Mrs. Mandalucci Ch. 02

Author's note: The following is a work of fiction. All characters engaged in sexual activity are over the age of eighteen. This is the second installment in a three-part series. This chapter contains light bondage and mild Femdom. I hope you enjoy reading it!

_________

MRS. MANDALUCCI, CHAPTER TWO

by Eosphorus

I get in place, lining up the football with the goalposts in my mind. Visualizing its path through the uprights. Tuning out thirty thousand anxious fans.

Breathe normal. Focus.

The wind is steady, left to right. Nine to ten miles per hour. Gonna have to take it into account. Fifty yards is tough under these conditions, but I've kicked sixteen in a row to start the season.

Okay. Time to end overtime. Force those motherfuckers on the visitor's sideline to fly home in disgrace.

Adam calls out the count. The snap's good, the placement perfect.

The ball flies towards the goal posts, tracking left. Looking like a wide miss to the untrained eye, the wind pushes it ever rightward. It's gonna be close. Too close.

BONK!

It hits the upright and bounces backwards into the endzone.

The upright. The fucking upright!

The stadium gasps. I walk off in a daze. Sitting on the bench, face buried in my hands.

Deep breath, deep breath. I whisper the Seneca quote, over and over. "Fire is the test of gold; adversity, of strong men."

I lift my head. Whatever happens now is out of my hands.

Their quarterback hands off. Five yard gain. Our D-line is exhausted. All those dirtbags need to do is run it down our throats.

They break the huddle. Their quarterback fakes the hand-off, rolling to his right. We get pressure and he throws towards the sideline.

Interception! Yes!

Our sideline goes ballistic. I can barely breath, my stomach churning.

I do practice kicks, one eye on the field. We get four yards on a first down run. Okay, good start.

Three more on second down but only two on third. Fourth and one from the thirty five. Do we go for it? Coach sends me out.

We huddle up, Adam looks at me. "You got this, dude. On two!"

"Break!"

Everyone gets into place. Adam calls out signals. Another good snap and hold. I get off a clean kick.

I can barely watch the ball as it slowly hooks. It's gonna be another close one.

It makes it inside the goalpost by the length of the football. End of overtime. Thirty thousand people on their feet going nuts.

What a moment. And on my birthday of all days! What're the chances?

__________

A pack of revelers cross my path as I head to my car, backpack slung over my shoulder. Ready to spend the rest of the weekend with Jessica.

"Justin!"

I roll my eyes. Chloe.

What's with her this year? The constant fawning and flirting. After ignoring me all the years we grew up together. Someone finally googled "NFL kicker contracts," didn't they?

"Where are you headed, hero?" Chloe asks.

"I've got a date," I say.

"You're not going to the celebration?" She touches my shoulder, moving closer. "Come on. It's gonna be a great time."

I pull back. "Have fun, Chloe. Gotta go."

"Whoa!" one of Chloe's entourage shouts. "Chloe just got rejected. By the kicker!"

Laughter ensues. Dang it. I wasn't trying to embarrass her. "Look, Chloe. I'm sorry. I can't stand-up my date."

Chloe glares at me and stomps off.

Great. Now Queen Meangirl has me in her crosshairs. One way or another, this is gonna cause me grief.

Whatever. I'm not gonna let Chloe bring me down. Not today of all days. I put her out of my mind as I hop into my car.

I head towards Jessica's, thinking of her smile. Her bright eyes. Her lips. The scent of her arousal.

Jessica, Jessica, Jessica. Why must we remain a secret?

I know why. Her son Dave, for one. My mother, for another. Because of the collective freak out everyone would have just because she's twice my age plus a few years.

I have to tell somebody. There's only one person I can trust to both keep her mouth shut and not judge. It's past time I told her.

Holly picks up on the second ring. It's the third time I've talked to her twice already today but that's typical.

"What's up?" she says. "Read to tell me about your mystery plans tonight?"

