealing a substantial amount of leg.

Highly delighted with my first acquisition I decided I wanted to celebrate with a cappuccino before continuing on with my shopping expedition. Heading for the nearest high street coffee shop I found I had to wait in a short queue to make my purchase.

Placing my order, I picked up the cup and turned around just as the rather cute man behind me stepped forwards and knocked into my arm. Most of my drink spilt into the saucer and onto the floor although, unfortunately, a little did go on me.

"Oh my god, I'm so sorry." The deep voice made me look up straight into a pair of deep blue eyes, "Please, that was all my fault... let me get you another."

"Oh... err... oh, I... umm... thank you..." taken somewhat by surprise I managed to stammer a reply.

"A cappuccino, wasn't it?" the rather good-looking young man enquired taking the cup from me, "Please... take a seat and I'll bring it across to you."

Blushing slightly, I sat down at a vacant table and watched him. Tall and dark haired with an athletic build I estimated he was in his early thirties, although he carried himself with an assurance that suggested he was quite a bit older.

"I'm really sorry about that." he apologised as he brought me a fresh coffee over with his, "Do you mind if I join you?"

"Please feel free... and thank you." waving my hand I indicated towards the vacant chair opposite me as I smiled up at him.

"Thanks." Sitting down he extended his hand, "I'm Charles."

"Jessica." Gripping his hand, I could feel his fingers press mine, holding on to me slightly longer than was comfortable.

"I'm such a clumsy idiot sometimes." He grinned at me disarmingly, "I am dreadfully sorry Jessica."

"Think nothing of it. Accidents happen." I felt a little flutter in my stomach and a blush on my cheeks as I gazed across the table at him.

"They do but not always with such a pleasant outcome. If I hadn't bumped into you, I wouldn't be sitting down and enjoying a coffee with such an attractive young lady."

I blushed, my cheeks colouring even more at the compliment.

It was extremely flattering and the attention, even from a stranger, was something I had missed over the last few months. Enjoying the company of the attractive young man opposite me I was happy to slowly sip my cappuccino as I chatted with him over our drinks, the pair of us getting to know each other better.

"So, how is your shopping expedition going?" glancing down at my bag he enquired after a minute or two.

"Well, I have the dress. Now I have to find some shoes and some.... some other things." My cheeks flushed when I thought about the underwear I was hoping to buy.

"Ah yes of course." Laughing quietly, I could see his piercing eyes twinkle with interest, "A lady's unmentionables? Now you really have my interest piqued."

Giggling girlishly at his comment I took another mouthful from my cup to hide my coyness. Unable to stop myself as I wondered how it would feel to stand before him in the lingerie I planned to buy, the thought sending a warm feeling through pussy.

"Are you shopping for anything specific given the date today?"

"Oh... err... well I... I..." his question jerked me back to the present and made me think about my absent husband and the lack of any attention from him over the past few weeks.

"A special date with someone? Or an assignation that you want to keep secret maybe?" he winked at me as he grinned cheekily.

"Err... no... n... n...nothing like that." I stumbled over my answer feeling my cheeks growing hot again with embarrassment.

Taken slightly aback at the way the conversation was going I quickly finished my cappuccino and started to get got ready to leave when Charles reached across the table to take hold of my hand.

"I'm not usually this forward." looking directly into my eyes he held my gaze, "But I find you extremely attractive and would love to have lunch with you. If you have time that is?"

Surprised at his boldness I was left speechless for a moment when the cute stranger propositioned me. If he had seen my wedding band, he hadn't mentioned it. I could feel my pulse start to race while my heart began to hammer against my ribs and I knew my cheeks had gone an even deeper shade of crimson.

Struggling to resist the urge to accept, I eventually managed to stammer out a response "Err... I... I... umm... I really... I shouldn't... I... I'm married."

"Obviously." He held up my left hand and studied the gold band on my ring finger for a moment.

"But it's just lunch." Charles continued winningly, "We both have to eat and it would be nice to enjoy a meal with such attractive and pleasant company."

"Well, I... err... I suppose... that... umm... as you say... that it's just a lunch." hesitantly I accepted his invitation knowing I should really refuse him.

"Wonderful." He swallowed the last drops of his own drink and stood to join me, "Shall we go?"

Flattered by his interest I felt any opposition I had being overwhelmed and, nervously gave in to his persistence. Taking his arm, I allowed myself to be led from the coffee shop towards a small bistro a short way along the street.

I knew it was wrong and I should say no but I had spent so much time alone in the last few months, while my husband had been busy working, that I couldn't help but enjoy the attention that this handsome young man was giving me.

Opening the door to the restaurant he let me enter first and before I could even fully reflect on what I was doing I found myself sitting opposite Charles at a table perusing the menu.

"Perhaps you would like some wine?" he interrupted my browsing momentarily.

"Oh err... yes, yes thank you. That would be lovely. Just the one glass of white please."

Calling over the waiter he gave him our order for drinks before turning his own thoughts to the menu.

"If you like seafood I hear the calamari is very good here." He informed me indicating that he knew about the bistro prior to today.

"That sounds perfect." agreeing with his suggestion I put the card down and looked across at my lunch companion.

"In that case I'll join you." Charles smiled at me disarmingly and gave our order to the waiter when he returned with our drinks.

"So, what are your plans for the rest of the day Jessica? After the shopping that is." casually taking a sip from his glass he enquired as to what else I would be doing.

I lifted my own drink to my lips, remembering my thoughts about the day as I took a moment to frame my answer. Any hesitation I had in replying was partly due to my wondering what his intentions might be and partly due to the effect he was having on me.

Eventually, I decided to be honest "I was intending to have my hair and nails done later. Then after that I thought I might get dressed up and head out on the town and have some fun."

"Without your husband I presume."

I didn't answer leaving him to make whatever assumptions he wanted to.

"Anywhere special?" he continued probingly after a brief silence between us.

I smiled, slowly starting to recover my composure, "I'm not sure at the moment. Maybe one of the big hotels. I understand they have music in a few of the bars."

Just then our food arrived at the table putting a stop, albeit temporarily, to our conversation.

"You know this calamari really is very, very good" I confirmed after my first couple of mouthfuls, "You've obviously been here before."

"It is, it's absolutely delicious." Charles agreed with my assessment, "And guilty as charged I'm afraid."

I laughed and we continued to discuss the bistro and the excellent quality of the food for the next few minutes as we ate. Finally finishing my lunch, I put down my knife and fork and picked up my wine to take another mouthful.

"I really should be going soon. I have shopping to finish before my hair and nail appointment."

"That's a great pity." He frowned, "Is there any way I can persuade you to change your plans?"

"Oh... err... n... no sorry... I... I need to get my hair done." I could feel myself starting to panic.

This wasn't how I had planned my day to go. Being ambushed half way through it wasn't something I intended to happen. I wanted to pamper myself, make myself glamorous and get dressed up before going out on the town. But now I found myself trying to resist the charms of a stranger, someone who clearly wanted more than just a lunch companion.

"Are you sure? Your hair looks lovely as it is." Smiling as he spoke, I could feel my pulse starting to race again, my mind filled with thoughts of how he and I might spend the afternoon.

"I... umm.... I... err... I can't stay... I have to... to go."

"My loss." Charles grinned keeping the charm turned on, "Well, I'll look out for you later. There aren't many upmarket hotels in town that boast decent music. If I were you, I'd try The Marlborough?"

"Thanks for the suggestion."

I quickly finished the remainder of my wine and thanked him, offering to pay half the bill, which he immediately rejected.

"It's on me. As a recompense for your company."

"Thank you." I graciously surrendered as I stood up and readied myself to go.