Sipping at her glass of wine, she rose from the couch again, almost wearing a groove into the carpet as she paced the living room, waiting to hear his car in the driveway outside. The kids were home and in their rooms, completing their homework. Dinner was in the oven, ready to eat as soon as he was inside. It was the conversation that needed to take place after their evening meal which scared her to death.
Walking back into the kitchen, she was ready to pour another glass but stopped herself. Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath, willing her hands to stop shaking. If it wasn't her hands, it was the tears that wanted to escape her. What she was about to tell her husband could potentially end their marriage. But it was time to be honest about their relationship but, more importantly, herself.
Hearing his car pull up outside, she smoothed down his favourite dress, quickly checked herself in the mirror, waiting for him to appear through the door. She waited near the front door, ready to hug and kiss him like she did every evening. Though the kids were now both in high school, she still only worked part-time, preferring to be home when they left in the morning and returned in the afternoon.
"Hey, babe," her husband stated, flashing her that smile he always had for her. Dropping his bag, he hugged her tightly. Her emotions almost got the better of her as she held him tightly in return.
"Hello, honey. Good day?"
"Same shit, different day."
She chuckled as that was his usual response. But she knew he loved what he did. He'd been a mechanic since he left high school but was now an area manager, looking after a group of workshops in the western parts of the city. Kissing her on the lips, it was never a peck or chaste kiss. Even after fifteen years of marriage, his passion for her still ran hot. It's what would make their conversation later so difficult. Her husband loved her with ever fibre of his being, doted on their daughter and son, and was loved and adored by friends and family alike.
Wrapping an arm around her waist, he guided her to the kitchen, hearing him sniff. "You're cooking lasagna?"
"My specialty. Just for my honey bear." She called him that as he had a rather hairy chest, he'd grown a beard, and, well, he kept her warm like a bear in hibernation whenever they were in bed.
She squealed as he squeezed her tightly, leaving another kiss on her lips. "Thank you, babe. You know I love your lasagna. Still not sure what you put in it though." Her glanced into her green eyes. "Still think it's cocaine."
Giggling, she playfully slapped his shoulder. "Stop being silly and go wash up before dinner."
"Yes, babe. One thing though." Before she could escape, she was in his arms again, laying another smooch of her lips. She kissed him back. She'd always loved kissing him. "That'll get me through the next few minutes."
Sighing to herself as he walked away, she retrieved the oven dish and garlic bread from the oven, the bowl of salad from the fridge. Calling down their two children, their daughter, Chloe, appeared first, setting the table without being asked. Despite being a sometimes moody thirteen-year-old, she helped around the house with chores, knowing it was the only way she'd make pocket money. Their eleven-year-old son, Charlie, followed within a couple of minutes, sitting at the table, playing on his handheld gaming device. Chloe made a comment about his lack of assistance. Thankfully, there was no argument as Charlie wasn't listening.
Her husband, Mark, walked in just as she was serving up. Wearing a simple t-shirt and shorts, she couldn't help look him up and down like she did every day. She knew how handsome he was as most of her girlfriends thought the same thing. Now forty years old, he'd simply grown more handsome with age. She sometimes wondered why he was even still with her considering the main issue with their marriage. She knew, if they were to split up, he wouldn't be single for long.
Helping her serve everything, there was the usual chit-chat about their days, the two parents showing plenty of interest in their children. Their daughter was now in high school and there was the usual drama with friends. Their son was still in primary school and enjoyed going to school every day. Mark talked briefly about his day, still desiring to be on the workshop floor, but the salary he now earned, and the responsibility meant it was worth it.
Husband and children cleaned up as she disappeared to the living room to relax, Mark walking out with a glass of wine for her. "Thank you," she stated, smiling up at him. She heard chuckling from the kitchen a few minutes later, her husband no doubt regaling their children with amusing stories, whether from his day or just making things up to earn their laughter.
Sitting down beside her once that was done, she cuddled into his side, the kids taking an armchair each, spending a couple of hours as a family before their son disappeared to play his games console and their daughter wanted to spend time talking to her friends. Leaving husband and wife together, Cathy picked up the remote and turned off the television.
"Mark, we need to talk."
She felt him flinch, aware of how that might sound. She knew most conversations that started with those four words could sometimes lead to heartbreak, anger, recriminations, accusations, and gods only knew what. Turning to face him, she looked at his face and saw the concern. He took a deep breath before he met her eyes. "Lay it on me, babe. What's up?"
He sounded so casual, but she knew his heart would be beating like mad. But when he took his hand in hers, she almost burst into tears. She could be about to ask for divorce, but he could still sense her own nerves and wanted to comfort her, just like he'd done during their entire life together.
Taking a deep breath, she drained her wine glass, placing it on the small table next to the couch, before meeting his eyes again. "Mark, I love you."
"I love you too, babe. You're my moon and my stars."
She leaned in and kissed his cheek. He said that to her nearly every day. She knew how much he loved her. He was devoted to her as a husband more than any other husband she knew, even her own father, even his father to his mother.
"Mark, I've got something to confess. For a long time now, for years, probably most of my life, I've always felt a little different. I wasn't sure what it was, but it was something in my mind that just... I'm not really sure how to explain it all."
The squeeze of her hand made her smile. "Take your time, Catherine," he said softly, though the use of her full name indicated to her that she knew this was serious, "Just one question. You don't want to leave me, do you?"
"God no! Not at all!"
"Okay, then I'm all ears. We have all night, babe."
"Mark, I've been going to see a therapist for around six months."
"Oh..."
"I'm sorry, honey, but I wasn't sure how to explain it because it was so deeply personal. But I needed help to figure out what my problem is. It took a lot of discussions with her, but I can finally admit what my problem is. And because of the problem, it will impact our relationship going forward. And what hurts is that I'm going to leave the decision in your hands because there will be things I won't feel comfortable doing going forward. I haven't felt comfortable doing them most of my life."
He turned towards her, using his large thumb to wipe away the tears escaping her. "Babe, I hate seeing you like this. You know that."
She took a deep breath. "Mark, I'm still so attracted to you, it's not funny. I have been since the day we met. You're the only man I've ever felt any sort of attraction to. I was twenty-two when we met, and I'd never felt anything for a man before. I honestly thought, before meeting you, I was defective. Wasn't a lesbian as I didn't find women attractive either."
"Well, I'm definitely attracted to you, babe. I think you're smoking hot nowadays. You in a bikini rocking your current body? I'll need a shotgun to keep the men away."
Giggling, she playfully slapped his shoulder. "Be serious, Mark."
Holding his hands up in mock surrender, he smiled. "Okay, okay, I know."
"Mark, this next bit is going to hurt. I wasn't a virgin before I met you, but I never enjoyed sex. I've never experienced what I'd call sexual desire. I thought I felt it for you. I was attracted to you, and I thought sex was just something couples did. But I've never felt a need or desire to have sex, whether it was you or anyone else. I could have gone through life not wanting nor desiring sex and I can sit here now and categorically state I could go the rest of my life without it. It took a long time to figure out what's wrong with me. Well, saying 'wrong' is incorrect. It just took time for my condition to have a name."
"What is it?"
"I'm what they call asexual, honey. I have romantic feelings for you. I love you so much and I am attracted to you. But I've never had any desire for sex my entire life. I have sex now because I want to please you. I wanted children so it was necessary to have sex with my husband, but I could have happily lived the past decade without having sex at all. I only have done so because I love making you happy."
She could see the words upset him, to hear that his wife had no sexual desire for her husband. But it wasn't his fault. There wasn't a single man on the planet that excited her. It was just something that didn't happen. She just didn't need or want sex. Never had, never would.
Looking into his eyes, she could see he was deep in thought. What made her smile was the fact his body had turned to hers and he now held both her hands. He finally took a deep breath, one of his hands caressing her cheek. Just that simple gesture caused another tear to fall. "So what do we do, Cathy?"
"I don't know," she replied softly, "But I know you will want to have sex with your wife, but I can't put myself through it anymore." She squeezed his hand. "I do orgasm with you, I promise you that, but I derive no actual pleasure from it. I could go the rest of my life without experiencing one and it won't bother me. I want to remain as your wife but... I know as a forty-year-old man, you won't want your sex life to end now."
"But I can't have sex with my wife if I know she has no desire for it. I'd feel like a rapist if I forced the issue going forward."
"No!" she cried, hugging him tightly, relieved when she hugged him back, "Never, honey. Never, ever, ever. I gave myself to you because I love you, not through any sense of obligation. But..."
Rubbing her back, he softly shushed her. Closing her eyes, she breathed deeply and urged herself to relax. "What do we do, babe?" he asked softly.
"Come with to my next therapy session. My therapist wants to talk to you, explain more about my condition, and then we can discuss our next steps."
"You don't want to leave me?"
"I want to grow old with you, honey. I'm worried you'll want to divorce me."
"Never," he whispered, "You're my moon and my stars. We're going to grow old together, babe. It's just... The idea of not being intimate with you again..."
"I know it's not fair, but I have to be honest with myself, and doing that means being honest with the love of my life."