I laugh. I was vague earlier when I spoke to her. She knew I wasn't telling her everything. "I might be spending it with someone special."

"I knew it!" Holly says. "You cannot hide anything from me, beloved baby brother. The real question is why didn't you tell me you were seeing someone?"

"It's still kind of casual," I say.

"But she's important enough that she's who you're seeing tonight. Out with it!"

"It's a big one," I say.

"Will I judge you?"

"Tell no one," I say. "Not even William."

"But--"

"No one," I repeat.

"Fine. Let me guess. Another older woman, like that torrid fling of yours with Mrs. Loewenstein."

"Actually..."

"I knew it!" Holly says. "Who's the mystery MILF?"

"Remember Mrs. Mandalucci?" I ask.

"Win! How did this come about?"

I give her the broad outline of how Jessica and I got together.

"You sound conflicted," Holly says. "What's the problem?"

"The keeping it secret thing. Everyone would flip out. You'd be the only one taking it in stride."

"Why do you care?" Holly asks. "Have fun while it lasts."

"If fun is all it is."

Holly sighs "You've caught feelings for her, haven't you?"

"Is that crazy?"

"Maybe," Holly says. "Maybe not. But if you do want it to be more than a tawdry affair and she doesn't, you've got a decision to make."

I nod. "I guess so."

"The best advice I can give you is to ignore it for tonight. You only turn twenty-one once. Put all your worries aside and enjoy yourself."

"You're right," I say.

"Of course I'm right," Holly says. "Do me a favor, though?"

"Anything."

"Don't let her break your heart, okay?" Holly says. "I'd hate to have to beat her ass."

__________

Jessica jumps into my arms the moment I'm in the front door. "Happy birthday, sweetie!"

She withdraws and I get a good look at her. She's amazing in her bright pink sweater and jeans. Her hair is down, framing her bright blue eyes and oversized glasses.

"You've really outdone yourself," I say.

She drapes her hands around the back of my neck. "I still can't get over it. What a win! And what a moment for you, on your birthday!"

"The only thing missing was you."

Jessica smirks. "Come on."

"It's true. If you were in the stands, I'd know what section. That's where I'd be looking."

She rolls her eyes. "You're such a romantic."

She kisses me again. I pull her close. So what about the age gap. Or that she worked with Mom at the hospital. Or even that I grew up with her son. She's the one who does it for me.

I grab her ass cheeks, pulling her towards me. My crotch presses into her midsection.

Jessica pushes me back. "You're going to have to wait."

"What'd you have in mind?"

"I've planned it all out," she says. "The entire evening."

"I like where this is going."

"It starts with your first legal drink," she says. "And I'm buying you dinner. Then a few other surprises."

"Dinner? We're going out?"

She nods. "I booked us a room at a country inn an hour away. Far enough from here so we can be out together while remaining safely anonymous."

I smile. "Is that so?"

"It is. So you're just going to have to cool your jets until later."

We kiss, tongues twirling and sliding around each other.

"You sure we can't get started now?" I ask.

"Not till later. Take that horniness and put it aside for now. Let it build up. You'll survive."

__________

The inn is four stories of brick. Some kind of industrial mill, once upon a time, perched on the edge of a river. A restaurant and bar are on the first floor, rooms above. The walls of the restaurant are bare brick, thick wooden beams overhead with massive metal brackets. There's a bar with a row of televisions playing college football.

The hostess sits us at a small table in the corner near the huge fireplace. We glance around, smiling.

"Look at us," Jessica says. "Out in public."

"I like it."

The waitress is a pretty fiftyish lady named Donna. She asks what we'd like to drink.

"Big moment," Jessica says. "First legal drink. What'll it be?"

"I feel like I should order something grownup and sophisticated like a martini," I say. "But I feel like beer."

Jessica orders two IPAs from the beer menu and Donna asks for my ID. She glances at it and smiles, handing it back. "Happy birthday! That's so sweet, having dinner with your mom."

