Domestic Bliss: A Tale of Two Couples

by Kirsten McCurran

  "Hey man, you don't need to be defensive. I'm sure it wasn't an easy choice. I know I'm not cut out for cooking and cleaning."

  "Don't listen to him, he's being an ass," Maggie said, smacking her husband playfully on the shoulder as she came in from the kitchen. She gave Gary a hug and stretched up on her tip toes to give him a kiss on the cheek. She was a petite woman, just a couple inches over five feet.

  "Oh, I know. I expected some ribbing when I agreed to do this," Gary said.

  "I think it's great, Gary. More men should be open enough to stay home with their kids. I know this one wouldn't last two seconds if he had to stay home with the kids all day."

  "No, I would hire an au pair."

  "Then how come I can't have one?” Maggie pouted.

  "I'll get you an au pair anytime you want, honey. Say the word."

  "Don't be fooled, Maggie. He just wants to move in some hot little nineteen-year-old Swedish girl. I wouldn't trust him for a second," Alexandra said, joining the conversation.

  "Why does everyone think I'm such a snake?” Adam complained with a grin.

  "If it hisses and rattles what else could it be?" Alexandra teased.

  "If it's a snake you really want…"

  "Watch it, you don't want Gary to have to take you outside. Be polite and make Alex a drink," Maggie ordered her husband.

  "Do you want another, hon?"

  "Not until after dinner unless you want me sloshed before dessert."

  Gary took a seat while his wife joined Adam at the bar, in the corner of the room. He caught his friend sneak a peek at his wife's ass in her tight gray skirt, but he didn't pay it any mind. That was just Adam. He always aggressively flirted with Alexandra, but it was harmless. If he ever tried anything Alexandra could eat him for lunch.

  "I forget, is that one olive or two?” Adam asked as he prepared her martini.

  "You can't remember how to make my favorite drink? I think I'm hurt," Alexandra kidded.

  "I can't be expected to remember everything, can I?” He skewered two olives and added them to her drink.

  "You seem to study me enough.” Alexandra sipped her drink and enjoyed the surprise that flashed across Adam's face. "Don't worry, I won't tell your wife, or my husband. A guy like you, I think I'd be offended if you didn't check me out."

  "In that case," Adam said. He knew Gary couldn't see him from where he was sitting, so he took his time looking down the front of Alexandra's thin, clingy green blouse, which she'd left unbuttoned enough to give a healthy—yet discreet—view of her cleavage. In her three-inch heels, she was just a hair taller than her husband, but Adam still had a couple inches on her and consequently a better view down her blouse—right down to her lacy green bra.

  Alexandra quite enjoyed giving Adam the peek, but warned, "Better enjoy the view while you can. Here comes your wife."

  "Dinner's ready, guys. Alexandra, could you get the kids?” Maggie said. Gary may not have been able to see her husband looking down Alexandra's blouse, but it didn't escape Maggie's notice and for the millionth time she wished Adam would show some decorum.

  "I'll do it, I guess I'd better get used to it," Gary piped up.

  "Let me help ya, buddy. It'll show Maggie you're not the only one who can take care of his kids around here."

  After the kids were deposited at one end of the living room table, with Maggie and Gary supervising them, the couples dug into the marvelous dinner Maggie had prepared. There was warm fresh bread and a vegetable soup, followed by lamb chops and a big tossed salad. Everyone complimented Maggie on her culinary skills—especially Gary—who always marveled that she could whip together such an amazing meal while chasing two kids around the house. The pretty brunette blushed under his praise, while Alexandra complained that he never talked about her cooking like that. There was a reason. Alexandra was competent in the kitchen, but simple, quick meals or take-out were more her speed.

  When dinner, which the kids ended up wearing more of than eating, was finished, Alexandra and Maggie cleared the table while the men checked on the score of the game in the den. The couples' dinners were like clockwork after several years and almost always followed the same pattern.