He hugged her for a long time as he was out of questions or simply away with his thoughts. She'd just dumped a lot on him. She knew his heart would be broken, to hear his wife would happily not have sex again. She no doubt had other thoughts. Was she having an affair? She knew he'd now be thinking that. But the idea of cuckolding the man she loved? The very idea was abhorrent.
Then again, what her therapist had suggested would mean a slight adjustment of their vows if they agreed.
It had been an emotionally exhausting evening for them both. Having been on tenterhooks for a couple of weeks, the idea that she'd now be relaxed didn't happen. Stripping off before getting into bed, she knew getting dressed in something sexy, turning on her husband, would be unfair on him. So she slipped on a t-shirt over her panties. It was one of his shirts, so it was long enough to cover her arse.
Sliding into bed next to her, he turned off the light and immediately pulled her into his body. He would have felt the hot tears falling on his shoulder as she clutched him tighter than ever. "It's okay, babe," he whispered, "We'll figure it out together." Pausing, he added, "Guess it explains the lack of sex though."
"I'm sorry," she whispered, relieved when he immediately cuddled her tighter.
"Cathy, you were dealing with something important. While I was growing, well, frustrated, if I had known... Secrets are not good for a marriage."
"I know. That's why you're coming with me to my next session. No more secrets, I promise."
Having got what she needed off her chest, she slept like a log that night in the arms of her husband. Waking up spooned back against him, she felt his erection pressing into her and immediately felt guilt. It was something she felt most mornings when waking, but she sighed as memories of what she confessed the previous night flooded back. Then she felt him kiss her cheek.
"Morning, babe."
"Morning, honey."
"Is this okay? Cuddling and kissing?"
"I feel loved right now, in the arms of my husband. But I never have that innate desire to... To be physical, Mark."
"Never?"
"I had around half a dozen boyfriends before you, Mark. I never felt anything for them like I felt for you. Sex was horrible. I hated every moment. I managed to find enjoyment in it with you because I love you so much, and because you put all your love for me into being intimate, but I can't keep putting myself through it."
"We'll figure something out, babe. We're a team."
She rolled over onto her other side and kissed him. "I love you, honey. Please never doubt that."
"I don't doubt it at all."
Getting out of bed, her husband showered first before she followed him. Getting dressed, they helped get the kids up and ready for school. Mark always left before the kids, and she was only required at her job at 9am, leaving no later than 3pm. Walking him to the door, she hugged him tightly as she did every morning, the kiss loving as always. None of that peck on the cheek nonsense. She loved her husband and wanted to show that in any was possible she was comfortable with.
She was surprised when he arrived home on Friday night a little earlier than normal, and her parents arrived no more than fifteen minutes later. As soon as they walked in the door and stated they'd be babysitting, she looked at her husband and smiled.
"Date night," he stated, "Now while you look stunning as always, we're going out dinner and dancing."
"Give me, um... I need to shower. Do my hair."
"Babe, it's okay. No reservations but we are going to your favourite restaurant."
She kissed him again. "I'll be ready as quickly as I can."
She was fairly sure that her father asked him if was in trouble, hearing him laugh while his mother asked her father when she was getting a night out for dinner and dancing. She was already in the bathroom before he replied. Once she was done with the shower, Mark took his turn before they got dressed. He didn't take too long, leaving her in peace to do her hair and face.
Noticing his eyes light up, Cathy did a little pirouette before he walked towards her. Taking her by the hand, he told her parents that they'd be home at a reasonable time. Kissing their children goodnight, the fact he was driving told her that he wasn't going to drink too much, telling herself she'd limit herself to a glass or two of wine.
The food at her favourite restaurant was exquisite as always. Conversation flowed easily as always. Fifteen years of marriage and knowing each other for eighteen years, they could still talk for hours about anything that came to mind. Neither seemed willing to discuss what was discussed earlier in the week to start before she finally had to ask, "Is tonight because of what I told you earlier?"
"Tonight is simply to take my wife out on a date and show her that I still love her, no matter what."
"Mark, I think you're almost too understanding about this."
"I don't really understand when you told me the other night, so I've done the smart thing and done a little research. However, I figured I'd save most questions for when we sit down in therapy. Still on for Tuesday next week?"
"Yes. Doctor Fraser, well, Amelia, she knows you'll be coming. She'll explain my orientation even better than I can, then she will start making some suggestions that I've already agreed to."
"I hesitate to ask..."
She took his hand and squeezed it, giving him a warm smile. "All your questions will be answered on Tuesday afternoon, honey. I promise."
"Can I ask a really blunt and perhaps vulgar question?"
"You can ask me anything."
"Um, when we're being intimate... You still... You know, got excited..."
She leaned forward, feeling her cheeks grow warm. "You mean I get nice and wet for my husband?"
"Yeah," he replied softly, enjoying the slight blush that appeared.
"I might not desire sex, Mark, but my husband could still push my buttons enough that my body would naturally react. And in the moment, I wanted to give myself to you. It's biology and psychology working together."
"I'm still a little confused. You never gave me any indication you were uncomfortable, and that just made me feel..."
She squeezed his hand again. "Mark, honey, I promise you one thing. You've never hurt me. You've never made me do anything I wasn't willing to do for you. The issue is with me and me alone. Trust me on this, there is a way to get around this. Amelia will explain everything."
He didn't take her to a club but the place they ended up played music that they could dance to. Holding her in his strong arms, she rested her head against his chest and closed her eyes, almost feeling his heart beating as he caressed her back. Anyone watching would have seen a married couple still deeply in love. She also felt his excitement for her and again felt that pang of guilt. There was still that part of her brain that wanted to give herself physically to him but it had been getting more difficult every passing year.
Returning home at a reasonable time, the kids were already in bed, her father asleep in an armchair, her mother wide awake, watching the evening news. They escorted her parents out to their car, thanking them for the late arrangement of watching the kids. Her parents waved off the thanks, assuring the pair that they'd always be willing to babysit at a moment's notice.
The weekend passed as normal. The kids played sport on a Saturday morning. She took Chloe to netball. He took Charlie to soccer. They'd meet up for lunch once their games were over and decide how to pass the afternoon. Being near to mid-year and winter, they chose to return home and stay warm.
Lying in bed with him on Sunday morning, snuggling under the blankets as it had to be a cold night, she remembered years ago that they'd often make love on a Sunday morning after enjoying Saturday night together. She was left thinking when they'd last fooled around, let alone on Sunday morning. She knew her husband still loved and desired her completely.
"Honey?"
"Yeah?"
"Do you need to, you know, take care of yourself?"
The fact he chuckled was actually a relief. "Well, since things have slowed down recently, I've found myself having to do it quite a bit recently. Luckily, I'm quite the expert at doing it."
"When do you do it?"
"Usually in the shower in the morning. I have a very good imagination."
"Do you think about me?"
"Most of the time." Then he tickled her to cut off any further questions about who else he might think about, only stopping when she screamed that she was about to pee her panties. He said something rather crude about that which only made her laugh out loud, a playful slap on his shoulder to behave himself. Cuddling back into him once she'd calmed down, he added, "It's okay, babe. We'll get through this."
"Do you want to have sex with me now?"
"Honestly?" She nodded, knowing he'd feel her nod. "Babe, you're my wife. I'm as attracted to you today as I was the day we met. I have always loved having sex with you. So, yes, I want sex with you right now. I wanted to have sex last night, the night before... The night you told me your secret, yeah, that pretty much killed my libido for a few hours. Can't help it though, babe. You're a total fox and your husband is still crazy about you."
She cried in his arms. He kissed her softly and comforted her. All she could do was sob and state how much she still loved him. "I'm sorry," she whispered with her head burrowed into his neck.
"As I said, it's how you feel, babe. You can't help it. I'm guessing it's something in your brain. Chemicals or something."
If she thought about it, he was even more affectionate with her since that night. He'd always been a romantic, heart on his sleeve sort of man when it came to her, but it was almost like he was reassuring her that, no matter what, he wasn't going to leave her. The house was in a good mood. Even their usually moody teenage daughter picked on the rather happy air around the house and actually conversed with her parents without pitching a massive strop.
Monday passed normally but she didn't sleep well that night, awake half the night, contemplating the ramifications of their meeting with her therapist the next day. What she knew is that her husband couldn't remain celibate the rest of his life. It wasn't fair on him. He was a forty-year-old male, peak fitness, charming, handsome, and there was no missing his cock still worked very well. Despite not having the desire, she could admit he always felt wonderful. Orgasms with her husband still felt great.
She knew it wasn't a hormonal thing, like it seems some women approaching middle-age experienced. It was the same feeling she'd had since maturing, remembering conversations with friends over the years, how much they talked about wanting sex, enjoying sex, desiring sex. She'd never felt any sort of urge. She wanted to feel loved. She felt love herself. That was different to sex.
Sitting in the waiting room, she sensed his presence next to him as she played with her phone, that usual comforting arm around her as she leaned into him. "It'll be okay," he assured her.
Amelia Fraser appeared in the doorway to her office. Introducing herself to Mark, Cathy didn't miss the brief look up and down her husband. She felt a brief spark of jealousy. She always did whenever a woman was sizing him up. He found it rather amusing when she made a comment or two about a woman who was obviously showing interest. He'd just flatter his wife in return, making her smile or blush.