Donna leaves. Jessica smirks. "Should I have corrected her?"

"No."

"I think we should hold hands," Jessica says. "Freak her out a little."

"I like this side of you."

We hold hands at the center of the table and study the menu.

Donna returns with our beers, Jessica and I nonchalant. She puts the beers down, a confused look changing into a knowing smirk. "I'll give you two a few minutes."

We share a chuckle after she leaves.

"I think she figured things out real quick," Jessica says.

"I didn't expect this aspect of your personality."

She picks up her beer. "I've a naughty side. What can I say? Now for the big event."

We clink our glasses and drink.

Donna returns to take our order, smiling at Jessica the whole time.

"This feels so grown-up," I say after. "Out in public, having a beer. A beautiful woman across the table. I'm lucky."

She squeezes my hand. "I'm the lucky one. Taking my hot young lover out to dinner. All the ladies in here are jealous."

"Sure they are."

"You seriously didn't notice Donna checking you out?" Jessica says. "I half-expected her to high-five me. Those two blondes over there also can't take their eyes off you."

I glance that way. Two gorgeous ladies in their late forties are at the bar. Definite MILFs.

"They were checking me out?" I ask.

"Absolutely. And they don't even know that this afternoon you had tens of thousands of people on their feet cheering."

"I'd no idea."

"That's part of why you're so damned adorable," Jessica says. "I really want to kiss you right now."

"Go ahead."

We share a short but earnest kiss on the lips. I glance around. Did anyone notice us?

We talk. I tell her about the game and the mayhem afterwards. All about my run-in with Chloe, too.

Jessica frowns. "Don't turn your back on that one."

Our appetizer arrives. We sample it, smiling at each other and sipping our beer. Like any couple.

"I've earned this," she says. "I've been eating healthy all week. Between that and hitting the gym every morning, I've lost three pounds this month."

"You don't have to do that for me."

She nods. "You're right. That's why I'm doing it for me. But I do have you to thank. I'd gotten in a rut, but you've shaken me out of it."

"That makes me happy."

We share a smile. The games on the TVs have started to end. The highlights start.

"Maybe we'll see your kick," Jessica says.

"I hope I'm not recognized."

"You don't like the spotlight?" Jessica says.

"It was an amazing moment today," I say. "But all success is fleeting."

She smiles. "Ah, yes. Your Stoics again."

"They speak to me. I'm taking Dr. Cleary's class on them next semester."

Jessica's eyebrows go up in a teasing manner. "The lovely Dr. Cleary. Of course."

Our entrees arrive. Shrimp and grits for me, Mexican shepherd's pie for Jessica. Donna brings us a second round of beers, too.

"Can I confess something?" Jessica asks.

"Anything."

"I googled Dr. Cleary the other night," Jessica says. "I was curious about my rival for your admiration. I understand what you see in her. She's gorgeous."

"I'm not the only one. Adam never shuts up about her."

"I wonder if she has the slightest idea," Jessica says. "All you college guys lusting after her. How could she miss it?"

"You did."

Jessica starts to take a bite of her meal and stops. "What's that mean?"

"You didn't notice my crush on you. You were the neighborhood hot mom. Guys used to talk about it all the time when Dave wasn't in the room."

She looks shocked. "They did?"

"See what I mean?" I say. "No idea whatsoever. Not sure how."

"I think I'm cute," she says. "I take care of myself, sure, but I'm not that hot."

"You really don't have a clue."

We eat, conversation turning back towards the game and its assorted twists and turns. Around us, some diners finish up and leave. Others arrive.

None of it matters. Jessica looks deep into my eyes, holding my gaze. Under the table, she moves her hand onto my knee. Sliding up my thigh. The background din fades. The song playing on the sound system is all I hear. It's vaguely familiar.

Jessica sings under her breath along with it.

