Married Man's Temptation

[will68]

I got back to the office, both angry and frustrated.

I couldn't get her out of my mind. She was beautiful, no doubt, and it seems as if she is interested in me.

My thoughts strayed to Jill. My wife of 5 years, bitter about her incurable illness and full of self pity. She seemed to delight in making my life miserable but I was very conscious of "in sickness and in health" so I knew I had to reject Ashley's advances.

Hank came into my office and handed me an envelope. It was an invitation to a party at a board member's house. It included Jill in the invitation and had a RSVP address.

I reluctantly made out a small note of acceptance for me (no chance of avoiding a company party at the board member's house!) and offered Jill's apology, just stating unfortunately she was unable to attend.

I knew Ashley was well connected in the firm and no doubt she would be there. I guess I'll just have to keep saying no.

 

[Tammi]

I was busy the next couple days finalizing the menu with the caterers, making sure I had a bartender and several people to serve the drinks.

I stopped by and saw Hank on Friday to pick up the RSVP’s for my party and quickly went through them to see if John had replied. I was not surprised, but very excited to see that he had. I was very much looking forward to seeing him.

On Saturday, the caterers arrived setting up the buffet and the bartender and other workers were going over everything. After showering, I dressed special for the occasion, knowing John was going to be there. I wore a strapless deep purple dress, that came down not quite to my knees and had on matching panties as well as heels. I put on a gold necklace, earrings and bracelet and left my hair hanging down, instead of having it done up for the occasion.

I had invited 15 people from the company, letting them bring a spouse or date. All of which other than John had been to many parties I had thrown and also were involved with the skiing trips and cruises that I sometimes arranged for all of us too enjoy. I greeted the guests as they arrived, awaiting mostly John’s arrival.

 

[will68]

I arrived at the building where Ashley's appartment was located. Imagine my surprise when I find it is the penthouse on the 24th floor.

I was a little late so when I was admitted by on of the (I assumed) staff hired for the occasion, I looked around and found I knew about half the party and the I guessed the other half were spouses or partners.

The apartment was beautiful. A panorama over the city, showing lights and moving traffic.

But then I spied Ashley. She was wearing a short skirted lilac coloured dress and she had her hair down. She looked absolutely beautiful. Then, as she noticed me, she gave me a welcoming smile that, despite my intentions, made my heart jump.

She approached me with drinks in her hand.........

 

[Tammi]

" Hi John. I'm so glad you changed your mind and decided to come. You look great. "

I handed him a drink and continued talking to him, not giving him a chance to think too much about how I had gotten him here. As I talked, I took him on a tour of my apartment. We were already in the living room where most were gathered standing around the bar, dancing or just talking. The walls were mostly glass so that the view could be well appreciated.

I showed him the kitchen and the dining area where the food was set up on the tables and the balcony that went out from the dining room. I took him a short ways down the hallway showing him the large bathroom and explained that I also had a master bath in my room with a shower for two and a Jacuzzi.

Smiling I pointed down the hallway and told him the two rooms on the left were my work out room and an extra bedroom and my bedroom was on the right. I didn’t take him into those rooms. He quietly looked around as I had been showing him, commenting at several things such as the view, but again I hadn’t given him much time to talk.

When we came back into the living room we ran into Hank and Kathy and we talked briefly. Hank said he was starved and they were going to check out all the food that was on the buffet.

" Why don't the three of you go get something to eat? I have to check on a few things and I will meet up with you shortly. "

I quickly kissed John on the cheek and whispered to him before I left for the kitchen.

" Thank you for coming John. "

 

[will68]

Of course I knew Hank but this was the first time I had met his wife. She seemed charming and was able to put me at my ease.

"Tell me the background here." I asked them both.

Hank replied, "Ashley was just out of her teens when her parents were killed in an accident. Her father was the priciple shareholder and chairman of our board. Ashley has inherited the shareholding but is content just to sit on the board and leave the day to day running of the company to the executive directors. But, make no mistake, she is smart and is not afraid to put her ideas forward at board meetings."

Kathy chimed in, "And she keeps her femininity up front too. She is abeatiful girl and has a lovely nature to go with it."

I pondered this. Were Hank & Kathy primed up?

Then Kathy asked about my wife. "Why is she not here?"

I thought for a while before answering. I guess the true circumstances have to come out eventually.

"The reason I needed this job in the city was so that Jill could get treatment for her illness. It is very debilitating for her and she is virtually bedridden." I watch their faces as I told them of the situation and was gratified by the compassion they showed.

