Chapter One

The night had settled in, and the three of us were gathered in the front room. Bottles stood open on the table, the glasses half-empty. Laughter drifted between us, easy and warm.

Lou sat curled in the armchair, her strawberry blonde hair loose around her shoulders, cheeks flushed from the wine. She looked happy. Relaxed. I liked seeing her that way.

Phil leaned forward on the sofa opposite me. His bald head caught the lamplight, his grin wide. He was mid-story, and we were both chuckling.

“So, we got the tent set up, got the barbecue going, a few drinks, you know — just camping shit,” Phil said. “Everything was going well. I was on my best behaviour, obviously, as I was meeting Bella’s parents for the first time. Her mum loved me. Her dad was a little quiet, but we talked. Funny guy, actually. Anyway, after we ate, we had more drinks. It was getting late. Bella and her mum had already gone into the tent. So, I was trying to find the words to say I was turning in, but I didn’t want to piss her dad off — you know, the thought of me climbing into a tent with his daughter.”

Lou grinned and chipped in. “For fuck’s sake, Phil, you’re forty. I don’t think he would’ve cared.”

Phil wagged a finger. “Actually, I was thirty-eight then. And anyway, you can’t point out that I’m forty, since you’re three years older than Chris and me. Honestly — what a cougar.”

We all burst out laughing. Lou flicked her hand at him and said, “Fuck off, dickhead.”

We cracked up again.

“Go on, carry on with the story, Phil,” I said, shooting Lou a teasing look. “Before she gets a stress on.”

She rolled her eyes but kept smiling.

Phil chuckled. “So, where was I? I was going to tell him I was turning in. But then he pulls out a bottle of Jack Daniel’s. We both keep drinking. I got so smashed, I couldn’t even remember where the toilet cubicles were. Didn’t know what I was doing, and didn’t know where I was. And then—” He clapped a hand over his head, grinning. “I ended up taking a piss on Bella’s mum and dad’s tent.”

Lou gasped, half-shocked, half-amused.

Phil leaned forward, eyes wide, acting it out. “I was literally pissing out circle motions on the canvas. Didn’t even realise what I was doing, until her mum shouted, ‘George, someone is taking a piss next to my head!’”

We roared with laughter, tears starting to sting my eyes.

I tried to hold my laugh in. “For fuck’s sake, Phil, no wonder you got dumped.”

Phil shook his head. “No, mate. I got away with that. I got dumped ‘cos of all the nights on the piss.”

Lou wrinkled her nose. “Phil, you’re disgusting. I’ll never understand why men think it’s fine to just whip it out and piss where they stand. Savages.”

“When you gotta go, you gotta go,” I said. “You don’t understand.”

“Exactly,” Phil grinned, lifting his hand. “You don’t know the troubles us men have to bear.”

“Exactly,” I said again, and slapped his palm in a high five.

Lou shook her head. “I’m not even going to comment on that. You men have it easy. Anyway, back to you, Phil. Why were you such a dick to Bella? She was lovely. I really liked her.”

Phil’s grin slipped. He lowered his head a little. “I don’t know, to be fair. I know what you mean. I guess I’m scared of commitment. Feel like I won’t be good enough or something.”

“Mate, that’s bollocks,” I said. “You’re a good guy. Stop putting yourself down.”

Lou nodded. “Although you’re still a pig for pissing on her mum and dad’s tent, Chris is right. You need to believe in yourself more.”

Phil leaned back on the couch and let out a breath. “Yeah, maybe. I do want more. If I’m honest, I’m a little jealous of what you two have. A home, two great kids, and love that’s real.”

I saw Lou’s face soften as she looked at me. My chest warmed.

Phil lifted his hands. “Not jealous in a bad way, mind. I’d fight to the death to protect what you guys have. How long has it been now? Ten years?”

Lou jumped in. “Ten? Try seventeen.”

“Feels a lot longer,” I said with a smirk. “You get less time for murder.”

Lou shot me a snarky grin and raised her middle finger.

Phil laughed. “Jeez, it’s flown by. I remember making the best man speech at your wedding. God, your face.” He jabbed a finger at me.

“Yeah, a laugh until you blurted out about me running naked from the shower block ‘cos you nicked my towel.”

Phil burst out laughing. “Fucking hell, that was hilarious. The looks you got! We were all on the balcony watching, pissing ourselves.”

Lou laughed too, nearly spilling her drink.