"Mirror in the sky, what is love?"

There's a question!

Jessica's hand moves up my leg further. I stare at her. She notices my fascination, singing the lyrics quietly. She knows them by heart, as if she's sung them a hundred times before. I'm drawn in, hanging on her words.

"And if you see my reflection in the snow covered hills," Jess sings softly to me. "Well the landslide will bring it down."

Donna arrives with dessert. Cannoli with habanero-infused cream. Spell broken.

Jessica takes a bite. "That's good. The sweetness and the pain, side by side. Gotta love it, amiright?"

Gotta love you.

Jess's face lights up. "Your highlights are starting!"

I turn to the middle screen above the bar and watch the key moments. Down by ten after the first quarter. My first field goal tying it up at the end of the half. Converting fourth and goal to force overtime.

"What a classic," Jessica says.

ESPN shows it all. My miss, the interception, and the second try. Me pumping my fist in the air afterward. I don't remember doing that. It's surreal.

Jessica and I finish our dessert, her hand atop mine the whole time.

"Thanks for dinner," I say.

"My pleasure."

Jessica pays for dinner and we leave. We step into the tiny elevator off the lobby. The doors close, Jessica pouncing. She's all over me, pushing me against the wall and kissing me hard. Grabbing my crotch.

The elevator stops on the third floor. Jessica backs off, a satisfied smile on her face. We head down the hall. Jessica takes the key card out of her purse and pauses. She kisses me then opens the door.

I follow her inside. "What was that for?"

"I like kissing you in different locations," she says.

I step closer to her. "How's this one?"

Another hot kiss, mostly tongue. We eventually come up for air.

"You'd better pee," she says. "You won't have another chance for a while."

I smile, intrigued. What's she planning?

"Go on," she says.

I use the bathroom. Jessica is waiting for me afterwards, arm folded "Tell me what you'd most like right now."

"You know."

"Nope, Complete honesty. No evasion. We've made love a dozen times. What's been your favorite?"

I avoid her gaze. "It's all been good."

Jessica stares into my eyes with an intensity I haven't seen from her before. She taps my chest, punctuating her words, her tone serious. "No more bullshit. We both know the answer. What have you enjoyed the most?"

A happy shudder runs down my back. "I like this."

Jessica frowns, shaking her head. "Not good enough."

"I like when you're telling me what to do."

She nods. "As I suspected. Continue."

"I want to be under your control, to be dominated by you."

There. I said it.

Jessica purses her lips, nodding slowly. She points to a bottle of wine we brought along. "Pour me a glass."

I do as she asks. She waits in silence, tapping her foot. Rolling her eyes. What's got into her? I hand her the glass. She takes a sip and hands it back to me.

I start raising it to my lips and she gasps. "Such insolence. That's not to share with--" her voice cracks and she bites her lip, trying to stop herself from laughing--"Put it down over there. And don't touch it again."

I get it now. Game on.

"Yes, Mistress Jessica."

I put the glass down. Our eyes meet and we both crack up.

Jessica clears her throat and takes a deep breath. She affects a stern demeanor once again. "Enough! Your sole purpose in life, your reason for being, is to satisfy me sexually. Now strip down, and be quick about it."

I unbutton my shirt.

Jessica rolls her eyes. "Faster!"

I try not to smile, but I like Bitch Jessica. I let my shirt fall to the floor.

Anger flashes in Jessica's eyes. "All your clothes are to be folded properly and put on the table over there. Chop, chop!"

Her voice cracks, but she gets herself under control faster this time. I strip down and make sure my clothes are folded in a neat pile like she told me.

I turn towards her.

Jessica frowns, looking me up and down. She takes my cock in hand and it surges from half to fully hard. "Take the chair behind you and put it right here in front of me."

I slide the chair into place.

Jessica huffs. "Could you be any fucking slower? Sit!"

I sit. This is so much fun.