Sitting down together after asking if they'd like a drink, she was nursing a mug of tea, her husband a mug of coffee, as they kept the conversation light until they finally got to the crux of why they were there. She sat quietly as Amelia spent most of the time briefly explaining her sessions with his wife, and with her permission, explained in some detail certain aspects of their conversations.
"The most important concern of Catherine, apart from figuring herself out, is to ensure you are not left hurt due to the outcomes of her therapy. Now that Catherine can finally admit her orientation, or her sexuality, there is now the question of how this will impact your marriage and, in particular, your sexual relationship. Now, as I understand, you talked last week and Catherine explained her lifelong lack of desire for sex, and that you are the only man she's even felt a hint of sexual attraction towards."
"That's correct."
"You are still sexually attracted to your wife?"
"God yes. I've been in love with her for nearly eighteen years, but I've lusted and desired her for just as long."
"If I asked you to have sex in front of me now, would you?"
"I would only if she agreed but I'd have sex with her in the middle of the CBD if she wanted to."
"How did you feel when she confessed? Be completely honest. Catherine needs to hear it."
"Hurt, I guess. Hearing your wife doesn't actually desire you sexually is a bit of a kick in the gut. I know she's attracted to me in a romantic sense was a relief, that she still loves me and is in love with me, but sex is an important part of any relationship, so I was immediately left wondering how things will continue now. I don't like the idea of my wife forcing herself to have sex with me. I said it left me feeling like a rapist in some way. Cathy said she was giving herself to me, but that means I just take all the time."
"No, you give yourself to me too," Cathy replied softly, already dabbing at her eyes with a tissue.
"I guess I'm just left a little confused," Mark continued, "I want to have sex with my wife. I'd love to have sex with her every damned day. I love her, and in addition to all the little romantic things I love to do for her, sex is the most intimate way of showing love for each other. But I won't accept it from her if she's having to force herself to do it."
"Would you consider divorcing your wife?"
He gripped her hand, giving it a soft squeeze. "I won't give up on our marriage that quickly. I know people divorce for far less. But I just don't know what else we can do."
"How often do you masturbate?"
The question made him laugh, earning a giggle from his wife. It was asked so bluntly; the reaction was natural. "Well, despite the fact my sex drive should have dried up by now, according to some people, I still spank the monkey at least once a day, usually in the morning."
"He does it in the shower," Cathy added.
"You're still sexually attracted to your wife?"
"Hell yes. Look at her, Amelia. She's a stunner. I know she knows it too."
"Here's a more difficult question. Do you look at other women?"
"Of course, though never when I'm out with Cathy. That would be disrespectful. Nothing wrong with a little window shopping when I'm out by myself though. I would barely consider talking to them let alone doing anything else. I'm a married man. But if a cute woman walks on by, I'll have a cheeky glance, at least."
"Sex is important to you in a relationship?"
"I think sex is important for most people in a relationship. I've read enough horror stories about those people stuck in what they all 'dead bedrooms', men or women losing their sex drive, ending up more like roommates than lovers."
"When did you and your wife have sex?"
He glanced her way. She squeezed his hand this time and nodded. "Three months ago, at least," he replied softly, hearing the sadness, almost defeat in his tone.
"Who usually initiates sex?"
"I always did," he admitted, "I guess I know why now."
Amelia stopped asking all her questions, reviewing her notes. Cathy knew what was coming next. It had been discussed for a few weeks. She had come to accept the idea as the best compromise, but knowing how much her husband loved her, she wasn't sure he could accept it. Clearing her throat, she returned her attention to her therapist.
"Mark, your wife and I discussed various resolutions to this problem. I bluntly recommended a divorce so you can find a woman who matches your sexuality, orientation and libido. However you want to classify it, your wife is what you'd call heteroromantic but has no desire for sex. It's that simple. I know you love your wife as much as she loves you, but as you stated, sex is an important aspect to a relationship, and I can only imagine that the longer you go without sex, the resentment may perhaps build, and your loving relationship could start to falter."
"I don't want a divorce," Cathy whispered.
"Neither do I," Mark added, "But I'm not sure where we go from here."
"There was a myriad of options but, in the end, the answer is quite simple. You will continue to have a loving, romantic relationship with your wife while your sexual requirements are satisfied elsewhere."
"What?"
"I'm going to find you some lovers, honey," Cathy stated.
He turned to look at her, opening and closing his mouth more than once before he finally asked, "You're serious? Isn't that cheating on you?"
"No. I can no longer fulfil one of my requirements, let's call it, as your wife and partner, and I won't accept my husband missing out on sex because of my own feelings. I won't accept divorcing the man I'm still in love with. I won't accept breaking up a loving home. We can get through this, Mark."
"Lovers?"
"Yes. I say lovers because I can't have you sleeping with someone too often in case you fall for them."
"Babe, you're talking about me stepping outside our marriage here. I'm going to need time to think about this."
She made sure he met her eyes. "Mark, this won't be some sort of sordid rump in a hotel room. We will choose whoever it is together. They will be invited into our bedroom. I will be with you the entire time. But your lover won't just be there to be... to be fucked. We will treat her with love and respect, ensure she is not made to feel cheap while sharing our bed. It won't just be the act of sex."
His eyes blinked in surprise at her words. "So you've given this some thought?" he finally asked.
"It was actually Catherine's suggestion," Amelia replied, "She wants you to continue having sex, Mark, but no longer feels capable of giving herself to you in such a manner. She still wants to feel your love in every other way. Kissing. Cuddling. Sleeping in your arms. Date nights. Those little romantic gestures you make each and every day. That is all still intimate. But the physical act of sex..."
"Do I have to decide now?"
Cathy giggled at how nervous he sounded, though she understood why. "No, Mark. Take all the time you need to think about it, but I want this for you. I might feel a little jealous from time to time, but I need to ensure my husband has his sexual needs met."
He remained silent, watching his eyes flick between herself and Amelia. "Um, can I think about this and perhaps talk to a couple of people?"
"Of course. I don't intend on keeping this a secret any longer, Mark. I don't want our friends and family believing you're cheating on me. If you need to chat with a friend or two, I don't mind you explaining and getting advice. This is an unusual situation."
"And relying on friends is a good thing, Mark," Amelia added, "Neither of you are doing this alone. Catherine is now feeling confident enough to explain how she feels, and you will both need understanding from your support networks to ensure your relationship and marriage remains as strong as it is."
He glanced away from her to her therapist. "And you believe this won't impact our marriage?"
Amelia didn't reply for a couple of seconds. "It will be difficult for both of you at first, and I'm sure you'll both realise that once you come to an agreement. Bringing another person into the marital bed is never an easy thing. It will be a test of your love and commitment to each other. But Catherine is more than willing to do this for you, Mark. She has insisted more than once that this is the best way forward so your sexual needs are met. Outside of the bed, she will meet all your other needs, as you will meet hers."
Silence descended again before he took a couple of deep breaths. "Let me think about it."
"Of course," Amelia replied, "And if you need any further advice, give me a call. But as you've already suggested, talk to people you trust. They'll likely be surprised but there's nothing wrong with listening to the advice of others."
Stopping to get some dinner on the way home, she watched her husband as he was quieter than normal, though she couldn't blame him. What made her smile is that he never let go of her hand. One of the many times she was thankful he drove an automatic. With all the modern gizmos on a car, he could steer with one finger.
Pulling up in the driveway, he put the car in park, pulled on the handbrake, before he looked at her. "I love you, Catherine. Always have, always will."
She kissed him. It was the only way she could answer without bursting into tears again.
*****
Mark
It was a Thursday night. Once a fortnight, he'd join his best mates for a couple of beers and a few darts matches at the nearby leagues club. It was something he'd been doing for years, Cathy happy for him to do it as she knew he needed time to unwind. She'd do the same thing with her friends once a fortnight on a Tuesday night.
Nursing a schooner of beer as they gathered around the table, Mark was understandably quiet as it had been a little over a week since that therapy session where he'd learned about his wife. Since that night, he'd continued to show as much love to his wife as normal. He was still head over heels in love with her. She still snuggled against him every night. They still kissed each other with passion as always.
"Okay, mate, what's going on?" Mike asked. Best mate of over twenty years. The guy he would lean on whenever a problem cropped up. "You're never usually this quiet and it's obvious something's on your mind."
Glancing around the table into the faces of the three men he'd trust with his life. "I'm not really sure how to explain it?"
"Wife issues?" Brad wondered, slight grins and chuckles shared by the others.
"Yes, but not in the way you'd imagine."
The three shared a glance. "Shit, she's not having an affair, is she?"
Shaking his head, Mark replied, "No, mate, not an affair. Something very different to that. Um, so she's been seeing a therapist for a little while and she's admitted to feeling different about things."
The three shared another glance. "Is she a lesbian now?" Dave wondered, and it wasn't a joke. Though the four of them were still happily married, many knew of husbands who'd discovered wives having an affair, one or two coming out of the closet after a decade or two of marriage. Little wonder the three were looking concerned, wondering if their friend would be the first of their small group to suffer a divorce.
