“I woke up in the middle of the night and discovered that I had an orgasm in my sleep,” she said trying not to show her excitement.
“Wow, baby. That dream sounds amazing. Now you got me thinking about making love to you. Come here—can I kiss you? I have wanted to kiss you since our first lunch date. Please, for old times sake?” he asked, moving in closer to her.
She leaned over and gave him a gentle yet long kiss on the lips. He sat there speechless. It was everything he thought it would be. His heart raced and he wanted to grab her and make love to her just as he did in her dream.
But before anything else could happen, their food arrived. Kristie was relieved. She found herself getting lost in him just that fast. She knew she was in trouble and thought about leaving but her heart would not let her.
“You’re saved by the knock on the door. What timing,” Ted laughed as he opened the door.
Once the food was set up and they were alone again he leaned over and kissed her on the lips.
“What was that for?” she asked innocently.
“That was for not changing. You are the same sweet person you were back in college. I only wish we had reconnected before either of us were married. I know that sounds crazy but it’s how I feel,” he said leaning closer to hold her tight.
“I’ve been thinking the same thing. Of course I love my children and Donald, but what we have doesn’t happen all the time. Some people never find their soul mates. Unfortunately for us we didn’t fully understand our connection twenty years ago.
“It seems like it’s too late now. You have your family and I have mine. Do you think maybe it was never meant to be? Maybe our lives turned out exactly how they were supposed to—me with Donald and you with Lynn. Perhaps we should let go of what we shared in the past and be satisfied with the lives we have now,” she replied sadly.
“I knew that I loved you and was in love with you twenty years ago but I was too stupid to say it. I don’t think it’s too late. We were brought back together for some reason and I don’t think it was by coincidence. I believe there is a reason; I just don’t know what it is.
“I understand fully what you’re saying, Kristie, but I cannot simply walk away from you knowing I have a chance of getting you back; even if it is only as a friend. That’s better than not having you at all.
“As I said before, I do love Lynn and my children, but I now realize that I love you, too. I don’t want to let go of our past because doing so means letting go of you. If I let go of you then I am letting go of my heart. I believe one day we’ll be together as husband and wife and it will be done respectfully without anyone getting hurt.
“Of course I don’t know how or when but I just know it’s going to happen and when it does, our lives will be complete. Since you’ve been back I feel like a changed man. I constantly imagine a life with you. At the end of our phone conversations I anxiously anticipate the next one. You have come into my life and have changed my world,” he said as he looked her in the eyes and held her hand.
To his surprise she leaned over and kissed him passionately on the lips.
“I love you, too. Wow—that was easier than I thought. I wanted to tell you that for some time but I didn’t know how to say it. Now that we know how much we care about each other, what are we to do about it? I don’t want to let go of our memories either but I would hate for us to try and duplicate them and end up tarnishing them forever. So I repeat, what we are going to do?” she asked as she laid her head on his shoulder.
“We keep doing what we are doing now. We keep on loving each other and talking to each other and supporting each other. I will never ask you to leave your family and I’m sure you will not ask me to leave mine.
“As much as I want to make love to you, I won’t ask you to do anything that will make you uncomfortable,” he said.
“I appreciate that. You have no idea how much I want you but the truth is, I haven’t been with another man since Donald and I have been together. We dated for two years before getting married. So it has been seventeen years since I’ve been with someone else.
“My life was set and simple and then I came across you again and now I’m having urges to make love to you. But despite this desire, I keep telling myself that it’s wrong to even think about cheating.
“I probably shouldn’t be here with you now but I needed to see you. I needed to be close to you and to hold you,” said Kristie as he stroked her hair.
“Baby, I completely understand because I needed to be with you too. I have never cheated on Lynn in the nineteen years we’ve been together and that includes the two years we dated. Tell me, if we made love today, would you be able to ever forgive yourself?” Ted asked, kissing her forehead.
“I’m not sure. Since we have lust in our hearts for each other we’ve already cheated on our spouses and I have forgiven myself for it. Do you think you would be able to forgive yourself?” she asked.
“I think I can. Although I know it’s wrong for us to be together, I feel it is wrong not to love you. When I asked to meet here I wasn’t trying to get you into bed, although it is not a bad idea...I really wanted to just hold you and look at you without worrying about who may be looking at us.”
He looked into her eyes, then remembered something, “I almost forgot—I have a surprise for you. Wait right here,” he called as he went into the bedroom.
“What are you up to Ted?” she asked as she heard him fumbling though a briefcase.
He put a CD in the player.
“Do you remember this song?” he asked as the song played.
Inseparable that’s how we’ll always be
Inseparable, just you and me.
It’s so wonderful to know you’ll
always be around me.
“Do you remember what took place while we listened to it? It was our song. I was listening to the radio and when I heard it I immediately thought about the love we shared then and the love I hope we share now. I went to the store and found it,” he said while smiling.