Jessica circles the chair. "This is the chair where you will wait for me. That is all you are to do. Do not drink my wine, or I'll know. Do not go on your phone, or I'll know. Do not jerk off, or I'll know."

Jessica stops in front of me, tapping her lip with her index finger. "No, I cannot trust you. The moment my back is turned you'll start stroking yourself."

Jessica reaches into her bag and removes something. She holds it up for me to see.

Oh, fuck. "Handcuffs?"

She nods. "Two pairs. The better to ensure your compliance."

Jessica goes behind me. I feel a surge of... something. Fear? Maybe. Mixed with arousal.

"Right arm," Jessica snaps.

I reach back. She cuffs my hand to the back of the chair.

"Left."

Jessica cuffs my left hand the same way as the right. She leans over and kisses my neck. Her warm smile is back, so is her sweet tone.

"At any point," she whispers. "If you want things to stop, all you have to do is say 'field goal.' Repeat it back to me."

"Field goal."

"Say it anytime for any reason. Promise?"

"I promise," I say.

She stands, glowering. Harsh tone again. "If only I could trust you to do as I say when I'm not looking."

Jessica reaches into her purse and holds up a silk scarf. She goes behind me and ties it over my eyes. The world goes dark.

"That should keep you out of mischief while I'm gone," she says.

What? While she's gone?

Fear creeps down my spine. Where's she going? And for how long?

Should I call out "field goal" and have her tell me what she's planning? No, no. Gotta be strong. Gotta trust her. What type of Stoic philosopher would I be if I can't handle a little light bondage?

A door opens, then shuts. What's going on? Did she leave the room? Would she do that? Muffled sounds tell me she's in the bathroom. Okay. No worries. Go with the flow.

My cock swells, a shudder of excitement running up my back and over my shoulders.

I pick up sounds. Movement in the bathroom. A motorcycle outside. The bathroom door opening. Bare feet on the hardwood floor. The zipper of a suitcase. The bathroom door closing again.

What's she up to? Making me wait in total darkness, that's what.

My imagination runs wild. Getting filthier as it goes. Jessica sucking my dick. Jessica sitting on my face. Jessica making me eat her ass while I fuck her pussy with a vibrator.

I hear the bathroom door open again. Then a clicking of heels on the hardwood floor.

Click. Click. Click.

She circles me slowly.

Click. Click. Click.

Another circling. Just as slow as the first.

Click. Click. Click.

She stops, directly behind me. There's a long pause. I strain to hear any sound. What is she doing?

I hear her sipping wine, then putting the glass back down. Another long pause.

Jessica whispers in my ear. "Are you ready to behold your mistress's glory?"

"So ready."

"Ask nicely," she whispers.

"Please!"

Her tone is harsh. "Not good enough."

"I beg you."

"Try harder," she snaps.

"I beg you," I say. "Mistress Jessica."

"Much better." Jessica unties the blindfold, letting it slide noiselessly away. She walks around the chair, stopping in front of me.

I gasp.

She's a study in scarlet: The bright-red vinyl corset her tits spill over and her the crotchless panties, stockings, and high heels. The leather choker and bracelets. Her bright red lipstick.

Her hair's in a high ponytail, glasses strategically perched on the edge of her nose. Her eyes glare down at me.

"I've never seen--"

Jessica places her index finger on my lips and shakes her head. "No one gave you permission to speak."

She picks up her glass, taking a sip of wine. Placing it back on the table. Idly twisting her nipples. "All day, I've thought of one thing--getting fucked. The only available relief has been my vibrator, not the same as a real cock. That's where you come in."

Jessica turns around. Swaying her ass back and forth. Close enough to grab if only I could.

"I love when you clutch my butt cheeks when we fuck doggystyle." Jessica reaches around, fingering herself. "When you're banging me hard that way, hitting my g-spot."