Mark grinned. "No, she's not a lesbian. Not having an affair. Nothing like that." He paused and thought. "Basically, she's got a condition, let's call it, and the outcome of that is that she no longer wants to... um... You know, have relations with her husband. But the thing that's playing on her mind is what she's offered because of that."
They all shared a glance, understanding what 'have relations' means. Despite what women think, men didn't actually talk about their sex lives constantly, particularly if they were happily married. Mike went with the safe question. "What's she offered?"
Mark chuckled nervously, scratching his cheek. "Well, she's basically said that, because of how she feels, and it's something that's basically been life-long, she's going to allow me to take on a lover or two to satisfy certain needs."
Many would have expected his friends to have knowing grins. You know, nudge nudge, wink wink. Our friend here is getting the chance to play away. But the three knew how much Mark loved his wife. Their marriage was seen as incredibly strong. Catherine rarely talked to other men except those who were also married. She never flirted with any other man than her husband. No-one would tolerate either of them cheating on the other.
"Big thing if she's offered that," Brad suggested.
"It is, and it's been the only thing on my mind since last week. Catherine offered this to me because there is part of our relationship we can no longer fulfil."
"Has she discussed this with anyone else?"
"Your wives will know, so if they mention it, we know there will be gossip. We agreed this is something that we won't be able to keep secret for long, which is why I'm discussing it now. I honestly don't know what to do. I love my wife, but the idea of never, you know, being intimate again."
"Is it one of those new sexualities or something?" Dave wondered.
"Yeah, something I've never heard of before." He sighed, running fingers through his hair. Mike immediately asked him to wait, returning with a stiff drink for him, a friendly pat on the shoulder. "It's embarrassing for both of us, more so for her because I know she feels less of a wife, even a woman. What I know is that I can't go the rest of my life without being intimate with someone in a particular way most couples enjoy."
"You're being cryptic but we understand, mate," Mike stated, "So Catherine suggested you... um, sleep with someone else because of her condition?"
"Yeah. And I'm sure plenty of guys would love the idea. But I love my wife. I made vows in front of our friends and family. So did she, and because of her condition, she feels she's breaking 'the contract' so to speak, so is giving me permission to fulfil certain needs outside the marriage contract."
"Any idea how it would work?" Brad asked.
"We haven't discussed that yet as I haven't agreed. I wanted to get some advice. I've spoken to my parents. They were rather taken aback by it. Didn't really understand her condition when I tried to explain it. But I also learned my parents still have relations..." Chuckling, he added, "Something I didn't need to know about, but they're clearly still in love with each other."
He felt a little better after talking to his friends when standing outside later that evening, waiting for his wife to pick him up. She arrived a few minutes later, sliding onto the passenger seat, kissing her as always, before she drove them home, holding hands the entire way.
In bed after he'd had a quick shower, she snuggled into him like she did every night. Arm wrapped around her, feeling her hand stroking his chest, he was still away with his thoughts. "Anyone on your mind?" he finally asked.
"Someone I know, trust and love, honey."
"Who?"
"My best friend."
That made him almost sit up in bed. "You mean Julie?" Feeling her nod, he asked, "Are you sure?"
"She's divorced, still single after two years, lonely, and needs to feel loved. She's never felt the urge to sleep around with guys, but she said she'll get tested first."
"Oh, so... You mean..."
"She's on birth control. I want you to enjoy the same sex with her as you would with me. I've given this a lot of thought, honey. Friday night will be date night with me. Saturday night, you'll take both of us out then we'll come home, and you'll make love. I'll be on the bed with you so I can share the experience. Julie knows this already." Feeling her squeezing him, she added, "I'm not just limiting you to sex once a week, Mark, but I guess it will have to be a little more regimented. No more spontaneous sex, at least to start."
"Julie?" he asked, unable to hide his surprise.
"It was either her or my sister. I thought you'd prefer someone not under the family umbrella."
"Your sister does look similar to you as well. I'd probably call her the wrong name."
"Doubt she'd be offended. I was going to mention it to her, but I wasn't sure how you'd feel about it. She is younger than me and still very attractive."
"Well, she is single too." She giggled as he hugged her a little tighter. "This is a little weird," he admitted.
"I was thinking we get on one of those dating apps, but I wasn't sure how I'd feel about bringing a complete stranger here. It's why I immediately discounted you using escorts. I didn't want you having meaningless sex. Julie is your friend as well as mine. Yes, adding sex is going to be awkward to start with, but once I mentioned this idea to her, I won't say she leapt at the idea, but she certainly understands what is going on and is willing to try for both of us." She paused before adding, "It helps that she really needs to get laid as well, and I've been very complimentary about your skill in the bedroom."
"Thanks... I think..."
"So how about next Saturday? You need sex, honey. I know you do. Next Friday, we'll go out for dinner and enjoy ourselves. On Saturday, Julie will join us, then we'll return here and you can enjoy yourself."
"And you'll be here with me?"
"Mark, I'll be snuggling up to you like I do every night after you've made love with Julie."
"And Julie?"
"Will be staying too. I said it won't be just sex, and I'm not having your lover kicked out immediately after having sex."
He was silent for a while before stating quietly, "This is still a little weird."
Thankful that she giggled, his wife agreed but it was the best course of action. She assured him that she loved him and that this was something she wanted for him. Unable to give herself to him any longer, she knew there would be more than one woman who'd love to share his bed. He knew this would put tremendous strain on their marriage and could only hope it wouldn't blow up in their faces.
The next week passed as normally as every other week of their marriage. Mornings were spent getting ready for work, the kids for school. He went to work for his usual eight to ten hours. She went to work for her usual six to seven hours. The kids seemed to be happy and well behaved. They spoke to friends and family. Evenings were spent cuddled together on the lounge before they retired to bed.
What changed for him was a request on Wednesday night. He'd told her she usually masturbated in the morning. Lying in bed together, spooning back against him, he couldn't help being turned on by his wife. He was thankful he still found her so arousing.
"Need to jerk off?" she asked rather bluntly.
He managed to hold back a burst of laughter. "Um... I mean, yeah, I'm hard and horny right now."
"Need some inspiration?"
To his surprise, she spun around to face him, kissed him on the cheek, before she stripped naked. She did nothing else. Didn't masturbate or touch herself, but her body alone aroused him. Then she started to talk dirty to him. What surprised him is that she didn't only talk about herself. She mentioned Julie and her sister, then started mentioning other women he could possibly share a bed with and all the things he could do.
No wonder he didn't last long until he came. She headed out of the room quickly, returning with a washcloth to help clean him up. In his arms again a few minutes later, she started to shake, holding her even tighter in his arms. "I'm sorry," she whispered.
"You're here with me right now, babe, and you were here with me just then. And I never took my eyes off you. We'll get through it together."
"We'll do that more often, honey. Even when taking care of your needs, I should be there with you."
"So... We'll shower together in the morning?"
"Most of the time, yes. I have no problem being naked with you. And you make me feel beautiful every day."
He received one hell of a treat on Friday. That morning, he was with his wife as he took care of himself, though he kissed her the entire time, her hands caressing his upper body, and he received the same treatment when they showered before heading out later for their date. Dinner was at another of their favourite restaurants. Whenever they were not eating, they held hands, constant smiles, delighted in making her giggle at one of his anecdotes. After dinner was dancing, and he couldn't help getting erect when holding his wife in his arms.
"I'd be disappointed if I didn't feel it," she whispered, "Julie is going to be a lucky woman tomorrow night."
"How much have you told her?" he had to ask.
"Well, I said you loved eating me out, and you always made sure I enjoyed a few orgasms during a night of lovemaking. She assured me she'd be primped and prepared."
"Babe, do you not need anything from me in a certain way?"
She leaned back slightly and smiled at him. "No, honey. Everything I need from you; I'm getting right now. And when I'm in bed with tomorrow, I know you'll be getting exactly what you need with Julie. It's going to be awkward the first few times, we both know that." Leaning closer to him, he leaned down as she whispered into his ear, "I can't wait to see you fuck my best friend, Mark. She's going to have such a great time, and I know you're going to love it too. She's going to love your big cock."
He blushed as she giggled at his reaction. "You're one of a kind, Cathy. One of a kind."
"I love my husband and it's my duty to cater for all his needs. If I can't fulfil a certain need, then I will ensure I find someone who can."
Showering together again later that evening, it was a repeat of the morning. He still felt as close to his wife as ever, and even though he was taking care of himself, just having her with him felt almost enough. But he knew he needed more than that. He needed to feel her body in the most intimate way possible but he knew he couldn't force that issue. So he resigned himself to the agreement and would make the best of it.
Things were slightly awkward after arriving home the next lunchtime after taking their kids to their usual sports filled mornings. They swapped smiles as always, but the conversation was a little more muted than normal, aware of what would be happening in a few hours' time. His parents arrived to collect the kids before they started to get ready.
The three had agreed that they would dress casually as they already knew each other, and the entire night was pretty much planned. That meant he could just go with the usual jeans and a nice shirt combination, while Cathy chose a blouse and skirt, sensible shoes on her feet, styling her hair a little, faint make-up. Mark still thought she looked stunning, though he told her more than once she'd make a potato sack on her body look sexy.