  The Taskers—Alexandra was actually Markov-Tasker—and the Hamiltons met when they'd signed up for the same Lamaze class. While Alexandra and Maggie couldn't have been more different, the two women became fast friends and the couples began to spend time together. Although she had a newborn of her own—plus another child—to take care of, Maggie was a godsend to Alexandra after Connor was born. Alexandra had said more than once that she would have been lost without her friend. Not long after Aimee and Connor were born, the couples started the tradition of their dinners.

  At least once a month they got together at alternating houses for dinner and some grown-up time after the kids were put down for the night. When they were lucky, they found babysitters and were really able to relax, maybe even go out. They'd play games or watch movies together, whatever they felt like. No matter what the couples did, they always had a great time together. There were only two rules to the dinners. First, no talk of parenting after the kids were in bed. And second, they were to be dress-up nights. Not suits and cocktail dresses, but nice clothes were expected. It was a chance for the women to dress up and feel like real adult women.

  Ordinarily the women cleaned up the kids after dinner and got them ready for bed, but again Gary volunteered, to the surprise of his wife.

  "Are you sure, honey? You're going to have your hands full soon enough. Why don't you relax down here and I'll take care of it," Alexandra said.

  "No, really that's okay.” He pointedly looked at Adam and said, "I don't consider it a chore to look after my son.” Gary held the stern look for a few seconds before breaking out laughing.

  "Notice my sweet hubby didn't even offer," Maggie said, kissing Adam on the cheek. "Can we swap men? I think I'm getting the short end of the stick here."

  Adam's eyes lit up at the word swap, but Alexandra gave her husband a big, deep kiss and said, "My man is one in a million. I'd never give him up, even for a night."

  Gary snatched up Connor, careful not to get any of the mess on his dark blue polo and followed Maggie upstairs. They went into the master bath because it would have been tough to maneuver in the other, smaller one. The kids were all stripped down and deposited in the tub for a good scrubbing and Gary and Maggie were on their knees beside the tub, working side-by-side.

  "Do you mind if I take off my sweater?” Maggie asked. "I'm going to get it soaked if I don't."

  Gary could think of the sort of response her husband would have to that question, but knowing Maggie wasn't quite the flirt his Alexandra was, he simply told her he didn't mind. It wasn’t like she was naked under it. Maggie was wearing a maroon knitted sweater that nicely brought out the auburn highlights in her short dark hair, a black, pleated skirt that just about reached her knees and black tights.

  Under the sweater was a matching stretch camisole and while it didn't show any more than a bathing suit would have, modest Maggie just didn't feel comfortable whipping her sweater off in front of Gary without asking him first. While she did catch Gary taking a quick look, he behaved like a gentleman as always. She'd always liked him and thought Alexandra was very lucky to have such an easygoing husband. And she was even more impressed when Alexandra told her of the plan for Gary to become a stay-at-home dad. There was no way Adam would ever consider such a thing, not that she would ask. Maggie loved being home with the kids and wouldn't want to switch roles. She really loved her husband, but sometimes she wished he shared some of Gary's qualities.

  "Are you really okay with the staying home thing?” Maggie asked.

  "At first I thought it was crazy, I'll admit, but I'm coming around. It will be good to spend more time with Connor. I felt like I barely saw him when I was working. I know I've got a lot to learn, so I hope Alexandra doesn't find another job too quickly."

  "Anytime you need a hand, feel
free to pick up the phone and I'll be over in a flash."

  "Don't be surprised if I take you up on that."

  "I mean it, any time. I really do think it's wonderful that you're open to trying something like this. Even in our generation too many men are old fashioned."

  "Thinking of anyone in particular?"

  "No, Adam's great, really. Yes, it would be nice if he lent a hand around the house every once in a while, but he does have his chores too. He takes care of the yard and the little maintenance things. I just think it's great what you're doing, that's all.” Maggie’s genuine warmth came through in her voice. He tried to remember the last time his own wife had such a sincere moment.

  Gary was touched. "Thanks, Maggie. That really means a lot.” He thought the way she blushed was very sweet. "At least there's one person I know won't be snickering behind my back."

  "I'm with you all the way. Scout's honor," she promised, holding up three fingers, before she giggled and used them to splash Gary. He splashed back and they both ended up laughing hysterically.