Jessica straightens up. She licks her lower lip, hands sliding down her sides as she talks. "The places you'd like to put your mouth. My lips, my neck, my nipples, my pussy. Someplace else you'd like your tongue to explore, too. We both know."

Jessica steps closer. "I'm who does it for you, the one you can't get enough of. The woman you've wanted for so long and can't believe is yours. The one you shouldn't have. Your friend's mom, your mom's friend."

Yes, yes, yes, yes!

She looks deep into my eyes. "Say it. Say what you want."

"You," I whisper. "I want you."

Her eyebrow goes up, her eyes expectant.

"And to be yours to command," I say. "Totally and completely. To be used as you see fit, Mistress Jessica."

Jessica holds back a smile but manages to stay in character. "At last, you've learned your place. Your sole purpose, my pleasure!"

"Yes, Mistress Jessica!"

"Catering to whatever whim strikes me. This chair, for instance. It's too confining for you to fuck me properly. We will use the bed." She goes around behind the chair and undoes the cuffs. "On your back against the headboard. Quickly!"

I stand, rubbing my wrists. They don't hurt but I know she'll chastise me for the delay.

"Enough!" Jessica points to the bed. "I said move!"

I lay back in the bed.

"Hands above your head," she barks.

I obey. She climbs into bed and ties my wrists to the slats of the headboard with the scarf. She loops it around effortlessly in an intricate knot.

Jessica withdraws and stands by the edge of the bed. Meeting my gaze, biting her lower lip. "What shall I do with you now?"

"Whatever you want."

"Damn straight." She crawls into bed. Staring at me. I dare not look away, held in thrall by her eyes. She takes my cock in hand.

At last!

Jessica licks precum off the tip. "This cock should serve nicely. It's already fully aroused but it's much too dry for my pussy. I need it nice and wet. You should've foreseen my needs and packed lube."

"Sorry, Mistress Jessica."

"How disappointing," she says. "I suppose I'm going to have to provide natural lubricant."

"Regrettably, yes."

A tiny snort of laughter escapes her lips. "Enough talk from you."

Jessica runs her tongue over my glans. She licks it in circles, eyes peering into my own. Taking the rest into her mouth and sucking me at a steady pace.

"Fuck," I moan.

Jessica sits up. Stroking my cock with one hand, fingering herself with the other. "Now I am going to ride this dick. This is a great honor you are being given, which you do not merit. I hope you know that."

"I do, Mistress Jessica, I do."

She straddles me, lowering herself onto my cock. Guiding it inside her. Taking my full length easily.

Jessica places her hands on my shoulders as she rides me. Bouncing rhythmically. Looking into my eyes. I gaze back, trying to reflect as much lustfulness back at her.

"That's so good," she moans.

She bounces faster, pressing down on me harder. I thrust up into her.

She leans forward. We kiss, our mouths devouring each other. To wrap my arms around her shoulders right now! To hold her tight! Yet I can't. I'm at Jessica's mercy, hers to do with as she pleases. All hers.

The thought spurs me on. All hers, all hers.

She kisses me harder, holding my face in her hands. Her tongue is frantic. We moan, slobbering over one another. Two animals enjoying each other, given over to physical pleasure.

Jessica shoves her tits in my face. "Suck my tits. Bite my nipples. Don't hold back, either."

I suck first one nipple, then the other. Nibbling them eagerly. Wishing my hands were available to squeeze them. I lose willpower for a moment and strain against Jessica's knot. To no avail.

"Harder!" she moans. "Do as I say!"

I bite harder.

"Yes!" she cries. "I'm gonna come so fucking hard!"

I switch nipples and give the other the same treatment.

Jessica gasps. "Fuck, yeah!"

Her moaning grows louder. "I'm gonna come. I'm gonna come. Omigod, omigod, FUCK!"

Jessica comes screaming and wailing.

She slows her bouncing, smiling ear to ear. "That was amazing. Maybe you've earned a special treat."

"I've already had one," I say. "This has been heaven."