Driving over to Julie's place, they held hand as always, though conversation remains stilted. Mark would admit to being nervous. Cathy simply wanted the night to go well, and hoped her husband got exactly what he needed. In the back of her mind was someone being hurt, and she knew it could be any of the three of them.
Knocking on Julie's front door, she opened it, everyone exchanging smiles and pleasantries. Julie wore a gorgeous dress, thin straps over her shoulders, hem at her knees. Just a hint of cleavage. Her perfume was delightful, both complimenting her on her taste. Her ex-partner was minding her children for the evening, Mark having admitted to being glad that her husband hadn't been a close friend before her divorce.
The three were obviously nervous when arriving at the restaurant they'd chosen for dinner. Cathy made sure Julie sat next to her husband. It took a few minutes before they were comfortable. He kept an eye on his wife as he allowed himself to feel any sort of natural attraction to Julie, and she couldn't stop smiling shyly at him in return.
It was during desert that he made his first move, resting a hand on her thigh. Julie glanced at him before looking at her best friend. "It's fine, Julie. I promise. It's not going to be awkward."
Mark stayed quiet as he stroked her thigh before he moved his arm up to wrap around her waist. Julie turned her head in time to receive the first kiss of the evening. He pulled back after a few seconds to find her blushing and smiling. He returned the smile before glancing over at his wife, offering his hand for her to hold too.
Dancing with two women at once was certainly an experience, but after whispered words into Julie's ear, Cathy walked away to the table they'd managed to grab as he remained dancing with Julie. "Awkward?" he asked.
"At first. Feeling a lot more comfortable."
"Me too. Are you okay with tonight?"
"Mark, a couple of things. One, I haven't had sex in far too long. Two, you're probably the most handsome man I know and I'm not the only woman who'd love to share your bed. Three, I love Cathy like a sister and I'm doing this for her as much as I am for you. I can't imagine how you both feel right now. I just don't want to the catalyst for any divorce."
"You won't be. I won't be divorcing my wife. My only concern is that this will be too difficult for her in the end."
He swapped dancing between his wife and her best friend. Other men attempted to dance with whoever was free. Cathy would never dance with another man, in his presence or not. Julie said she was with them as they were what they called a throuple.
Heading home earlier than normal, he offered them a glass of wine as they settled in for the evening. Pouring himself a stiff drink, with a mixer, he sat between the pair as the conversation again turned a little awkward. The three knew why they were there but it was a case of getting over the hump. He finally drained his glass and kissed his wife with all the passion and love he felt for her. She finally gently pushed him back.
"Focus on Julie," she stated, "I'm not going anywhere, Mark. She's here for you tonight and I think many nights going forward."
Turning towards Julie, she returned a shy smile as he took her in his arms and kissed her. It didn't take long for things to get hot and heavy. He felt Cathy's hands on him too, not being completely absent for the time being, but she would remain aloof once they moved to the bedroom. He did turn and kissed his wife a couple of more times, professing his love for her each time. She returned those words before suggesting it was time to move to the bedroom.
Getting naked in front of Julie was a little nerve shredding having not been naked in front of another woman in a number of years. He received plenty of compliments before he helped Julie out of her dress. He was thankful that Julie looked different in numerous ways. Taller at around five-six to Cathy's five-three. Brunette compared to Cathy's red hair. Blue eyes to Cathy's green. Darker complexion to Cathy's pale, slightly freckled skin. Larger breasts though he'd always loved his wife's smaller chest. She was slimmer as Cathy had kept some of her curves after pregnancy. And once she was nude, she'd shaved herself, something Cathy had never done herself, only being shaved when giving birth.
"I did that for tonight," Julie admitted, "I wasn't sure how you'd like it, and Cathy suggested I do something different to her."
Cathy had never been one to deny him blowjobs but he knew she wasn't comfortable doing it most of the time. Now that he knew how she really felt, he was thankful he'd never forced her to ever do it. In fact, after he'd cum, he was usually rather thankful. Julie leapt on his cock with desire to make him happy, on her knees before him. Cathy sat on the bed, still dressed, holding his hand while his other caressed Julie's hair.
"Is she good, honey?"
"Fuck... I should have jerked off before dinner!" The two women giggled as he leaned over to kiss his wife. "Thank you for this, babe. I'm not sure how I'll ever thank you enough."
Glancing down at his lover, Julie had a smile in her eyes as she seemed desperate to please him in return. Warning he was close, he was expecting to either cum on herself, or she'd grab tissues or something. But he received a nice surprise when he felt her lips practically seal around his shaft, fingers almost milking his balls, as he eventually exploded in her mouth.
"Swallow it," Cathy stated, "Swallow his gift, Julie. Show him how much you want him too."
Glancing at his wife, he guessed she was going to involve herself in other ways. The idea of his wife taking charge of his lovers in such a way turned her on even more. Made her even more attractive in his eyes. He'd given it thought and he didn't mind her taking charge of who'd he would take on as a lover. It was only fair considering he would be the one sleeping with others instead of his wife.
Helping Julie to her feet, he kissed her as they quickly ended up on the bed, Cathy now stripping off to her underwear as Mark returned the favour, his fingers and mouth all over Julie's body. She was soon moaning and whimpering as he gave her larger breasts plenty of attention, loving how hard and long her nipples were, figuring out rather quickly they were sensitive and practically linked to her pussy.
Her scent was intoxicating as he kissed down her body, spreading her legs wider as he buried his face. Julie moaned and cried out as he ate her out. "Is he good, Jules?"
"My god, Cathy..." He noticed the two friends were holding hands. "Are you watching this and feeling nothing?"
He noticed his wife wiping her cheeks when she shook her head. "Nothing. It's beautiful to watch but I feel no desire. Nothing at all. I should be turned on, at least."
Julie cried out again, Mark grinning to himself as she climaxed for the first time. "You weren't wrong, he loves eating pussy!"
Cathy giggled. "He always wanted me to feel good before we made love."
Mark loved going down on his wife but found the idea of savouring a new taste to be very enjoyable. And Julie wasn't a passive lover, her fingers holding his head in place as she practically drove her pussy into his mouth, and if it wasn't for him holding onto one thigh, she'd have squeezed his head as she climaxed a third time.
Lifting his head when she needed a break, he glanced at his wife, who immediately giggled at the state of his face, wiping his chin. He would have kissed her, but she probably wouldn't appreciate her friend's pussy on her lips and tongue.
"Do you need his cock, Julie?"
"Yes," she whimpered, feeling his kisses back up her body.
"Are you going to keep my husband satisfied going forward until you find your own man again?"
"I love you, Cathy. I'll do whatever you want, but I need this too."
"I know you do, Jules. I love you too. It's why I asked you to do this for us."
Mark couldn't help grin as he slowly slid his cock inside Julie. And watching her face and reaction, it was obvious to him that she loved what she felt inside her. As he started to thrust, he noticed his wife taking off her bra and panties, shuffling closer to the action. Julie's hands were occupied, so she leaned over and kissed him on the cheek.
"Make love to my friend, Mark. She's willing to give you whatever you need. Own her pussy like you own me entirely."
"Oh god," Julie cried as Mark was far too turned on and feeling desperate to cum inside her already.
"I'll find you more lovers, honey. I know you need sex. I wish I could be like this for you." She giggled as she added, "I'll pimp you out."
"Are you enjoying this?" Julie moaned.
"My husband looks delighted, and my best friend is making love with someone I know she had a connection with. This is a beautiful and wonderful thing, Jules." She leaned down and kissed her friend on the cheek. "I'm glad you're here for my husband."
"Me too," Julie whispered before Mark kissed her hard, "Fuck me, lover."
Mark growled as he started to pump his new lover hard. He hadn't slept with a different woman since the first night he'd taken Julie on a date. Neither had been the type to date around. They agreed from that first date that they'd see how things would go. Sex didn't come quickly but he'd been prepared to wait.
Feeling her legs wrap around him, fingers starting to dig into his back, Julie cried out as he was soon driving his cock harder and deeper. He'd never thought he was anything special, but Julie was suggesting he was quite thick. Whenever he looked at Cathy, she returned a look of unconditional love, the same look she'd always give him during their marriage.
Returning his eyes to Julie, there was no end of lust and desire in her eyes. He picked up the tempo further, desperate to fill her with his cum. He knew she was on the pill, knew she was safe and clean, and he knew this was something she'd genuinely wanted since the moment Cathy had made the offer. "Cum in me," she whispered, stroking his cheek, "Cum in me, Mark. I love the feel of you inside of me already."
"Cum in her, honey," Cathy added, "Cum in her and give her what she wants. I know you'll be ready to go again soon enough."
He didn't both holding back his orgasm, burying himself deep as he groaned, erupting inside Julie as she clutched onto him tightly, not wanting to spill a drop. She closed her eyes, feeling the onset of tears. It had been far too long since the last time had made love to her, and that's what it had felt with Mark. She wasn't lying there feeling cheap and used. She felt the love from both her best friend and her husband.
"Thank you," she whispered, "Though I'm not done with you just yet, Mark."
