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“But we have to warn you,” Emma added. “If you decide to meet other couples after this, just know there are a lot of crazies out there. Pete and I are extremely particular about who we let into our fold and how we approach this. We don’t do bargain-basement sex for the cheap thrills. We’re extremely invested in the people we choose. It has to mean something, or why else do it?”
Caroline leaned forward, a little alarmed. “Piper and Michael told us that no emotional ties are allowed. Isn’t that a steadfast rule?”
“Yes, that’s true up to a point,” Emma agreed. “But it’s a little more complicated than that. You aren’t allowed to fall for someone else, or come into this searching for an emotional co
“That’s kind of an oxymoron, isn’t it?” Jace countered. “Happily married couples in healthy relationships don’t usually search for this—because they’re happily married and content. That’s one of the reasons we’re having so much trouble wrapping our brains around the concept. If we are happy, then why are we here?”
“Honestly,” Pete said, “that’s the sole reason you’re here, in my opinion. You guys want something extra, something exciting in your life, but it’s a supplement to your relationship, not a defining piece. We all like sex. We’re animals. It gives us pleasure. You guys are smart enough to know the difference between pleasure and love. And I’m telling you”—he leaned over the bruschetta, and both Caroline and Jace automatically inclined their heads—“because of that, it’s mind-blowing sex. The kind you can’t get anywhere else. It’s like you’re breaking a rule, but you’re not. It’s very hot.”
“We also provide a completely safe, nurturing environment,” Emma said. “We try to cover all the bases to make it as good as it can be. If you choose to enter into this lifestyle with us, you’ll need to get checked out.” She whispered the last bit. “It’s a must.”
“As in medical tests?” Caroline asked, her voice barely audible. She tried not to sound too horrified. Going to her doctor and asking for a test for STDs would be unacceptable. She cringed just thinking about her ob-gyn knowing anything about her sex life.
“Yes, but we use this great anonymous clinic.” She smiled. “They don’t require background information, and you pay in cash. It mostly caters to college students, but we get checked there every time we meet someone new, and require it of everyone else. We don’t take risks and we don’t use condoms. You also have to be on some kind of birth control.”
Caroline’s hand shook as she reached for her gin and tonic. This conversation just became too real.
She didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, but as she raised her glass, she realized her drink was empty. Jace immediately put his hand up to signal the waiter. Thank goodness her husband was in tune with her. She refrained from slumping against his shoulder, but just barely.
Jace ordered them two more drinks, and the Slaters ordered another round as well.
Caroline set her empty glass down and finally found her voice. “We totally understand your caution. Of course we’d…get checked out if we…or when we…decide to…” She stammered. She hoped like crazy she and Jace weren’t required to give them a yes or no by the end of the evening. That would be horrifying. This wasn’t like deciding to buy a pair of jeans or even to purchase a home. If she and Jace decided no, then she wanted to forget this meet ever happened.
Jace covered her hand with his, taking the baton for her. “We will follow all of your rules if we decide to give it a try,” he said. “And, I can promise you, we aren’t looking for an emotional co
Pete leaned over again. “I can tell you right now, this is the right move for you.”
* * *
When Emma mentioned medical tests, Jace thought Caroline was going to pass out or simply melt under the table. The conversation went from being a vague idea to something rooted in the real world very quickly. He had to find a way to slow down the conversation or he was going to have to escort his wife out of the restaurant before she collapsed.
But he was intrigued by Pete’s confidence.
The guy seemed unwavering and utterly sure about himself and his choices. The waiter set down a round of new drinks. After he left, Jace leaned over and said, “So why are you so sure this is the right move for us? Can you see into the future?” Jace smiled at the guy to show him he was comfortable with the conversation, but kept a no-nonsense look on his face.
“No, but I have a huge…use your imagination.” Pete chuckled as he picked up his drink. “And I know how to use it.” He took a sip of his beer. When Jace didn’t bite, Pete changed his tune. “Listen, I’m pretty sure I can sum you guys up. Tell me if I’m wrong. You’re college sweethearts. It was love at first sight. Your wife was timid about sex for years until you took the time to nurture that side of her.” He gri
Jace couldn’t believe how close the guy actually was.
He glanced over at his wife. Caroline seemed a little stu
Caroline politely cleared her throat, going for her drink before she answered, and took a long swallow. His wife was heading for quite a hangover tomorrow. She kept the glass in her hand as she asked, “What do you mean by taking it very slow? How slow?”
Pete answered by sliding his arm around his wife’s shoulders, his hand teasing her shirt, one finger dipping under the flimsy material. Being very discreet, and his voice not above a whisper, Pete said, “We’re assuming you like to watch. So that’s where we’d start. We are very…expressive with each other, and we love sex. So the mood would be very enjoyable…but not something you had to participate in if you didn’t want to.” As he said it, a single finger floated farther under his wife’s blouse. Jace noticed for the first time that she wore a very loose, almost see-through, black gauzy shirt.