“It wouldn’t have been so bad if it was late at night when I was pissed,” I said. “But not in the middle of the day, when everyone was sober, sitting round the pool.”

We all cracked up again. I couldn’t help but smile myself.

Lou wiped her eyes. “What are you like? Anyway, I’m going up to get my pyjamas on. It’s getting late.”

She wobbled a little as she pushed herself out of the chair, swaying with the drink.

“You coming back down for another?” I asked.

She didn’t answer, but halfway up she turned and shouted back, her words slurred. “Oh, Chris, ask Phil if he wants to come next weekend!”

Phil shot me a curious glance.

“Yeah,” I said, grinning at him. “It’s our anniversary. Funny enough, we were thinking of going camping. Kids are staying at my mum’s. If you’re free, come with us. I’ll drive.”

Phil sat up a little straighter. “Cheers, but you guys don’t want me around. It’s your anniversary.”

“It’s right, mate,” I said. “We’ve had plenty of our own time. Besides, we were talking about doing something crazy. Don’t know what yet. But we agreed you’re the one with the crazy ideas, and we always have a laugh together. Why not ask you to come? It’ll do you good. Honestly, we wouldn’t ask if we didn’t want you there.”

Phil looked genuinely touched. “You sure?”

“Yeah, come on, mate. It’ll be a good laugh,” I said.

He smiled. “Okay then. Cheers, mate. Sounds good. What did you have in mind?”

“Well, like I said, we want to go camping,” I said. “Me and Lou went camping for our first trip away together. I’ve just bought a massive tent. Honestly, you could fit a horse or a double bed in it. It’s even got a corridor that attaches to a smaller tent for the kids. That one will be yours this time.”

Phil chuckled. “Fair enough. But I don’t want to see you two going at it.”

I laughed. “We’ve been married for years. Things slow down after the wedding, trust me. Anyway, you’ll have complete privacy. You can come and go as you please without stepping through our tent. No idea yet about the crazy part though.”

Phil leaned back, still smiling, looking pleased at the thought.

I sat back for a moment, pleased he’d agreed to come along. It felt good, knowing he’d be with us next weekend. Like it might do us all some good.

Phil broke the silence. “So, why isn’t the sex life good? You were always at it when you first met.”

I let out a sigh. “Just life, mate. Work, kids, getting older. Honestly, when we do have time, we’re both shattered. And…”

I paused, the words catching in my throat. Should I really be telling Phil this? But I’d known him since I was four years old. I could trust him. Maybe he’d even have some advice.

“What’s up, mate?” he asked gently.

I rubbed the back of my neck. “Look, I shouldn’t really say anything. But you’re my mate. Just between you and me, Lou’s been getting really down lately.” My voice dropped without me even meaning it to.

Phil’s brow furrowed. “Why?”

I sighed again. “Well, at first, I thought it was something I’d done. So one evening I tried to get to the bottom of it. We almost had an argument because I was pushing too hard. But if it was me, I wanted to fix it, you know? Even after all these years, Louise is my heart and soul. I love her to bits.”

Phil nodded. “That’s fair enough. Obviously, you’re just concerned, mate.”

His words eased me a little. I carried on. “Anyway, finally she broke and admitted she hasn’t been feeling right in herself. She said she looks in the mirror and hates what she sees back. Doesn’t feel attractive anymore.”

Phil shook his head quickly. “Mate, that’s crazy. She doesn’t look her age. In fact, she’s in better shape than us.”

That made me smile, and I leaned in, eager. “I know, right? I’ve never once stopped being attracted to her. Her hourglass curves from motherhood are sexy as hell. And her boobs—” I held out my hand to emphasise my point. “Dude, they’re still fucking amazing. Honestly, they haven’t aged a bit. And her nipples—”

“Whoa, whoa,” Phil cut me off, laughing and raising both hands. “That’s enough info, mate. I get it.”

I laughed too. “You know what I’m saying. She’s still hot.”

Phil smirked. “She is, mate. And if you’d never met her, and she and I were both single, I’d definitely shag her.”

I chuckled, though the words stirred something odd inside me. There might’ve been a time I’d have taken offence, even as a joke. But I trusted Phil. And his blunt words made my heart flutter, just a little.

“Now who’s going too far?” I said.

“I’m only joking, mate,” Phil said, still grinning.