  Downstairs, Alexandra was working on an after dinner martini while Adam sat beside her on the couch with a drink of his own. She'd kicked off one of her heels and pulled up the leg underneath herself, flashing a good bit of thigh—which did not escape Adam’s notice. The conversation had started out about home improvement and all the things he'd love to get done around the house, but wound around to Alexandra's eminent return to the workforce.

  "I guess Gary's going to have plenty of time to get things done around the house now."

  "Don't be so hard on him, you jerk. Chasing a kid around all day is a lot harder than you think. He's not going to have that much free time. He's got a house to maintain, too."

  "You're going to have him doing laundry and cooking dinner too?"

  "Well, it’s part of what I've done while staying home, so I don't see why not. But of course I'll lend a hand."

  "You really are wearing the pants over there, aren't you?"

  Alexandra smiled and raised an eyebrow. "Do you have problems with strong women? Are we insecure?"

  "I can handle a strong woman just fine, hon. But how would you handle a dominant man?"

  "It's a shame you'll never find out, dear.” She drained her martini and held it out, saying, "Refill, please?"

  "I've gotten the last three. I think it's your turn. And while you're up…" Adam knocked back his drink and offered her the empty glass.

  "Why yes, sir. I live to serve," she said with a mock Southern accent.

  Smiling sweetly, Alexandra took his glass and walked to the bar, putting an extra swish in her hips. Adam's alpha male bullshit could be tiring, but she did enjoy playing with him. Men like Adam were so easy to wrap around her little finger, and she'd been doing it since college. Men underestimated her because of her looks, but she was not just another pretty face, and she’d always used it to her advantage. It annoyed her that Adam had trouble accepting the idea that a woman could be his equal, Alexandra did find his cocksure attitude something of a turn on. He wasn't malicious, he was just who he was. The sharp-edged back-and-forth she had with Adam was something she'd always enjoyed with her male colleagues, and she'd missed it since becoming a stay-at-home mom. And as much as she loved her husband, it was something that had always been missing in their relationship. Gary was wired to avoid confrontation and while that made for a harmonious home life, Alexandra felt that you had to mix things up once in a while to keep it exciting.

  Adam watched Alexandra’s ass in that snug skirt and couldn’t help fantasizing about bending her over the bar and hiking it up. He bet they could pound a quick one out before their spouses came downstairs. It was almost like that ass was taunting him. Alexandra’s flirting was fun, but he always thought there was something more behind it. Maybe in another place and another time…

  Alexandra mixed both drinks with a heavy hand on the booze. She’d always liked a strong drink and knew Adam could handle it. His gin and tonic had just a splash of the latter. Since she was mixing the drinks, she treated herself to an extra olive. When she carried the drinks back to the couch she noted how long it took Adam's eyes to make the trip up her long legs and over her tits to arrive at her face. It was obvious what he was thinking about. It was written all over his face. She smiled and bent deeply at the waist to present Adam his drink, giving him his second look down her blouse of the evening. She knew the teasing was mean, but it was fun, and having Adam so nakedly checking her out made Alexandra's pulse race. The looks she used to receive from men around the office were something else she'd missed about working.

  Adam was so slow taking his drink from her that she asked, "Are you done yet?"

  "Actually, if I could just have a moment more?"

  "Sure," Alexandra laughed, tossing her hair back and leaning farther forward. She put a hand on his shoulder and came so close she could feel his breath on her chest. She could hear their spouses upstairs and felt so naughty. She reminded herself it was harmless fun.

  "Memorizing things for later?” she asked.

  "You'd love that," he shot back.

  Alexandra straightened up and returned to the safety of the far end of the couch. They were both silent for a while, lost in their thoughts. Adam was past just hiking her skirt up and taking her. He wanted to see it all—rip open that blouse and fuck her right there on the couch. Alexandra was pressing the flirting tonight and she had him more revved up than he had been in ages. Something had gotten into her—that was for sure. So was Alexandra all show and no go? Was she only like this with him because she felt safe because of their friendship? Gary was lucky to have such a hot wife who put it out there, but if Maggie flirted like that he'd be pissed.