"How about inviting Hank and me to meet her. There must be something we could do to ease her situation, even if it is only fresh company," said Kathy.

"I'll ask her," I replied. "She is pretty depressed and does not always welcome company. But I hope she'll agree to meet you."

They left and I circulated around the party meeting workmates and their partners.

 

[Tammi]

Later during the evening, I watched with growing interest as John mingled with his co-workers. I caught him now and then looking in my direction and our eyes would meet. His eyes seemed to be filled with a mixture of need, confusion and sadness all at the same time and I wondered what was behind those looks. It was almost the same look I sometimes saw in my eyes when I looked in the mirror.

It wasn’t long before Hank and his wife came up to me and told me they were leaving as their babysitter could not stay late. We talked for a few minutes and I was surprised and happy to learn that John had asked about me. When I learned more about his situation at home, I felt extremely sad for him and could understand why he wanted to keep his distance from me.

The music started playing a slow song that I really liked so I went up to John and asked him to dance. I took his hand not giving him a chance to decline. It felt so good to be dancing in this mans arms and although I knew now of his situation, I still found it hard not to want him. As we danced I spoke softly, letting him know that I knew about his wife being so ill.

" John, I truly am sorry and as you can see, I am very well off. If there is anything that I can do to help her, such as doctors, specialists, whatever she may need, please do not hesitate to ask me. I won't tell you that I am sorry for kissing you though, because that would be lying. "

 

[will68]

This was as close to a dream as I dared imagine. Ashley floating in my arms as she danced.

I was taken aback when she told me that Hank had told her about Jill. I was touched by her offer and thought deeply before answering.

"Thank you Ashley, that's very kind of you," I replied. "One of the problems is that Jill won't meet anyone or see anyone but the doctor she goes to. She has even told the doctor he is not to discuss her illness with anyone, including me."

As the dance finished I thanked her again and told her it was time to go.

"I have to tell you, Ashley, that I wasn't sorry you kissed me either. In any other circumstances...well....you know!

I said my goodbyes and left for home. The apartment was in darkness except for Jill's bedroom and as I went to my room I could hear voices. I opened her door and was absolutely shocked. There, in bed together was Jill and her doctor. There was no sign of illness either!

They were engrossed with each other and I closed the door again and went to my room. My thoughts were ranging from outrage to murder.

I decided that I had better think this all over so I retired and dropped into a very fitful sleep.

Next morning I confronted Jill. She was unapologetic and aggressive.

"You just don't know how contemptible you are," she cried. "Mr Goody-Goody."

I didn't know what to answer and then I asked, "How long has this been going on?"

"Years!" she replied. "There is no better way to stop you bothering me than for me to pretend I'm ill. And it's no problem to seduce doctors into backing up my story. So, what are you going to do about it?"

I had no answer. I just slunk away to get ready for work. I left without another word.

 

[Tammi]

I couldn’t help but be just a little suspicious about John’s wife. It seemed very odd to me that he wasn’t even allowed to talk to the doctor about his wife’s illness. But, it really was none of my business unless John wanted to talk to me about it.

I waited a few mornings and finally decided to pick up two cappuccino’s and hope that John had decided to ride that morning. I wasn’t sure what I was hoping for, but since I couldn’t get him off my mind, I didn’t see the harm in talking to him in the park. This time I put on a pair of blue jeans, red t-shirt, and tied my hair back with a red bandana. I was hoping by dressing this way, he might not feel so threatened by my being there.

I arrived like I had not that long ago and sat down on the bench. The sun had just been up for a short time and it was very peaceful listening to the birds and watching someone walk by on occasion. I kept looking around, and was almost about to give up, when I saw John on his bike not far off. Watching him ride, I had a sense that something was wrong, but when he started to ride by me without even looking, I knew something was wrong.

" Cappuccino for two! Any takers? " I asked loud enough to startle him. He looked at me and I smiled, and was taken back by the look in his eyes. It was almost as if he were looking at me for the first time.

 

[will68]

I jammed on the brakes and skidded to a halt.

I was really pleased to see Ashley and it probably showed on my face.

"Thank you," I said. "Capuccino is fine but I wish it was something stronger!"

Askley raised an eyebrow in query.

"Look," I said. "I don't want to burden you with my troubles. Let's just say I had a great time at your party last night but later the night turned sour."

I felt my anger diminishing as I remembered and relived the sensation of Ashley in my arms as we danced.

But I didn't think I was going to avoid questioning as she showed me with her look that she didn't accept me changing the subject.