“Of course I remember this song—“Inseparable” by Natalie Cole. I cannot believe you still remember that this was our song. I haven’t heard it in a long time. You’re going to make me cry. This was the song we made love to for the first time,” she said as her eyes filled with tears.
“I know, baby. That night you gave yourself to me was the best night of my life. I knew then that you trusted me with everything you had. And look at us now, back into each other’s lives after all those years. I guess it is true—we are inseparable,” he said as he leaned over to kiss her passionately.
To his surprise she responded wholeheartedly. He took her by the hand and led her into the bedroom as the song continued to play over and over again. He laid her across the bed and they continued to kiss and explore one another.
He wanted to make love to her so desperately but needed to be true to his word.
“Are you sure you want to go through with this, baby? We can stop if you want to,” he asked as he continued to caress her.
“I think I’m sure,” she said softly.
Although he wanted to make love to her that afternoon, he decided instead to hold her as they lay across the bed and listened to their song play over and over again.
When they left the hotel that afternoon they realized that though they both desperately wanted to make love to each other, what they shared instead was what they both needed at the time.
Later that day when Ted arrived home, Lynn and the kids were not there. He tried to work, but had a difficult time concentrating. He started to regret not making love to Kristie when he had the opportunity.
He was only able to work for brief moments. His mind was on Kristie. He wanted to call her but decided not to. Instead he called his best friend Paul, who lived in Los Angeles. He needed someone to talk to. He and Paul became friends nearly twelve years before and spoke regularly.
He had not told anyone about his reunion with his college sweetheart. It had gro
wn very difficult not having anyone to talk to about it. He knew Paul wouldn’t say anything to anyone.
“Hey man, what’s going on? How’s business?” asked Ted.
Paul was obviously happy to hear from him, “Nothing, man. I haven’t spoken to you in a while. Business is great. I have no complaints. How are Lynn and the kids doing?”
“They’re doing great. So are you seeing anyone serious yet? The last time I spoke to you, you were in love with Camille. Are the two of you still involved?” he asked.
“Let me just say that we’re still in each other’s lives. She is still engaged to someone else. We still talk every day and she knows how I feel about her. I must admit, Ted, it’s hard being in love with someone who belongs to someone else.
“I still believe that we will be together. I’m sure he’s still cheating on her and one day she’ll wake up and leave his dumb ass. But that is another story,” said Paul.
“Well, if you’re happy with that situation then so am I. Listen—I need to talk to you about something very important. You’re the only person I can trust with this so don’t say anything to anybody,” Ted lowered his voice instinctively.
“All right, I hear you. What’s going on? Is everything okay?” asked Paul, sounding worried.
“Yeah everything is okay,” Ted took a deep breath before continuing, “But I think I’m going to cheat on Lynn.”
“What? I can’t believe you’re thinking about cheating. You are the most honest dude I know. This woman must be very special to get you to consider cheating. Who is she and where did you meet?” Paul was stunned.
“Do you remember I told you about a relationship I had a long time ago while in law school? I thought she was my soul mate but we lost touch with each other?” he asked.
“Yeah. I remember you saying something like that a few years ago,” said Paul.
“For the past five months she and I have been talking. It was weird how we ended up reuniting but it has been great. We have actually seen each other and it was just like old times. Kristie is as beautiful as ever—inside and out.
“I just can’t get her out of mind. I had to talk to you about it,” said Ted, smiling at the memory of his afternoon with Kristie.
“Wow man; I’m glad the two of you are talking but do you think it’s a good idea to see each other? What about Lynn and the kids? I hope you’re not thinking about walking out on them,” warned Paul, obviously concerned.
“I’m not going to leave my family. Besides, she’s married with two children of her own. But seeing her and being with her was wonderful. We both agree that although we have come to realize that we still love each other, it wouldn’t be right to walk out on our families.
“But she is in my every thought. I’m trying not to think about her so much but it’s difficult. I feel like a new man since she has come back into my life. I feel so happy. Sometimes I think I’m a little too happy.
“One day Lynn asked me what was going on because I was acting giddy. I lied and told her that a case I’m working on is finally coming together.
“Kristie and I met at the hotel today so we could talk in private. I wanted to make love to her so badly. But I promised her I would behave. It was very difficult but we managed not to do anything. I know it’s going to happen one day,” Ted explained confidently.
“Hey man, all I can say is be careful. Wives have some kind of radar. They can detect when things are not right or when we act differently,” cautioned Paul.
“I’m not worried about that. I’m afraid that I may really fall for Kristie again. It is hard to explain. Everything inside of me is telling me to stop before things get out of control but my heart isn’t letting me,” he said.
“You don’t have to explain to me. Remember I’m in love with a woman who is engaged to another man. All I can say is whatever reason the two of you have been brought back together, you need to keep in mind that it is not just about the two of you but your families also.
“If you and Kristie are meant to be together it will happen but in a respectful way. Of course life is short and it’s not often you get a second chance to be with your true love,” replied Paul.