“I know. But I bet you really would,” I teased. “Anyway, back on point. I’ve tried everything. Complimenting her, buying gifts, even sexy underwear. She hasn’t even taken the tags off. Brushes my compliments aside, says I don’t mean them. I don’t know what to do, mate.”

Phil grew thoughtful. “All I can say is keep doing what you’re doing. Hopefully it’ll pass. It’s nothing you’ve done wrong. I think myself sometimes — where have the years gone? It worries me too, you know.”

“True,” I said with a sigh.

For a moment I thought about it all, turning it over in my head. I wanted to ease the mood, so I added, “I’m hoping the camping trip this weekend will reignite a spark from our youth. Take us back from reality for a while. Any thoughts for something crazy?”

Phil tapped his chin as if already planning. “Let me think on it, mate. I’ll come up with something. You and Lou will be fine, don’t worry. I’m on it.”

I felt lighter. “Cheers, mate. You’re a star.”

Phil got up from the couch. “Yes I am. And this star needs a piss.”

I chuckled. “Make sure you piss in the toilet and not next to Lou’s head.”

He laughed on his way out. “I wouldn’t dare.” And with that, he left for the toilet.

I stayed slouched on the sofa, rolling the last of my drink in the glass. The room felt quiet without Lou’s voice cutting in, and Phil’s footsteps thudded softly on the stairs.

I leaned back, letting my eyes drift half-shut. Then came a sudden noise above — quick footsteps, the creak of floorboards.

Phil’s voice rang out, startled and awkward. “Oh, shit—sorry!”

Lou’s voice followed, loud and giddy, slurred from the drink. “Shit! Sorry!”

I sat up straighter, glass halfway to my lips. My stomach gave a strange twist.

A door slammed shut, then the faint sound of Lou still laughing to herself upstairs.

I stared at the carpet, trying to piece it together. Phil’s tone had been sharp, embarrassed. Lou’s, careless, like she found it funny. My throat tightened, though I couldn’t say why.

It was nothing, I told myself. Just bad timing. Lou had probably darted from the bedroom to the bathroom, caught off guard. Phil had walked into it by accident. That was all.

I clenched my jaw and drained the last of my drink in one swallow.

It was nothing. Just a laugh. Just drink. Still, I couldn’t shake the way my stomach had knotted when I heard them both shout like that.

The stairs creaked again, and Phil came back into the room. He looked flustered, his head dipped a little, a half-laugh slipping out.

“Mate,” he said quickly, scratching the back of his neck, “I’m really sorry.”

I frowned, my voice flat. “What for?”

Something inside me had already started to stir.

Phil didn’t answer straight away. He ducked into the kitchen, the clink of bottles carrying through. A moment later he came back with two beers in his hands.

The gesture only made my mind work harder.

He dropped onto the sofa beside me and pushed one over. His laugh came out nervous this time. “You’re not gonna believe this, mate. I swear I wasn’t trying to—” He stopped, shaking his head, still embarrassed. “I was heading to the toilet, right? And Lou—she—” he let out a disbelieving chuckle, “she just legged it across the landing. Naked. Straight into the bathroom.”

He met my eyes, still holding that awkward grin. “I didn’t mean to see anything. I turned straight away. Christ, I didn’t know where to look. Just—mate, I’m sorry.”

I cracked the beer open but didn’t take a sip. My chest felt tight, my thoughts all over the place.

Part of me wanted to be angry. That was my wife he’d seen, my Lou, bare for him in that split second. Another part wanted to laugh it off — because really, what else could you do? It was stupid. Clumsy. Just drink and timing.

But buried beneath it all was something else, something that made me shift in my seat. A strange heat, a flicker I didn’t expect. The thought of Phil seeing her — just for that heartbeat — made my stomach knot and my skin prickle. I couldn’t understand it, and I wasn’t sure I wanted to. Why wasn’t I more jealous? It had to be Lou’s confidence in that moment, the way she owned her body even in a mishap. And Phil—my oldest mate, someone I trusted with my life. If anyone else had seen her, I’d have been furious. But with him? It stirred something unexpected, a thrill that made my cock twitch faintly.

I rubbed at my jaw, forcing a chuckle out. “Bloody hell, mate. Trust you to walk into something like that.”

Phil grinned nervously, clearly relieved at the lighter tone.

Inside, though, I was still trying to work out why a part of me wasn’t jealous — but oddly aroused.

Phil gave a sheepish laugh and shook his head. “Only me, eh? Christ, I’ll never live that down.”