"It has. I like dominating you." Jessica clears her throat, resuming her imperious persona. "I suppose you have performed satisfactorily. And it is your birthday. Perhaps you should be given some latitude."

Jessica speeds up again, pressing down on my cock. I push upwards, driving my cock as deep into her as possible. She gasps, eyes widening. "Do that again."

I push upwards hard, Jess pressing down at the same moment.

"Fuck," she cries.

We speed up, but only a little. Steady but deep fucking follows. Thirty seconds in, Jess is gasping and sighing. Her eyes roll back and she comes hard.

That's my girl.

Jess takes a deep breath. "Very good. You've earned the privilege of getting to fuck me however you like."

I'd like to ask for her ass. But we've crossed so many frontiers tonight already. "On your back, please. At the edge of the bed with your legs up."

She raises an eyebrow, smiling. Struggling to maintain character. "Very well. I shall grant your request."

"Thank you, Mistress Jessica."

Jessica reaches up and pulls on one end of the scarf. The knot unravels. I wrap my arms around her, pulling her tight. We roll over, laughing.

"That was so much fun," Jessica says.

How about life-altering?

Jessica lays back, spreading her legs. What a sight!

I want to enjoy her, all of her. But where to begin? So many choices.

I kneel.

"That's a good boy," Jessica says. "Fulfill your purpose and pleasure me. I am your world."

You are, you are.

I inhale her aroused aroma. I lick her, savoring her taste.

"That's it," Jessica moans.

I find her clit and lick it the way she likes. Fingering her, too, making her come again.

I stand, getting into position. I slide my cock all the way inside her. I pull back and thrust into her again. As deep as I can.

"Fuck," she groans.

I clutch the back of her thighs as I fuck her. Admiring her outfit and the way it accentuates her curves.

I wrap my arms around her legs, pressing them against me. Her calves rest on my shoulders.

"Omigod," she cries. "Fuck, yeah. Fuck me this way."

Lust is all I know. Lust for Jessica. Lust for a woman old enough to be my mother. The center of my universe. I hammer her pussy with unremitting fervor. Until she's screeching. Wailing at the top of her lungs.

"Oh, fuck!" she screams. "Fuck me hard! FUCK ME HARD!"

Jessica lets out a prolonged squeal, coming again. That's right, babe. Enjoy it. All of it.

I'm closer to relief with every thrust. It'll be any second. Any second.

Yes! God, yes!

I throb inside her. Pulse after pulse, ecstasy and exultation and release all at once. My lust boiling over, replaced with satisfaction and sweet relief

I lean forward, thrusting into Jessica gently. Kissing her. Deep, satisfied kissing.

"God, that was hot," Jessica says.

So fucking much.

__________

I lay in bed, my back against the headboards. Sipping wine and watching Jessica strip off her outfit.

She unhooks the corset and tosses it onto the chair. "It looks sexy but I sweat like a pig in it."

"The word 'sexy' isn't enough to describe how you looked in it," I say. "Picking my team's color was a nice touch."

Jessica flashes me a smile. "I thought you'd appreciate that."

She unclasps her stockings and pushes off her panties, joining me in nudity. She picks up her glass and slides into bed next to me. I wrap an arm around her shoulder and she leans against me.

"How are you feeling?" Jessica asks.

"Good."

"It sounded like you really enjoyed yourself," she says.

"That's an understatement."

She rubs my thigh. "If you like, we can keep exploring that dynamic."

"Please!"

She kisses me. "Then that's something we'll do. But I like this, too. Just laying here naked with you."

"It's a perfect thing," I say. "I just wish it weren't secret."

"So do I. But what choice do we have?"

What choice indeed?

We talk. Jessica tells me about her week at work. A challenging case that looked bad but ended well. A patient who seemed to be getting better but took a sudden turn for the worse.

"You do what you can and you do all you can," she says. "But you have to accept that it's not always gonna end well."