Having cum twice already, to his surprise, she managed to get him off twice more. She rode his cock for what felt like hours, and Julie couldn't help smile as Mark wrapped an arm around his wife as she cuddled closer to him, both watching her riding his cock, one orgasm rolling into another, as she felt his cock was just perfect. He allowed her complete control. To her surprise, when leaning down to kiss him, Cathy leaned over and left a soft kiss on her lips.
"Don't think too much. I'm just feeling the love too," she stated softly, before snuggling back into her husband.
He got hard again after he came inside her, though admitted he was unsure if could actually cum again. That's when Julie got onto her knees, leaned down and rested her head on a pillow, shaking her arse in his direction. "Now you're going to fuck me," she growled.
"Fuck her, Mark. You've made love, now it's time to just take her," his wife added, "Own her pussy like you've always owned mine."
By the time he was done with her, a shower was necessary. Showering with two women was incredibly erotic. Julie was half-asleep, admitting she was completely worn out. Cathy giggled again, gently grasping his cock and amused when it didn't react at all. "I'm knackered, babe," he stated, "I don't think anyone would revive it now."
Sleeping with two women was perhaps the fantasy of many young men. He'd never been particularly interested in threesomes or group sex, and neither he nor his wife had ever mentioned adding another man or woman to the bedroom. He'd certainly never suggest another man. Might have sounded hypocritical after the night they'd just shared, but that was how he felt.
Waking together in the morning led to a frank and honest conversation over breakfast. Cathy was delighted with what happened. Mark enjoyed the sex and found Julie to be a wonderful partner. Julie asked Cathy when she could visit again. Cathy smiled. "Whenever you want, Julie. You just can't move in with your own kids."
"Will I be his only lover?"
Cathy shook her head. "No, because if you have him too often, I'll worry..."
Julie took her hand. "Cathy, I'd never... And he'd never... It's not just sex, but he's in love with you..."
"I know he is, but do you understand why too?"
Julie nodded immediately. "I do, Cathy. And I wouldn't do anything to cause any issues for your relationship. But thank you both for last night. It was wonderful. Just what I needed."
Mark offered a hand to each woman. "Cathy, I love you, married you, and we're going to grow old together. But Jules, I loved last night. It was fantastic. Wonderful. And you were perfect. Absolutely perfect. I can't wait until we're together again. I just don't want to sound too eager..."
"You have a sex drive, honey," Cathy stated, "And what we're doing will reawaken it. Don't worry about a thing. This was just the first night. It'll be just fine going forward."
*****
Cathy
"Oh, fuck yes!" Julie cried out, "Fuck me, Mark. Own my arse!"
She'd never had anal sex with her husband. It was something she could never imagine enjoying, and she couldn't remember her husband ever asking for it. If she was honest, their sex life had always been rather vanilla. She hadn't blown him often but did it on occasion as she knew he enjoyed it. He always ate her out. He loved eating her pussy. And their lovemaking... She would admit, despite the lack of desire, he always made her feel completely loved each and every time.
Watching him mounting her friend, his thick cock buried in her arse, as he pounded her into oblivion, she almost wished she felt turned on by the sight. It was two months since that first night Julie had visited. To her surprise, it was Julie who offered anal sex, having never done it before herself. Cathy leapt at the idea, wanting her husband to have something that he'd never done before.
"Fucking hell," he growled, his eyes turning to meet his wife's eyes, "She's got a tight arse, babe. I might have to fuck her like this more often."
"Yes!" Julie cried, "You feel so big, Mark. My god, it feels so good."
Julie's hair was a complete mess. Her face glistened with sweat, as did the rest of her body. Her husband's muscles flexed as he was practically dominating her by now. His eyes were alive with desire. She knew he was attracted to Julie, that didn't concern her. Perhaps even loved her as a close friend. But he reassured her, every day, he was in love with his wife. He still romanced her all the time. She didn't worry about him sleeping with someone in secret.
"Cum in me!" Julie cried out, "Fill my arse, Mark. Own something no other man has had before."
He released a growl. Cathy almost winced at how hard he was fucking her best friend. But it was clear on Julie's face how much was loving it. Since they'd started fucking, her friend had never been happier. There was a small part of her concerned, which is why she was getting ready to finally introduce a second lover and slowly reduce Julie's time with her husband. She trusted them both implicitly, but she'd already explained any minor concerns to her husband. He agreed with her immediately, aware she was always the one going to be left feeling hurt if things went completely wrong with their agreement.
She smiled when he came inside her again. As rough as he'd been with her, he was immediately affection and caring once he'd slowly pulled out, disappearing for a minute before returning with a washcloth, wiping down her bum before he used another cloth to wipe down her body. He kissed her softly more than once as Julie giggled away. When he disappeared, Julie turned towards her.
"Thank you for tonight, Cathy. It's just what I needed."
"So did he, Julies. I'm glad you're here again. Nice idea with the anal. He was like a kid at Christmas."
"I never did that for anyone else. I thought it would be special because I know after tonight..."
Seeing her friend start to get upset was something she expected. Sliding closer, she hugged her best friend. "I'm sorry, Julies," she whispered.
"I'm not feeling anything like deep love. I love you both, Cathy. You know that. But if we keep having sex, I won't be able to stop myself as I'm already having certain feelings...." They both released a few tears. "You're my best friend. I love you."
"I love you too, Jules."
Mark returned to bed and lay down behind his wife, spooning against her as Julie snuggled against her best friend. That's how they slept that night. Julie complained about having a tender bum the next morning at breakfast, leading to plenty of chuckles. Julie had driven to their place the previous night for dinner and drinks before their bedroom antics. Cathy hugged her first when she was ready to leave before watching Mark hold her close as Julie smiled, resting her head against his chest, but the couple of tears rolling down her cheeks couldn't be missed.
Cathy knew Julie hadn't lied that she was getting attached. It was for the best that she takes the time to find a man of her own. She wasn't going to cut her friend off completely. Julie needed love like her husband, but if Mark had a choice, she knew he'd make perhaps the massive sacrifice to remain with his wife. But Cathy would admit that she'd never accept that.
The next weekend, Mark remained at home with the kids as she drove across the city to visit her sister. Charlotte was five years younger than her older sister, and they looked nothing alike. Blonde hair, brown eyes, larger bust, standing nearly five-nine. Her sister was also single with no kids. Never been married. She had been engaged twice. The first fiancé had cheated on her with a colleague from work. The second fiancé just upped and walked out three months before the wedding.
Despite the five-year age gap, the two sisters had always been close, Cathy providing a shoulder to lean on when her sisters two engagements collapsed on her. Since the last time, her sister had barely dated, focusing on her career instead. She didn't ask too many questions about what Charlotte did otherwise in her private life, whether was out living her good life, or was avoiding any sort of relationships.
"How are things at home?" Charlotte asked.
Cathy remembered that although discussing her sexual orientation, or lack of sexual interest and desire, with everyone, she hadn't gone into greater detail with her sister about it. She'd mentioned possibly inviting another women into the marital bed to ensure her husband's needs were met, but only her friends had been given more detail, considering everyone knew Julie, and word of the fact she was now sharing their bed a few times a week had already spread. Mark told her that he didn't discuss anything with his friends. Cathy admitted Julie and herself did talk about it, simply as her other friends were curious, and Cathy loved hearing Julie talk so lovingly about how Mark treated her.
"Lottie, you know how I told you a few months back that I'm asexual."
"Yeah, I've done a little looking into that. You're seriously not attracted..."
"No! It's not that," she interrupted, before immediately apologising, "I'm still in love with Mark, as much today as I was six months ago, as much as the day we were married. I just have no sexual desire at all."
"Yeah, I've read it can also be like that. So you don't want to have sex with anyone?"
Cathy giggled. "Trust me, my friends have tried to test me. Naming all these guys that I should be willing to drop my panties for. Nothing. Zero. Nada. Mark still dotes on me and he still gives me all the love I need, and though it's partially physical, we're no longer having actual sex."
Charlotte sipped at her drink, no doubt considering her next words carefully. "How the hell is he surviving then? I mean, he's a handsome forty-year-old man. I know all your friends think he's hot, even the married one's. Hell, I've always nursed a little crush on him, but I also see every single time the family is together that his eyes are only for you."
"Would you like to sleep with him?"
The question was so blunt, she wasn't surprised her sister nearly choked before she needed to cough a couple of times. "What? You're serious?"
Taking a deep breath, Cathy started to explain in greater detail what was going on with their lives now. The months of therapy she'd undergone to understand herself. The therapy that she'd also had with Mark. The agreement they'd made regarding their sex life, or lack of it going forward, but the added agreement that they would agree on who to invite to their bedroom.
"Charlotte," she stated, using her full name so her younger sister knew she was serious, "There are very few people on this planet I trust and love more than you. I also know you've suffered more than your share of heartache. I've watched Mark make love to Julie every single time, and she's now an incredibly confident woman, and I can only hope she now meets a man who makes her as happy as she's been with my husband. What I want to do with you is share my husband for a longer period."
"You're serious?"
"Completely. Mark will never leave me, I know that. He certainly wouldn't leave me for my sister. That's not a criticism of you, that's a measure of his integrity, and I know you'd never do anything to harm our marriage."
