Chapter 1: Introduction
The sun hung low and livened up anyone with the misfortune of being directly underneath it. Blistering heat dominated and chased the longingly cool air of autumn away, but I still had the warmth of anticipation snuggled up within me.
I felt Fred take my hand, the sun bleeding into our hands, making them look sun-kissed, even on his brown skin, it looked vibrant and velvety. His hand held the charm of familiarity, of comfort.
Of home. I glanced up at Fred, his brown eyes smiling at me, his dimples deepening as he looked at our intertwined hands. My heart swelled up, feeling a sense of appreciation for this sweet, gentle man.
"I love you," I mouthed silently, under the noisy symphony of sizzling barbecue, children's laughter and lively conversations.
Fred's eyes twinkled, as if he heard my silent declaration of love.
"I love you too," he whispered back, voice so low and intimate I felt those words only meant for me; not for the crowd around us.
We turned the corner to our neighbor's house just as their three kids raced by us, headed straight for the now empty swing set. Our black Lab-mix, Leila, followed suit, barking excitedly near a group of people, catching the attention of a distinguished gentleman - Om.
"Hey there!" Om greeted. "Fred! Tiffany! Looking good, as always.
Having the perfect tan, a flat stomach perfectly exposed by a well-crafted, ink-black V-neck, and eyes a dark shade of brown, so deep I couldn't help but lose myself in them. Charm and wit floated around him like a cloud, as he was never short of anything to say.
“Hey Om! Great party as always,” Fred commented, not commenting on him looking scorching hot like summer's last stand.
I couldn't help but feel a little tingle of warmth rising up in me—and it wasn't just from the sun beating down on us.
“Here, let me get you a drink,” Om offered, as friendly as ever as he walked us over to the picnic table laden with refreshing drinks. He handed me a fruity beverage with a pineapple wedge and cherry on top, and to Fred a light beer in a frosty mug.
I took a sip, the cocktail's fullness and tartness consuming my taste buds nothing short of sensational.
"So, Tiff, I've got a few XXX-rated videos I'd love for you and Fred to see," Om flirtatiously joked as we sat at the picnic table with a few other neighbors. "NSFW, I promise."
Fred blushed furiously, while I tried to act as if I wasn't intrigued by the idea.
"Om, you're too much," I scolded, hiding my grin. "What kind of pervert watches porn with his neighbors?"
I slapped his arm playfully, but his grin told me he knew I was holding back a laugh.
"The fun kind," Om replied unabashedly. "I swear, I have the best taste. You know I do. I only send the best ones, even hand-picked them just for you."
He winked at me, and I couldn't help but giggle.
I leaned into Fred, trying to hide my blush and fight off the jolt of excitement I felt. Fred's arm wrapped around me, cuddling me close. I felt safe and secure in his arms, yet I couldn't help but feel a guilty thrill at Om's offer.
As the night wore on, I found myself sneaking peeks at Om every now and then. He'd catch my gaze, and we'd share a knowing smile.
It was a strange connection, one that made my heart race every time. I couldn't explain this magnetic pull I felt towards him, and it only seemed to grow stronger as the night went on.
I glanced at Fred, deep in a conversation with our neighbor, Joe. A sense of guilt washed over me as I watched him. He was so good to me, caring, loyal, yet I couldn't help the feelings that Om ignited within me. I was torn between the obligation I felt towards Fred and this new, exciting desire that Om had awakened.