"It sounds like you're a fellow Stoic, after all."

She shrugs. "Maybe I am after all. Speaking of which."

Jessica slides out of bed, digging into her suitcase. Returning, she hands me a carefully-wrapped present. "Happy birthday, sweetie."

I can tell by its shape and weight it's a book.

"Go on, babe," she says. "Open it."

I do as she says. It's a beautiful leather volume, "Marcus Aurelius's Meditations, Epictetus's Enchiridion, Seneca's On the Happy Life" in faded gold lettering on the cover.

"I love it," I say.

"I bought it at that bookstore on Main Street," she says. "It's from 1890."

I'm overjoyed staring at it. Opening it and staring at the pages. Someone's made notes on the margins, faded penciling from long ago. "Thank you so much."

We kiss. Jessica's hand goes further up my thigh. Taking hold of my erection. "Ready again so soon?"

I nod.

What a birthday.

_________

My phone buzzes while I'm on my way to practice. It's Jessica. That's odd for the middle of the afternoon.

"We have a problem," she says.

My stomach tightens. "What's wrong?"

"Everyone knows."

"What?" I ask.

"Everyone knows! Dave's flipping out. He says he's driving up so he can beat the shit out of you."

This is bad. "What the hell happened?"

"Chloe happened! She texted Dave that your car was in front of my house all weekend."

Chloe.

"How'd she know?"

"Does it matter? Dave's flying off the hook. If Chloe mentioned this to her mom--"

"--then my mom knows," I say. "Look, we can deal with this."

"How?"

I close my eyes, taking a deep breath. Recalling the words again.

Fire is the test of gold; adversity, of strong men.

"We're going to start by telling everyone to mind their business," I say. "Then we can decide what we want to be to each other. But we aren't going to let anyone else decide anything for us. You know, this could be for the best. The die is cast."

"Maybe. How are you so wise for your age?"

"I read the right philosophers," I say. "Look, I'm heading into practice. We'll talk later, okay? I love you."

I freeze. I can't believe those last three words were aloud. And over the phone.

There's a pause on the other line. "I love you, too. Talk later?"

I walk into the training center. Some of the cheerleaders are there, Chloe included. She walks towards me, triumphant smirk on her face.

"I hear you had something to say about my personal life," I say.

"All I did was mention how my friend saw your car in Dave's driveway all night," she says. "He's the one who made the connection. It's so disgusting!"

I stare right at her. "I'm not ashamed of anything I've been up to. Are you?"

"Why would I be? You're the one banging an old woman."

I'm ready to tell her off. To rip into her for being a petty bitch who doesn't care what harm she does to other people.

Wait. What was the quote by Marcus Aurelius Dr. Cleary shared today? The one she shared in a certain pop song. How'd it go?

To expect a bad person not to harm others is like expecting babies not to cry or horses not to neigh.

That's it. I laugh, song lyrics popping into my head.

Babies gonna cry, cry, cry, cry

Horses gonna neigh, neigh, neigh, neigh

Chloes gonna Chloe, Chloe, Chloe, Chloe

Shake it off, shake it off.

Wow. All of Stoicism summarized.

"Thank you, Chloe," I say.

She frowns. "For what?"

"You did me a giant favor."

"How?" she asks.

"Until now, me and Jessica had to sneak around to avoid upsetting people," I say. "But you gave us the shove into the open we needed. I'm glad you did."

Chloe's jaw drops.

"Now we can be public, whatever the consequences. All thanks to your petty, vindictive nature. From the bottom of my heart, Chloe, thank you! I owe you one. See ya later."

----------

End note: Thank you for taking the time to read this story. Jessica and Justin's tale concludes with "Mrs. Mandalucci, Ch. 03," appearing within days of this story's release. For those of you enjoying this series, consider reading my similarly-themed five-part series "My Sweet Sandy".

Comments and feedback are always appreciated.