Something twisted in me again, a heat I couldn’t place. The words slipped out before I could stop them. “Honestly though, mate… do you see what I mean about her tits?”

Phil burst out laughing, shaking his head. “To be fair, I didn’t see all that much. It was a blur. I shut my eyes straight away, honestly.”

I wasn’t sure why I’d even said it — nerves, heat, drink, all mixed together.

Before I could think on it more, the sound of Lou’s feet came trotting down the stairs. laughing, her face a little red — whether from embarrassment or the wine, I couldn’t tell. She tugged at her pyjama top as she reached the bottom. “Sorry, Phil,” she said, still giggling. “I didn’t realise you were coming upstairs.”

I couldn’t help but laugh too. “What are you like?”

Lou dropped into the armchair, still bubbling with laughter. “My pyjamas were in the bathroom, but I’d already undressed. Couldn’t be bothered putting something on again, so I made a dash for it. Thought I’d get away with it. I have in the past.” She chuckled again, shaking her head.

I teasingly shook mine, half in disbelief, half in mock disapproval.

Her eyes flicked to me. “What? Don’t tell me you’re jealous that Phil’s seen me naked now.”

For a second I searched myself. But there wasn’t any jealousy there, not really. Just that same faint arousal I couldn’t quite shake. And then the thought came — maybe this was a chance. A chance to show her she was still hot as hell.

“No, not at all,” I said, grinning. “In fact, while you were upstairs, I was telling Phil how hot your boobs are.”

Phil shot me a startled look, eyebrows raised.

Lou burst out laughing. “Fuck off. No you weren’t.”

“Honestly, love, I was,” I pressed. “Ask Phil. He agrees with me.”

Phil stammered, waving his hands. “Wait, what? No, I didn’t— I mean—”

I cut him off with a glare, trying to make him understand what I was doing. “What, so you don’t think they’re amazing?”

Lou leaned forward, eyes flashing in mock anger. “Yeah, Phil, what’s wrong with my tits? Tell me now!”

Phil looked trapped, his cheeks flushing. He raised his hands. “Yes, alright. Chris was telling me how amazing your breasts are. But I told him, I didn’t see anything. My eyes were shut. I promise you, Lou.” He tried to shake it off with a laugh, but it came out shaky.

Lou stood in front of us, watching, her head tilted. She looked half curious, as if trying to decide whether Phil had caught a glimpse or not.

I felt my pulse quicken, nervous and excited, the drink loosening my tongue. The words slipped out before I could stop them. “Louise, show him your tits. We need confirmation on this.”

A twitch sparked in my groin as I said it.

Her eyes shot to me. “Fuck off.”

“Yeah, fuck off,” Phil added quickly, almost panicked. “I don’t want to see her tits.”

Lou rounded on him with a laugh. “Why? What’s wrong with my tits? Tell me now!”

“Yeah, Phil,” I said, grinning, pushing him further. “What’s wrong with them? They’re awesome.”

Lou folded her arms, her lips twitching like she was proud despite herself. “I do have great tits, to be fair.”

Seeing that flicker of self-belief return in her made my chest swell. God, I loved her. I wanted her to shine.

Phil stayed quiet, caught between us, his face redder than ever.

Lou smirked, tilting her head, her arms folded under her chest so her breasts pressed against her top. “Go on then, Phil. Say it. What do you think?”

Phil’s face was crimson. “Lou…” he said softly, with a nervous laugh. “Come on, don’t put me on the spot like that.”

I grinned, feeling that heat spark again in my gut. “He’s just shy. Look at him, Lou. He doesn’t know where to put his eyes.”

She laughed, leaning forward, her hair slipping over one shoulder. “What’s the matter, Phil? Afraid to admit I’ve still got it?”

Phil rubbed the back of his neck, shaking his head. “You’ve always had it, Lou. Everyone knows that. Christ, Chris talks about you enough.”

That made her burst out laughing, her cheeks glowing. She glanced at me, eyes dancing, like she was pleased but pretending not to be.

I joined in, teasing. “See? Even he agrees. You’ve still got it, love.”

Lou waggled a finger at Phil. “But he didn’t answer the question, did he? What do you think of my tits?”

Phil groaned, half-laughing, half-dying in his seat. “You’re impossible, Lou.”

I leaned back, smirking, enjoying the sight of her pushing him. “You’ve got him cornered now. Poor lad’s sweating.”