"But you want me to have sex with him?"
"I'm asking if you'd like to have sex with him. We'll do the first time similar to what we did with Julie. Friday night will be our date night. He will spend the entire night making me feel nothing but loved and adored, like he's done every day of our marriage. Saturday night, you will join us on a date. We will eat, laugh, drink, dance, or whatever come to mind, then we will return home and you and he will make love, while I will watch."
"You'll watch your husband make love?"
"I love watching simply because I know and can see the joy my husband is feeling. He is getting something I can no longer give him. I simply don't desire to be in Julie's place, and trust me on this, my husband knows how to please a woman." She watched her sisters' cheeks start to get a little red. Taking her hand, she gave it a squeeze. "I don't need an answer right now this minute, but I do want you to think about it seriously."
"What would Mark think?"
"He'd think about it seriously... Then he'd also think with his cock, see a beautiful young woman, and he'll love the idea of taking you to bed."
"And you won't mind?"
"Julie was first because she was my best friend, I love and trust her, she was single and needed to be loved. I'm asking you because you're all those things plus my sister."
"Will you tell our parents?"
"Probably. I don't want them to hear that Mark is nailing my sister without letting them know why."
"And you'll always be present?"
"Yes. And I know Mark would never, and I mean never, do anything like cheating on me. But, in a way, I am in control of his sex life."
She watched her sister drain her wine glass. "Um... So how often?"
"It's difficult with the children. Chloe is perhaps old enough to understand, but Charlie probably isn't. And neither of them will want to hear of their parents' sex life anyway, so we're doing our best to keep them unaware. They're spending more time with their grandparents or at sleepovers though."
Charlotte took a deep breath. "I really need to get laid, Cathy. Yes. God yes. But it's not just that. I want to help my sister and brother-in-law too."
"This Saturday?" Charlotte blushed, smiled, but nodded her head. "Good. I'll tell Mark and I'm sure he'd be delighted."
Returning home after a couple of glasses of wine with her sister, she waited until the kids were in bed, taking Mark by the hand and leading them to their bedroom, waiting until they were undressed and in bed before she told him what she hoped he would think was good news. When she told him that Charlotte was interested in being his partner, he admitted to slight surprise, more due to Cathy agreeing to it rather than his sister.
"Are you sure you're okay with it?" he asked, clearly needing reassurance.
"I love my sister, honey. And she's had her heart broken more than once. She needs a good man to show her some love."
"Okay. Next weekend?"
"Yes."
"Date night on Friday?"
"Of course."
"I love you, babe."
She snuggled into him as always. "I love you too, honey."
Charlotte did visit twice during the week, an unusual occurrence, but their children were delighted to see their auntie. She also made sure that Mark and her sister spent some time alone together, Cathy usually in the kitchen, eavesdropping occasionally but they never started anything physical. Charlotte was interested in his reaction to everything, trying to understand further their agreement from his point of view, asking of his sexual relationship with Julie, and what expectations he may have had from her.
Friday night was date night with her husband. They did something different, dinner then a movie. Acting like a pair of teenagers, they spent most of the movie making out. She sensed his hesitation in feeling her up so grabbed his wrist and placed it at her breast. "It's okay, honey," she whispered, "We're just playing here."
"I guess we did get together in our early twenties and missed out on this aspect of dating when younger."
Snuggling against him later in bed, just his hands on her breasts had felt really nice, but she recognised he didn't push it further by trying to touch her anywhere else. If she'd given the signal, he'd have had a hand up her dress in no time. "Honey," she whispered.
"Yes, babe?" he asked, hearing he was half-asleep.
"Would you like to do anything with me?"
She giggled as he as no doubt surprised by the question. "Of course, babe."
"Were you holding back in the cinema?"
"Of course, because, well, I didn't know how far you'd allow me to go. But I'd have totally felt you up if you gave me the signal."
Turning around, she kissed him softly and snuggled into his chest. "Sorry if I'm giving mixed signals, honey. I don't mean to."
"It's fine. But you will have to be explicit with me if you are going to give yourself to me. I'm simply living under the assumption that part of our life is now completely off the table."
"I wasn't feeling desire but I was thinking it would be nice to be intimate so you could enjoy time with me. But I just couldn't..."
She felt him hug her tighter, gently shushing her again. "Don't force it or yourself," he said softly, hearing the reassuring tone in his voice, "We're here in bed together, snuggling up and I just love feeling your body against mine."
His parents would be watching the kids the next evening. They were now used to be shuffled off to their grandparents or asking if hey were having a sleepover with a friend. Both parents wanted to explain the issue but they were perhaps still a little too young to understand. Julie's kids went to the same school, and the last thing any of the kids needed was rumours being spread.
Charlotte arrived late in the afternoon after their kids had been collected. Cathy answered the door, hugging her sister tightly, thanking her for coming. Mark was waiting nearby, smiling at both of them as he took Charlotte in his arms. Cathy could see her sister's reaction, practically melting into him.
Her husband was that sort of man. Charlotte had admitted to always having a little crush on her husband. Cathy had never been worried because she wasn't the only women to be attracted to him.
Dinner was relaxed as the conversation flowed easily. Cathy enjoyed a glass or two of wine but she noticed her sister stick to water, Mark sipping at a can of soda. His eyes continually moved between the two women. He'd never admitted to any attraction to her sister, but she knew her husband wasn't blind. They didn't look completely alike but they were similar enough that she knew he'd find her pretty.
After cleaning up the kitchen, the three retired to the living room, Mark in the middle as always. Cathy was amused as her sister didn't hesitate for too long, straddling his lap as she gazed into his eyes. Neither said anything before she kissed him. Even Cathy would admit to being taken aback by how passionate the kiss immediately was, from her sister, at least.
"Need this?" she asked, Charlotte nodding for a moment before resuming the kiss.
Sliding down his body onto the floor, she sipped at her wine as Charlotte lowered the zipper of his jeans, taking out his already erect cock. "Oh fuck," he groaned as Charlotte wasn't teasing.
"Going to make him cum so he lasts longer when fucking me," Charlotte stated.
Snuggling into his husband, she felt his arm wrap around her, his other hand on Charlotte's head as it bobbed up and down on his cock. The sounds she made sucking him off were almost amusing. Mark then pulled her up and told her to strip. It was rather amusing how quickly she did that, Mark not standing but stripping at the same time.
Back on her knees, she resumed blowing him while clearly fondling herself at the same time. "You like my husband's cock, Lottie?" Her sister looked up into her eyes and nodded, before they moved back to look at him. "Are you going to swallow his cum?"
"Of course she is, babe. She's your little sister and wants to please us both."
When he did cum, his sister eagerly swallowed it all down before spending a few minutes running her tongue up and down his shaft, cleaning it up. Kissing up his chest, he leaned forward to kiss her, making her squeal as he easily lifted her up to straddle his lap. She watched as he gently caressed her body before moving up to her face. She saw the eyes of her sister change.
She needed to be loved by her husband. Single for too long. And, if she was honest, lonely. Her heart broken more than once. Cathy knew she needed her husband more than anything.
"Honey... Let's take her to our bedroom so you can make love to her."
He easily carried her sister into their bedroom. As he laid her down, Cathy stripped off and joined them as he moved down her sisters' body to pleasure her. Hearing her sister moan and whimper was something new, but seeing the joy and ecstasy on her face, she felt rather overwhelmed to see her sister finally with a genuine smile on her face.
Taking her hand, Charlotte glanced her way. "Thank you," Charlotte whispered.
"I love you, Lottie. I think I've found the right lover for now."
"You mean..."
"We'll talk about it later. For now, just enjoy it."
As she watched her husband eat out her sister, she lay beside them deep in thought. Watching him with Julie had been wonderful, but it had also been difficult at times. She knew her husband simply enjoyed being intimate with her and definitely enjoyed the sex, but while intimate with her, there were no feelings of love. Her sister had been left shattered twice. She needed a good man.
Hearing her sister orgasm wasn't something she ever thought she'd hear. Mark chuckled as he had her sister begging for more and more. Watching her back arch, her legs pulled back, her husband devouring her pussy like it was going out of fashion. She lost track of how many times he got her off before he finally just sat up and sank his cock deep inside her.
"Oh god, fuck me," her sister whimpered.
Watching her husband make love to her sister didn't provoke a single iota of jealousy. Instead, she felt nothing but happiness for her sister, and it was obvious that her husband was enjoying himself too, as he'd been nothing but complimentary when going down on her, and now waxed lyrical about how hot and tight she was.
He eventually came inside her, and after only a few minutes needed to recharge, she watched her sister ride him through another series of orgasms. Snuggling into her husband, she was left thinking that she should have been completely weirded out in such a situation, but she had to admit that it was beautiful watching the pair together.
Filling her pussy a second time, three orgasms was always the limit for him at his age. He could possibly go again but he'd end up exhausted before he would cum again. The trio showered together, Mark showing both his wife and lover plenty of attention. Cathy would have thought being naked with her sister would have been far more awkward, but Charlotte was barely paying attention to her.
Lying on his back later, she cuddled into one side, her sister on the other. Both were stroking his chest before her sister took her hand. "Thank you, Cathy," she whispered.