 

[Tammi]

" John, come sit down and talk to me. I can tell something is wrong, talk to me. "

I waited for him to sit down and then I handed him the cappuccino. I smiled at him and then handed him the cappuccino. I looked him directly in the eyes and spoke sincerely to him.

" You look like you could use a friend. Why don't you tell me what's going on. I may not be able to help, but I can listen. "

 

[will68]

I looked at Ashley over the rim of my coffee cup.

"I don't know how to even start telling you," I said.

I went on to explain how my marriage to Jill came about. How she had pretended to be pegnat so I made arrangements to do the "honourable thing." How, just 10 days before the wedding she had had a miscarriage. When she asked me did I want to back out I felt cornered and said no.

I went on, "After our honeymoon things changed. She complained that having sex was hurting her. She didn't want to do gousework...she was too ill. Then she came back from the doctor one day and announced that she had cancer of the cervix and that it was inoperable. All the reult of that miscarriage, she told me. She said that she probably only had a couple of years at best."

"Naturally I was shocked at this news, but the sickness and in health promise was important to me and I became her virtual slave. It has been like this until last night. When I got home and found her in bed with her doctor I went crazy. I was going to beat the shit out of both of them. Luckily my good sense prevailed and they confessed all."

"It seems the doctor had been having an affair with Jill even prior to our marriage. He was the on who cooked up the pregnancy and miscarriage story. He also cooked up the cancer story."

"They were telling me all this and sneering at my stupidity. I stormed out and started to ride my bike. I have been riding since 4.30 am and I have passed her several times hoping you would be here."

 

[Tammi]

" John, I am so sorry you are going through such pain. "

My heart went out to this man as I could tell by the look in his eyes that he was devastated by what had happened in his life and how he had been made a fool of by someone he had cared about so much. Without thinking, I put my arm around him and drew him close to me.

" Let me help you, John. " I whispered and then kissed him softly on the lips.

 

[will68]

Instinctively I drew Ashley in close and held her against me.

"Thank you for your help. You do that just by being here."

I gently kissed her and then let her go.

"I hope to see you soon when this all settles down," I mumured.

I have a hell of a lot of arranging to do. First is to clear that bitch out of my house. She can go to hell or any other place she fancies.

I get home and she is still there and the doctor has gone.

"Start packing," I shouted. "If you're not out of here in 2 hours when I come back I'll throw you personally!"

"Where will I go?" she asked.

"I don't care. You've made a complete jackass of me with your lies. I don't care where you go or who with. I'll be chasing a dfivorce and if you give me one ounce of trouble I'll see that the Medical Board hears about him."

With that off my chest I rang the office to sya I wouldn't be in and set off to the nearby deli to have a solitary breakfast, coffee and a good hard think.

When I got back two hours later The apartment was empty. Anything of hers that I could find I put into a plastic garbage bag and put in the store in the basement.

I moped around for the rest of the day and eventually got to sleep. Next morning I woke refreshed and took stock of my position. It seemed to be OK by me. I had wasted 5 years of my life through a damn fraud but I was free now.

I went to work.

 

[Tammi]

I watched John leave, knowing there was not much I could do to ease his pain until he dealt with the things he needed too. But I also knew I was going to be there when he needed me.

I called and spoke to Hank asking him about John and if he was at work and how things were going. It seemed Hank was not too aware of the situation so I did not persist, but he did tell me that John was at work and seemed to be in a foul mood. I thanked Hank and hung up.

I quickly showered, putting on a white sun dress and went down to John's office.

" Quiting time! You need a break! " I said smiling as I walked into his office and took hold of his hand, pulling him up from the piles of paper work he was starring at.

 

[will68]

I allowed Ashley to drag me out of the office.
"Where to?" I asked.
"Where we can talk," she replied.
"OK," I said, being willing just to get away for a while.

We found a coffee shop and ordered.

"Ashley," I said, "Thank you for getting me out of that office. I then told her all that had happened that day.

She listened intently and then asked what I was going to do.

"Get on with life and become a single man again as soon as I can," I smiled.

 

[Tammi]

" I am sorry that your marriage didn't work out like you had hoped, John. It sounds like you have gone through alot. Being single again could also prove hard though too! "

I then reached over and touched his hand with mine and looked deep into his eyes.

" But I would very much like to help you enjoy being single. That is if you let me. "

 

[will68]

I was silent for a while, my head spinning.
Help me to enjoy being single? I had nearly forgotten how my younger days were.
No more constant nagging.
No more recriminations and suspicions.
No more demands on my time.