She giggled again, swaying slightly where she stood, her eyes never leaving Phil. Curious. Playful. The tension in the room was thick, and I could feel it humming in my chest, in the twitch at my groin.

Phil shifted uncomfortably, fiddling with the label on his beer bottle. “You two are terrible,” he muttered, trying to laugh it off.

But Lou’s smile told me she was enjoying every second of it. She stayed standing there, shoulders back, chest forward, almost daring one of us to say more. And I couldn’t deny it — I was enjoying it too.

Lou swayed on her feet, arms still folded under her chest, but her chin tilted up, defiant, playful. Her eyes stayed on Phil, weighing his discomfort, feeding off it.

Phil cleared his throat, shifting on the sofa. “You’re both winding me up now,” he said, forcing a laugh.

I leaned back, smirking into my beer. “No one’s winding you up, mate. She just wants the truth. Can’t blame her, really.”

Lou’s lips curled into a grin. “Exactly. It’s not that hard a question, is it?”

Phil looked down at the bottle in his hands, spinning it slowly. “It is when your husband’s sat right there.”

I chuckled low in my throat. “Why? I’ve got nothing to hide. I’ve been telling her for years, she’s got nothing to worry about. If hearing it from someone else helps, what’s the harm?”

Lou’s eyes flicked to me, catching the spark in mine. She laughed again, a little wilder now, and turned back to Phil. “So? What’s stopping you?”

Phil pressed his palms flat against his thighs, shaking his head. “Bloody hell, Lou…”

I watched the colour in her cheeks, the way she stood there almost daring him. I felt the buzz of the drink in me, the thrill of pushing her, of watching her glow. “Come on, love,” I said softly. “He’s already admitted it once. Let him say it properly.”

Her smile widened, her chest lifting with the breath she took, as though the game itself thrilled her. She stayed rooted to the spot, waiting, making him squirm.

The air between us was thick, electric, and I loved every second of it.

Lou stood there, grinning, though I caught the flicker of nerves in her eyes. She wanted it, but she was teetering on the edge.

I leaned forward, voice low, urging. “Go on, love. Show him. Prove me right.”

Her lip caught between her teeth, she glanced at me, then at Phil. He looked like he wanted to speak, his mouth parting — but no words came.

Then, with a sudden breath, Lou froze for a moment. I saw the nerves flicker in her eyes, the way her chest rose sharply as though part of her wanted to stop. But she caught the fire in my gaze — and the dare that hung thick in the air between us — and her fingers moved. She hooked them under the hem of her pyjama top and lifted it, the fabric whispering against her skin as it rose.

My lungs seized. The lamplight spilled across her chest like a caress, casting warm shadows that danced over her full, round breasts. Her nipples, stiff and rosy, tightened further in the cool air, the faint goosebumps rising on her skin making the moment feel alive, electric. Perfect. My wife — laid bare not only to me, but to him.

Phil froze, his mouth dropping open, eyes locked wide.

And Lou held it. Not a quick flash, but long enough for him to see. For me to see him seeing her. My pulse hammered. My jeans tightened. Lou’s smile twitched — nervous, daring, searching his face like she needed proof in his eyes, her breath coming in shallow, audible puffs that filled the quiet room.

The seconds stretched until she laughed suddenly, breathless, tugging the fabric back down. But her hand lingered at the hem for just a beat too long, as if some part of her wasn’t ready to cover herself again.

The air felt thick enough to choke on.

My chest thudded like a drum, every beat louder than the last. I couldn’t pull my eyes away from them — from her flushed face, that nervous grin still hanging on her lips, or from Phil, frozen with his mouth half open, blinking like he couldn’t believe what he’d just seen.

The air was hot, heavy. Each breath dragged thick through my throat.

I’d never felt anything like it — the way my skin tingled, the way my cock stirred, hardening at the sight of my wife showing herself to another man.

She’d looked at him, not me, when she pulled her top up. Studied him, waiting for his eyes. And I’d watched her do it, watched him take her in. The two of them caught in that moment, and me caught between them, every nerve in my body alive.

God, I was turned on. More than I wanted to admit, more than I even understood. It wasn’t jealousy—it was Lou’s spark, the way she lit up under his gaze, reclaiming her confidence in that bold flash. And Phil, my trusted mate since childhood, made it safe, even thrilling. No threat, just a shared secret that reignited my desire for her.