"Have fun tonight?"
"I haven't felt so loved in a long time. I'm glad you were here too. It wasn't weird at all. It actually made me feel better to know you were here to share the love."
The next morning wasn't awkward as all, her husband giving love and affection to his wife and his sister-in-law. He was in such a cheerful mood, he eventually told both of them to get ready as they'd pick up the kids and go out for breakfast, or brunch if it was too late.
Thankfully, the kids didn't seem to pick up on anything, such as the shy smiles and glances between her sister and her husband. Well, it was all from her sister. It was easy to see she was now completely smitten with husband. Cathy was again surprised that she didn't feel jealousy. She wanted to see her sister happy and if her husband gave her that, then that was even better.
Later than evening, after her sister had gone home and their kids were in bed, she sat with her husband in the living room. "Honey, what do you think of my sister?"
"She's delightful. I've always liked your sister, babe. Then again, I've always loved your family. Never had an issue with them."
Cuddling into him even more, she took a deep breath. "I'm still totally in love with you, honey. But I also love my sister and want her to be happy. And there's part of me thinking that we can both help with that happiness. She's been hurt twice by men who should have loved her. I think you might be the man who can give her that love she deserves."
He remained silent though she felt his arm around her grow a little tighter. "What are you suggesting, Catherine?"
Again, the use of her full name, aware this wasn't a time for humour. "I'm not sure yet, but I saw how much she enjoyed last night. You made her feel loved and wonderful, and I want her to feel that all the time."
He was again thoughtful. "I thought you said..."
"It's different if it's my sister, honey. Apart from you and my parents, there is no-one else on earth I love and trust more. And I can't stand the thought of her meeting someone else only to yet again be heartbroken. You are what I'd call a sure thing."
She smiled as he found the comment amusing. "Let's keep discussing it, babe. No need to rush into any decisions."
"Still want to have fun with Julie?"
"If it's okay with you. We make the decisions together, but I'll only be with someone you're comfortable with, and I know Julie has been catching feelings lately, which will only make it awkward as she knows I'm not going to leave you."
Julie hadn't been around in over a week. Cathy and Mark did message her constantly, Cathy calling her at least every other day. She met up with her on the Wednesday night, Cathy pleased that there was no awkwardness despite how the last time they'd seen each other ended. After a couple of glasses, she moved to sit next to her friend and explained what was going on with her sister.
"Would you still like to have some fun though?" she asked.
"I would, but I'm going to start looking for a man of my own, Cathy. I'm getting attached and it's not good for any of us. But until I start dating someone else, I'd love to just have some fun with him."
"Good. Want to come around tonight?"
"I'd love to."
For the next six months, her husband had more sex in that half year than he probably had in the previous six years. Julie was part of their lives for four of those months, visiting once or twice a week, nothing more than hot and heavy sex that they both found enjoyment in. But she did meet a man who she hoped there might be a future with, and to her credit, she spoke to Cathy as soon as he'd asked her out on a date.
That left her sister and, after six months, she sat down with her husband one night over a glass of wine, a bottle of beer for her husband. The kids were in their bedrooms, used to their auntie visiting three or four times a week. Taking a deep breath, she was at the head of the table, Mark to her right, Charlotte to her left.
Taking a hand of theirs in each of hers, she smiled at them both before starting. She kept it very simple. "I want this to be a permanent arrangement if you can both handle it. Mark, Julie is now in a relationship and hasn't been with us for a couple of months now. I can think of perhaps two other women that might like to be part of this, but to be honest, I love what the three of us share now."
"Are you sure?" Charlotte asked.
"Chloe is now fourteen. She's already talking about university and what she'll do. If and when she moves out, I'd love you to move in with us. The only question I have to ask is that you're now thirty-six. Do you want children?"
"What?" her husband asked, amused at the surprise. "Babe, I'm not sure..."
"I need to ask, honey. If she wants children, then this won't work."
"You know I'm on birth control, Cathy, and I have no desire for children. To prevent any issues, there's a good chance I'm just going to get a procedure done to prevent pregnancy anyway. I'm focused on my career and enjoying time with you two."
"Have you been looking for another man?"
"Honestly? No. I get everything I need from Mark. I thought this would eventually feel awkward, but instead, I feel closer to you every time and Mark gives me almost as much as love as he does his wife."
"Okay. Don't decide now, Lottie. It's possible there is a man out there just for you, but I agree that I've never felt so close to you and watching you with Mark gives me so much pleasure emotionally and psychologically, knowing my husband is as loved and sexually satisfied as he can be." Looking at her husband, she added, "It's also your decision too, honey."
"I'd rather Charlotte than anyone else, babe. I love and trust her as my sister-in-law and as a close friend. If you're happy for this arrangement to remain, and if she wants to basically join us permanently, then I think that will only be a lovely thing for the three of us."
"Lottie?"
"Can I think about it? It's a big thing to decide."
"Of course. Take as much time as you need."
It wasn't a surprise that Charlotte took a couple of weeks and she didn't visit in that time. Mark understood and never made an issue of it. The time allowed the couple to just focus on each other completely.
Charlotte appeared on their doorstep on a Tuesday evening. As soon as Cathy opened the door, she found herself leapt upon by her sister, hugging her tightly, stating over and over again how much she loved them both and she wanted to be part of their lives going forward. Cathy hugged her back just as tightly and assured her that everything would be okay going forward.
*****
Epilogue
Charlotte remained a consistent visitor for the next few years. Friday night was always date night for Cathy and Mark. They still enjoyed every day they were together, raising their kids, running the household, and enjoying those nights in bed together when no-one else was visiting, cuddling and kissing, reassuring each other that, no matter what, the love they shared would endure.
Everyone eventually learned about their unique arrangement. The trio didn't exactly hide it, but they didn't tell anyone exactly what was going on. Her parents were a little taken aback that both sisters were sharing the same man until seeing the love that was shared between the trio. As for his parents, they didn't really seem to mind either way, only asking to ensure that everyone was happy.
Chloe moved out of home at nineteen for her second year of university, wanting to live with her friends in a share-house closer to campus. By this stage, the kids had been made aware of the arrangement, Chloe insinuating that her room could become the spare bedroom for Aunt Charlotte when she wanted to visit. It was stated with a knowing grin, everyone aware that Charlotte wouldn't be alone in that bedroom for a single night.
Charlotte moved in a week after Chloe moved out. Most of her things did go into the spare bedroom, but she slept every night with her brother-in-law and sister. She didn't have sex with Mark every night. Even in his mid-forties, Mark's libido was still high, but even he sometimes wanted nothing more than to lie back and relax in bed, though he was now fortunate to share his bed with two women.
Obviously, they'd purchased a larger bed before Charlotte had moved in.
Their son Charlie eventually moved out of home a couple of years after his sister, leaving Mark living with his wife and sister-in-law. The trio were surprised at how natural it quickly felt, and Cathy was the first to state that he now had two wives. She still had no desire for sex, but never spent a night away from her husband's side. With the kids out of home, the trio started to enjoy their life as empty nesters. Weekends away together, up or down the coast. They went on a cruise once a year.
Of course, Charlotte had long ago admitted to falling in love with Mark too. Cathy assured her that she knew already, and it had been anticipated by both herself and her husband. More importantly, she was her sister, she loved her, and the arrangement had worked, would continue working, and would only stop if Charlotte wanted it to stop.
The arrangement would never end. Mark was known locally as the man with two wives, though no-one was rude or vulgar about it. Cathy was still in love with husband as much after twenty-five years of marriage as the day they'd exchanged vows. Charlotte now wore a ring on her left hand, third finger, signifying her commitment to the married couple at the same time.
The trio were now retired and living a peaceful life, considering a move up the coast to get away from the rat race. Mark admitted amazement from time to time that their arrangement had worked so well. Charlotte had never been happier, admitting that although awkward at first, she'd spent the last couple of decades in a loving relationship with two people.
As for Cathy, she would snuggle into her husband, the hair all over his body now a dignified grey and silver, and still feel the love flowing from him. She'd never doubted for a second how much he loved her, had always loved her, and would love her until either of them was lowered into the ground. When she'd told him about her secret so long ago, she'd worried it could have gone so wrong that she would have lost him.
Instead, she'd felt nothing but love every day from her husband. His commitment to her had never been doubted. It had been a unique and even unusual lifestyle for the past two decades, but she wouldn't have changed a thing.
*****
A/N - Thanks for reading. Yeah, this is fiction and fantasy, and I'm sure some of you are thinking 'Just a typical male fantasy' but I've noticed all these new or different sexualities popping up online in the past few years, particularly on social media, so was left wondering if the above would be a realistic way of dealing with such an issue.
The more realistic outcome would probably be divorcing, the wife finding love with another asexual partner, the husband finding sex and intimacy with another woman. More drama probably, but less fun! Then again, perhaps the husband might be willing to sacrifice his sex life to stay with his loving wife, but I reckon for a lot of men (and women if sexes were reversed) that would be a very difficult pill to swallow.
And I didn't want a typical 'Loving Wives' story of cheating, cuckolding, outrage, revenge etc.
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