"Thank you, Ashley," I replied. "I really appreciate your friendship."

I looked at her, perhaps seeing her for the first time. Attractive, with a small frown of concern on her face.

"Yes," I said, "I really do appreciate your kindness."

 

[Tammi]

I watched him silently for a few minutes and could see that he was having a very difficult time dealing with things. I understood all too well how that could be, especially the emptiness as well as loneliness that accompanied a loss such as his.

" John how would you like to come over to my house for dinner tonight? I have a grill on my balcony, I could pick up some steaks and make a salad. I have all sorts of wine we can choose from. Just a quiet dinner and talking, no other pressures. What do you say? "

 

[will68]

I nodded acceptance.

The last thing I wanted to do tonight was return to my now (I hope) empty apartment.

What I'll do is get a room in a hotel and stay there after dinner.
I'll look at removing all traces of Jill tomorrow.

"That sounds nice, Ashley. I'll be there about 6?"

 

[Tammi]

" Great! Six will be fine. " I smiled and after we finished our coffee I dropped him back off at his office letting him know how much I was looking forward to dinner later.

The rest of the day I spent doing some shopping and getting things ready at home for our dinner. I thought about John throughout the day, although sorry that he was having a hard time, I couldn’t help feeling happy about the change considering my interest in him.

I set the dining room table, putting fresh flowers that I had bought in the center of the table and also lit the strawberry scented candles on the table. I also lit other strawberry scented candles around and hoped he liked the strawberry scent.

After making sure all was ready, I hopped in the shower. I took a long hot shower, trying to relax. The anticipation of John coming over for dinner had made me more excited than I realized. I looked through my clothes, and remembering that I told him no pressures, I put on a short sleeved white dress with a neckline not too low cut and the dress was floor length but casual looking. I kept my hair down and didn’t bother with shoes or jewelry. After spraying lightly with some perfume, I heard the doorbell ring.

My heart immediately raced which surprised me. I hadn’t felt this way in a long time about someone. I quickly went to the door, took a deep breath, and opened. It.

" Hi John. Come in. " I smiled.

 

[will68]

John is confused!

He is as mad as hell about his wife and the doctor and here is this beautiful and charming girl offering what?
Solace?
Just a shoulder to cry on?
Or what?
He entered and as Ashley poured him a drink and pointed him to chair he sat down carefully, knees glued together and looked anywhere but into her eyes.
"I wonder if this is the right thing to be doing," He said quietly.

 

[Tammi]

“ Relax John. You’ve been through a lot recently. Let’s just enjoy a nice evening, dinner and being with each other. I don’t think there is anything wrong in that. “

I sat down on the couch opposite him, curling my feet up and underneath my dress and took a sip of my wine. I smiled softly looking at him and I could sense his confusion about being here with me, not knowing exactly what to do or even what he wanted to do.

“ If you want to talk to me about anything, you can John. But if you would rather not that is okay too. It might help you to feel more comfortable if you took off your jacket. Maybe after we finish our wine, you could help me with cooking the steaks on the grill. “

I watched him, and still could tell he was very unsure of the words I spoke and what to do.

“ All I’m offering you right now John, is a chance to not think about anything you don’t want to tonight and enjoy being here. But that is entirely up to you. I can’t get rid of your problems or make them better. “

 

[Guest]

John stood up and took off his jacket.
"You're absolutely right, Ashley!" he replied. "I'm here to put the shit out of my mind. And, believe me, with you that's not difficult to do."
He finished his wine and wnet out on to the balcony.
"Do you want me to light the grill?" he called.

 

[Tammi]

I stood up, laughing softly, and followed John out to the balcony.

“ Yes, you can start the grill, but I still don’t think you’re comfortable enough. “

I reached up and unbuttoned the first few buttons of his shirt looking at him as I did so.

“ I think that should help, maybe make you feel more at ease here. “ I smiled and lightly ran my finger under his neck and down his chest a ways. Still looking at him, I winked, before turning to go back in the house.

“ I’ll go pour us another glass of wine and bring out the steaks. “

 

[will68]

As Ashley went inside to pour drinks and fetch the steak John could hardly stop his hand shaking as he held a match to the grill.

"This can't be happening," he thought to himself. "I wonder if this is meant to happen? All that shit for 5 years I've put up with, and now a glimmer of what could be!"

John saw Ashley returning. She had a smile on her face that could mean anything.

"How should I handle this?" he asked himself.