Phil let out a shaky laugh, running a hand over his face. “You two are fucking crazy.”

Louise giggled, tugging her top back into place as she finally sat down in the chair. I laughed too, though my stomach was tight, and I shifted in my seat, desperate to hide the bulge straining in my trousers.

“Come on, Phil,” I said, grinning to cover myself. “You can’t say they’re not perfect.”

Phil opened his mouth, shut it again, then tried once more — but no words came out.

Lou leaned forward in her chair, eyes glinting, her smile playful. “So,” she asked softly, “what do you think?”

Was she being flirty? The thought jabbed at me, sharp and confusing.

Phil met her gaze, and for a moment I swore something in him changed. The grin was gone. His voice, when it came, was quieter than I think he intended. “They are a wonder, Louise. They really are.” His eyes flicked to her for a split second, then away, his throat bobbing as he swallowed hard.

My eyes flicked back to her. A small, satisfied smile tugged at her lips, and I saw the faintest blush warm her cheeks.

Jeez. I was horny. And for once, I didn’t know what to say.

I finally broke the silence, my voice low but edged with satisfaction. “Told you.”

Lou chuckled under her breath, sinking back into the chair, clearly pleased with herself.

Phil gave a nervous laugh, scratching his head. “Well… with that, I’m booking a taxi. And I need the loo again.”

He pushed himself up, a little awkward on his feet. For a second I wondered — was it just the drink making him clumsy, or was he hiding something of his own in those jeans? The thought sent a strange, thrilling spark through me.

Phil shuffled toward the hallway, pulling out his phone as he went. “Yeah, I’ll call for one now,” he muttered, already climbing the stairs, the sound of his voice carrying back as he spoke into the mobile.

I sat there, my chest still pounding, the taste of heat and laughter mixed in my throat, watching Lou out the corner of my eye.

The toilet door clicked shut upstairs, and Lou burst into a giggle. “I can’t believe you fucking made me do that.”

I held my arm out, and she slipped her hand into mine. I squeezed gently. “I was just encouraging. Tell me that wasn’t a little hot.”

She laughed, shaking her head. “What? No, it wasn’t. Funny, maybe. But not hot.”

But I saw her face betray her words — the way her cheeks still glowed, the way her fingers toyed with her hair. She wasn’t being honest. Not fully. And I loved it.

Casually, I asked, “Do you think he’s good-looking?”

Her eyes widened. “What? No. He’s Phil. Don’t tell me you’re jealous now — it was your idea.”

I rushed to defend myself. “No, no. Not at all. I’m not bothered, honestly. I love you. I’d never judge you.”

Her shoulders dropped, her face softening with the drink. “Well… he’s alright. But I wouldn’t pick him over Bon Jovi.” She grinned.

“I knew it,” I said, chuckling.

Lou laughed and shook her head. “What? I didn’t say he was.”

I cut her off quickly, wanting to keep the mood easy. “I’m only joking, love. Honestly, it’s fine.”

Lou glanced toward the stairs. “He’s taking a while. What do you think he’s doing?”

“Probably wanking himself stupid,” I blurted, too quick, covering it with a giggle.

Her mouth fell open. “Fuck off — as if.”

The thought seemed to thrill her, the glint in her eyes giving her away.

“He’s probably hiding,” she said, smirking. “Scared for his life.”

I shook my head, letting my tone grow softer. “No. He’s alright. I think he genuinely liked what he saw. I think you shocked him a little.”

Lou didn’t reply, but the way she sat back, the little smile on her lips — she’d taken it in. She looked comforted. Happy.

I couldn’t get enough of her like this. It was like watching her confidence slowly spark back to life.

“I love you,” I said, meaning every word, squeezing her hand tighter.

“I love you too,” she replied, and there was no doubt in her eyes.

I leaned in, kissing her deeply, my heart racing.

When we finally broke apart, she whispered, breathless, “I hope his taxi comes quick.”

I frowned slightly. “Why?”

Her eyes darkened, a grin tugging her lips. “Because I really want to fuck.”

My chest slammed with heat, and my heart followed, hammering in my ribs.

The sound of footsteps came down the stairs, and then Phil appeared, wobbling slightly, phone still in his hand. “Taxi’s here,” he muttered with a grin. “God, I’m pissed.”

“Already?” Lou said, though I could see the relief flicker in her face.

I stood, giving him a friendly slap on the back. “Cheers for the round, mate. And sorry for messing with you.”