  When Maggie and Gary came back downstairs the couples played Pictionary. Maggie had a great hand and led her and Adam to victory. Afterwards the couples switched partners and Alexandra and Adam easy crushed their opponents. Neither of them was a great artist, but it was like they read each other's minds.

  Around midnight they decided to call it quits. Despite all the martinis, Alexandra did not appear drunk at all. Adam, on the other hand, had clearly had too much and was acting rather goofy. Knowing he'd have to drive, Gary was sober as a judge and the one glass of wine Maggie drank turned her cheeks rosy, but that was about it. Alexandra went upstairs and fetched Connor without waking him. There were quiet hugs and pecks on the cheek and the Taskers left.

  Adam went upstairs and collapsed on the bed in his boxers while Maggie straightened up a few things before heading to bed. He used the time to flick over to Cinemax and see what they had to offer. There was some softcore show called Black Tie Nights. He thought the pretty blonde on the screen bore a passing resemblance to Alexandra, which set his cock to throbbing all over again. She was lying in a tub, touching herself, and he could just imagine Alexandra did a lot of that. He didn’t see her as one of those women who didn’t masturbate. He heard Maggie coming up the stairs and quickly shut off the television.

  "Geez, I'm beat," she said as she came into the bedroom. She peeled off her sweater and put it in the laundry basket. Unclasping her skirt, Maggie let it drop to the floor and placed it in the laundry as well. "I just want to get a shower and go to bed."

  "Hold on, Mags," Adam said pushing himself up and sitting on the edge of the bed.

  Maggie stopped in the doorway to the bathroom and asked, "What is it?"

  "Come here for a minute."

  "Adam…"

  "Just come here, babe."

  Sighing, she walked over to her husband. He pulled her up against him and sitting he came to about her shoulders. He kissed across her shoulders and then the nape of her neck. Maggie tilted her head back and ran her fingers through Adam's thinning brown hair. As tired as she was, his lips did feel good.

  "Sweetie, I'm not sure I'm in the mood. It's been a really long day," Maggie protested, but weakly. Her resolve melted as Adam kept kissing her neck. After nearly ten years of marriage he knew just h
ow to push her buttons, but she was surprised he was so amorous. Usually when Adam had that much to drink he just passed right out.

  "Come on, I know you're not that tired,” he protested.

  He pulled her lips to his and parted them with his tongue. Her pert breast fit nicely in his palm when he cupped it and though he was a tad rough with the sensitive flesh, her nipple still responded by burrowing into his hand. He moved his hands up and down over her breasts, dragging against her very tender nipples and Maggie moaned into their kiss while pushing her body into him.

  Adam pulled her camisole down past her breasts and massaged her naked flesh. When he teased her nipples with his thumbs she shook from the jolts of pleasure. His lips traveled down her freckled chest until he caught a pale, pink nipple and sucked on it while simultaneously grasping Maggie between the legs. He forced the heel of his hand into her mound and she shoved back, grinding him through panties and tights. He was particularly rough, and while Adam had never been the gentlest lover he wasn't usually that aggressive. But Maggie didn't mind too much, she loved that she could still get such a reaction from her husband after all these years and two kids.

  Lifting her off her feet, Adam turned Maggie and laid her on the bed. He yanked down her panties and tights while she pulled the camisole over her head and he crawled onto the bed between her legs. While they kissed, she pushed his boxers off and grasped his cock, feeling it hot and hard in her small hand. Adam put his hand over hers and moved it so the tip rested against her lips.

  "Honey, wait," she breathed, breaking their kiss. She stretched her arm out, reaching for the nightstand, barely reaching the drawer to pull it open. Adam grabbed her arm and pulled it back.

  "Not tonight, babe. I want you now.” Adam nudged forward, but Maggie turned her hips so he couldn't enter her.

  "It just takes a second. Please, Adam, no accidents."

  Knowing he was defeated, Adam let his wife get a condom from the nightstand and then put it on him. The condom was always a mood killer for him, but she wasn't comfortable with the Pill and he loved his wife so he made do. And tonight he was so horny, nothing would have stopped him.