Simply Complicated (33 page)

“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 would 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.

“I can’t remember the last time I went dancing. Donald doesn’t like to dance or go to jazz clubs. He would rather go to a basketball game with his friends or a movie. Remember how we would go dancing almost every Friday night? We had so much fun together. Now look at us. When did we turn into our parents?” she said jokingly.

“I know. Lynn used to like dancing but she doesn’t care for it as much anymore. She would rather stay at home and curl up with a book,” he explained, trying not to sound too disappointed.

“What’s the matter with you? You sound differently than you did earlier today,” she said out of concern.

“I’m okay. I was just hoping to go out tonight with my wife. I was in the mood for some music and dancing but I’ll be fine.”

“Don’t be disappointed. You’ve been married long enough to know that sometimes what you want and what your spouse wants are not always the same. What’s she doing now?” asked Kristie.

“She’s cooking dinner although I offered to take her out,” he replied.

“Why don’t you go and help her cook? That way the two of you are spending time together. I know it’s not the same as going dancing but at least you’ll be doing something together,” she said, trying to be helpful.

He teased, “Are you trying to get me off of the telephone?”

“No, silly. I’m just trying to be helpful. This is what friends do—they help each other,” she said.

“I know, I was just kidding. I’m not in the mood for cooking but I will give it a try—thanks. Can I give you a call tomorrow?” he asked.

“Sure you can call, but make sure you text me first. The kids and I will be at church in the morning and then dinner afterwards. I should be free to talk around 5:30 or 6:00 p.m.,” she said.

“Okay dear, I’ll talk to you tomorrow. Good night,” he said.

After talking with Kristie he decided to take her advice and see if Lynn needed help in the kitchen. She had finished cooking dinner but said she could use some help setting the table. He helped her set the table and he and his family sat down to enjoy a meal together.

In the meantime, Kristie decided that she was going to take a long bath while listening to some music. She was glad that Ted trusted her enough to confide in her about his problems. She felt that there was nothing they could not talk about.

She was happy to have her friend back. She was even happier that they didn’t have sex earlier that day although she really wanted to. She felt a little guilty for meeting him at the hotel but was pleased that they were able to hold each other without taking it a step further.

After three hours had passed, Donald and the kids returned from their movie. She had finished her bath and was lying across the bed with nothing on but her robe listening to music when he entered their bedroom.

She was so relaxed with her eyes closed that she didn’t hear him come in. He tiptoed into the shower. After his shower he had planned on going downstairs to see what was on television. When he walked back into the bedroom she was laying on her back masturbating. He immediately became aroused and joined her on the bed. He began touching her body, making her moan and groan with pure ecstasy.

That night she and her husband shared a very sensual time together. She had longed for an intimate night with him and was pleased that he wanted her as much as she needed him.

Ted and Kristie’s relationship remained platonic for nearly three years. Because of their busy schedules and dedication to their families, they had very little time to be together. They would try and meet for lunch whenever they could. They continued to talk and text each other every day. They often flirted and teased each other but nothing ever came of it.

Although they continued to desire each other they decided to put their feelings on hold. They were both satisfied with being back in each other’s lives as friends, knowing deep down they both wanted more.

On a chilly February day, their relationship changed from a platonic friendship to something very different.

“Hey baby, what are your plans for today? Can you leave work a little early? I really need to talk to you,” asked Ted, sounding desperate.

“You’re in luck. I have a half-day of school today. Is everything okay? You sound a little worried,” Kristie asked.

Ted was relieved she could meet, “I’ll tell you when I see you. What time can we get together?”

“I get off at 11:30 a.m. I can meet you anywhere, just tell me where,” she said.

“You can meet me at the suite again if that’s okay? I need to talk to you in private,” he said mysteriously.

“Okay, that’s fine. I should get there around 12:30 p.m. I want to pick up something to eat on my way,” she said.

“Thanks. I’ll see you then,” said Ted.

Kristie was worried the rest of the morning. She hoped he wasn’t sick and was meeting her to say that he was going into the hospital or having surgery or something. She constantly watched the clock. She was barely able to teach her students due to worrying about him.