“It’s fine,” he said, smiling. “Crazy… but fine.”

Lou got up and stepped forward, slipping her arms around him. She always gave Phil a little hug now and then, but this time it lingered, as if she was embracing it fully. My pulse shot up at once, and I felt my erection stir again. What was happening to me?

They parted just as the headlights swept across the window.

“Well,” Phil said with a lopsided grin, “always a pleasure, never a chore.”

We all chuckled at that.

“I’ll pop by Monday for a brew after work,” he added, pulling his jacket tighter. “Maybe I can rack up some ideas for the weekend. Though it is short notice.”

“I’m sure you’ll think of something,” I said.

Phil’s cheeky grin widened. “Well, after tonight, I’d suggest nude camping.”

We all burst into laughter, Lou clutching her stomach, me shaking my head.

But inside my mind was racing. Nude camping. The three of us stripped bare in the open. Lou under the sun, her body for every eye to see. Phil soaking her in, not just a glimpse this time but all of her. My wife, standing proud, knowing she was desired. The thought sent a rush through me so strong my legs wobbled beneath me.

We made our goodbyes at the door, the cool night air brushing in.

Then Phil was gone, stepping into the taxi with a wave, the light of it vanishing down the street.

The door clicked shut behind Phil, the rumble of the taxi fading into the night. For a moment, silence filled the house, only the tick of the clock and the hum of the lamp between us.

Then Lou turned to me, eyes dark with mischief and something else — need.

We stumbled upstairs in a rush, hands tugging clothes away, mouths colliding. The door banged shut behind us, but neither of us cared.

It had been so long since we’d been like this — not careful, not tired, not half-hearted. This was raw. Urgent. Lou’s back hit the mattress and I was on her in a breath, the heat of her skin flooding mine, her scent—a mix of wine and her floral shampoo—filling my lungs.

She moaned into my mouth, her fingers clawing at my shoulders, pulling me down. My hips ground against hers, desperate, like I hadn’t touched her in years.

Her breasts rose and fell wildly beneath me, the thin fabric slipping away as I dragged it down. They spilled free — perfect, full, nipples hard and aching, the soft give of her skin under my palms sending a jolt straight to my cock. I couldn’t take my eyes off them. Not after what had just happened downstairs. Not after Phil’s stunned face burned itself into my head.

The thought of him seeing her, drinking her in — Christ, it drove me. My body jolted harder, faster, as if I needed to prove she was mine, yet thrilled by the idea of him knowing how perfect she was. Her breath came in hot, ragged puffs against my ear, her nails raking my back, leaving trails of fire on my skin.

Lou arched up, gasping, her breasts bouncing with every thrust. Her cries filled the room, each one spurring me on. My back burned under her nails, sweat slicking my skin, but I didn’t stop. Couldn’t.

I lost myself in her, in us, in the wild chaos of it — the slap of skin, the creak of the bed, the taste of salt on her throat as I kissed her. My heart thundered, my cock straining, every nerve blazing with fire.

The tension broke in a fierce rush — Lou’s cry splitting the air as her body seized around me, her inner walls pulsing hot and tight. The sound dragged me over the edge with her. I came hard, groaning into her neck, every muscle taut as I spilled inside her, shuddering until I collapsed.

We lay there in the wreckage of it, chests heaving, sweat cooling, tangled tight. My thoughts still whirled, replaying that moment downstairs, Phil’s open mouth, Lou’s proud smile. The spark of it clung to me even as I held her close.

God, I thought, we hadn’t fucked like that in years.

We lay tangled together, our bodies damp with sweat, the room heavy with the scent of us. My chest still heaved, but slowly the pounding in my ears eased, leaving only the soft sound of Lou’s breathing.

She shifted against me, curling into my side, her head on my shoulder. For a while she was quiet, then she whispered, almost to herself, “I can’t believe what just happened tonight… downstairs. And now this.”

I stroked her hair back, kissing the crown of her head. “I know. It was mad. But Christ, Lou… the sex. That was… amazing.”

She lifted her face, her green eyes searching mine, a smile tugging at her lips. “It really was.”

I pressed my forehead to hers, whispering, “I love you.”

“I love you too,” she breathed, her arms tightening around me.

We held on to each other, the heat of our bodies fading into a warm glow. Slowly, drowsiness pulled at us, and we drifted into sleep, still wrapped up in one another, our love confirmed in the silence of the night.