“I know, but in the meantime I want to have a relationship with her now. We both agreed to be platonic friends but I know it’s going to be difficult for the both of us. Right now I am simply glad to have her back,” he said, taking a deep breath.
“As I said before, just be careful,” warned Paul.
“Ted honey, can you help us with the groceries?” yelled Lynn from the kitchen.
“All right man, I need to go. Lynn and the kids are here. I’ll talk to you later,” said Ted as he headed into the kitchen.
After hanging up with Paul, Ted went into the kitchen to help Lynn with the groceries.
“Hey dear, how was your day?” asked Lynn as she put away the groceries.
Lynn was 5’3 and 125 lbs. Her shoulder-length dark black hair was pinned up as usual. Her olive skin looked a little pale. She wore a flower print blouse and a pair of dress pants that hid her shapely physique. She had on a pair of comfortable dress shoes that matched her outfit perfectly.
“It was good. I was able to get some work done. How was your day? I see you and the kids bought everything in the store.” he teased her.
“My day was pretty good. I got my hair done today as I do every Saturday and you can see I went to the store,” she said while laughing.
“Your hair looks nice. Do you want to do something tonight?” asked Ted.
“Maybe, I’ll let you know,” she said as she continued to put away the food.
“I’ll tell you what—instead of cooking let’s get a sitter for the kids and go out to dinner and then see a movie. It’s been a long time since we’ve gone out without the children. What do you say?
“If you don’t want to go to a movie then maybe we can go to dinner and then dancing. Whatever you want,” he asked, putting his arms around her waist.
“I don’t know, Ted. I’m really not in the mood for all of that. I had planned on having a quiet dinner at home and then reading this book I started last week. Besides, I have a lot to do tomorrow and I need to get up early. Maybe another time, okay? Are you mad?” she asked.
“I am not mad but a little disappointed. It’s just that every time I suggest we do something together, you would rather do something by yourself. I just want to spend some time with my wife,” he said sadly.
“I promise I’ll make it up to you,” she smiled brightly as she started cooking dinner.
Ted walked out of the kitchen disappointed. He was really getting tired of being turned down by Lynn. If this had been the only time she didn’t want to go out he would understand, but over the previous two years she had not been in the mood for anything other than staying home and taking care of the children. Of course, she faithfully did her own thing on Sunday for the past several years.
Although he enjoyed being home sometimes he also liked going out and having fun. It had been a long time since the two of them had fun together. Every year they took a family trip with the children, but it had been a long time since they went on a vacation alone. They used to talk about how happy they would be once the children were older so they could travel more as husband and wife. Now that the kids were all practically teenagers, he was hoping that they would be able to spend more time alone.
Whenever he brought this matter up to Lynn she would agree with him but nothing would change. He was also a little frustrated with their sex life. She never wanted to have sex as often as she used to. About three years before, he started having difficulty getting an erection. His doctor told him it was due to stress and encouraged him to cut back on some of his work hours and change his diet. He tried pleasing her in other ways but she never wanted to try anything different. After following his doctor’s advice his problem resolved itself.
He started getting erections and wanted to have sex with her every day. Whenever he attempted to get her aroused, she woul
d gently turn him down or say she was too tired. After a while he stopped trying.
Unbeknownst to him, Lynn had some secrets of her own. About eight years before she had met another man while she was at the gym taking her yoga class. At first they were just friends but a year into their friendship they became lovers.
During the time when they met, Ted was barely home. In her eyes he was married to his work. He worked nearly twelve hours a day, Monday through Friday and sometimes Saturdays. He did not have time for her or the children.
She had become bored and lonely. When she tried talking to him about it, he would promise that things would improve but they never did. There was always a big case to work on.
She had planned on leaving him to be with her lover but he was also married. When they initially met she did not know he was married because he never wore a wedding band. By the time she found out it was too late. She had already fallen in love.
She and her lover met just about every Sunday. As their relationship grew he wanted to see more of her throughout the week. They would get together almost daily while her children were in school. Ted had no clue she was cheating on him.
Frustrated that Lynn didn’t want to go out, Ted went into his den to try and work on his case although it was obvious he was not in the mood. Unable to concentrate, he texted Kristie to see what she was doing. When she did not respond to his text after twenty minutes he figured she was probably busy with her family.
After thirty minutes, she texted him back telling him that Donald had taken the children to a movie and Ted should call her. He was very excited.
“Hey beautiful, what are you up to tonight?” he asked.
“Nothing really as I said in my text, Donald and the children just left to go to a movie. I wanted to enjoy the rest of my day so I told them to go without me. I’m surprised you’re home. I thought maybe you and Lynn would have gone out,” she said.
“I did want to go out but she wasn’t in the mood. I had hoped to go out to dinner and maybe dancing. But that’s okay, at least I get a chance to talk to you,” he said happily.
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