The door opened.
Emma moved forward and took Caroline by the arm, turning and guiding her effectively out of the restroom. “Let me help you.” Caroline didn’t stop her, because she was acutely aware that she’d already made a giant fool of herself by spilling her drink and in her state didn’t want anything else to happen. As they made their way through the restaurant, she made sure to smile and nod at Emma like they were just two girlfriends having a good time.
Halfway to the table, Emma leaned toward her ear and said, “And don’t worry, I own a very reliable vibrator. Seeing you guys do it would be enough for me, with or without the help of my husband.”
Caroline almost fell down at her admission.
Her legs got tangled, and if Emma hadn’t been holding on to her, she would’ve face-planted right there in the middle of the restaurant. She righted herself immediately, with Emma’s help. But, instead of being mortified, as she should’ve been, she took one look at Emma’s concerned face hovering next to hers and burst out laughing. She grabbed on to Emma’s sleeve for more support as they continued to half-walk, half-stumble toward the booth.
When Caroline saw the look on Jace’s face, she started to laugh even harder. Her poor husband certainly thought she’d lost her mind. And maybe she had. But if that was the case, at least she was going to go down having fun.
He rose and helped her slide into the booth, whispering, “Are you all right?”
She was still a little wet from the spill, and certainly drunker, but otherwise she was fine. “I’m good. I promise.”
There was a brand new drink sitting in front of her, as well as a few more appetizers on the table.
“I figured we could all use some more eats, so I told our waiter there would be an extra big tip if he brought them out quickly,” Pete told Caroline as she organized herself, folding a clean napkin in her lap.
“Thank you for that. I am so hungry,” Caroline said. “Though, I’m all done drinking for the night, so if anyone wants my gin and tonic, feel free.” She gently pushed it away from her so she wouldn’t be tempted to imbibe as a few more giggles escaped.
Pete then moved out of the booth so Emma could slide into her seat. Once she was settled, she joined in the laughing.
It felt good and Caroline was much more relaxed.
Pete glanced between Caroline and his wife, a broad smile erupting on his handsome face. He really was hunky. One of those Scandinavian boys—tall, blond, and chiseled. “Well, it looks like you two had a great time in the bathroom. I’m happy to hear it.”
“We had innocent fun,” Emma corrected. “We were just chatting, sharing some girl talk, and getting to know each other better.”
“Yes,” Caroline agreed as she reached for some ravioli. “Emma was so thoughtful to bring me my purse, and I’m so sorry about spilling the drink and putting a stop to all the fun. It was like I scratched the needle on the album while it was mid-story.” She took a bite. The food was delicious.
“No, that was all my fault,” Pete said, his voice confident. “I was too eager. I hope I didn’t ruin our introduction. I sincerely apologize.”
Caroline dabbed her mouth and met Pete’s gaze, giving him a tentative smile. “No, you didn’t. And for the record”—she lowered her voice—“I liked it. It just took me by surprise, and when I’m surprised, I fumble. Something my husband knows well.” She felt Jace stiffen beside her. Her head spun a little more than it had ten minutes ago, and she reached for her water. As she did, she placed her other hand on her husband’s arm to reassure him that she hadn’t lost her mind. “I’m fine,” she murmured to him. “I just need to eat.”
For the next half hour, they made small talk about jobs, gardening, and pets. Neither couple had any, but both were thinking of getting dogs. All safe topics that didn’t involve sex in any way. Caroline found herself feeling good, and the food helped immensely, but she was still drunk.
And more than a little horny.
Jace kept his hand near her thigh and squeezed it every once in a while to make sure she was still coping. She was, but throughout the entire conversation she couldn’t get her mind off what Pete had done to Emma’s nipple before her dress had become a gin-soaked mess. It’d been so surprising. If she’d been sober, it might’ve been enough to propel her out of the restaurant, mortified someone else might have seen.
But she was glad they hadn’t left.
And she couldn’t stop thinking about it.
It could be the booze talking, but she was suddenly ready to see more, and without realizing what she was doing, she let her hand slide across her husband’s lap. She raked her fingernails over his sizable bulge while she answered Emma’s question about cooking. “I do love to cook, but only certain dishes. My mother is a perfectionist Southern cook, so I learned from the best. I make a mean shrimp and grits.”
Emma didn’t respond.
Instead, her eyes were riveted on where Caroline’s hand had just gone. Jace didn’t brush Caroline away. Instead, he turned to her, lust flickering in his eyes.
It was almost a challenge. He wanted to see how far she would take it.
Her nipples hardened instantly.
Having the Slaters see this was an entirely new level of arousal. She felt both sheepish and incredibly hot.
Pete cleared his throat and reached for his drink. “Maybe we should continue this…conversation out in the parking lot?”
Caroline was thankful she didn’t have a mouthful of something to spit out at her surprise. “Continue what?” she asked innocently as she withdrew her hand from her husband’s crotch, which had gone hard beneath her fingers.
Emma put her hand on her husband’s shoulder and leaned in. “What he means is, maybe we can give you a sweet parting gift. Something to look forward to until next time.” She winked and smiled. “But nothing too over-the-top, I promise. Then you can go home…and enjoy the rest of your night together. From what we’re gathering”—she inclined her head slightly—“that’s what you’re aiming for anyway.”
Caroline raised her eyebrow and reached over to pick up her discarded gin and tonic. “You’re on.”
* * *
Jace was surprised as anyone to find himself seated in his SUV, parked in the back lot at Bella. His hand was on his cock, which he’d sprung through his zipper, and he was stroking it.
After another half hour of casual talk, including some light sexual banter, both couples had been jazzed up when they’d left the restaurant. They’d all gotten into their own vehicles, and Jace had followed the Slaters to a more secluded area.
He’d pulled in next to them, his window parallel to their passenger side window. They both drove SUVs, so it helped they were on the same level.
The couple had advised them to sit back and enjoy the show.
Meaning, he and Caroline should wait to have their release at home, instead of going at it in the backseat like a couple of teenagers. The Slaters assured them waiting was the key to explosive sex. But Jace didn’t know if he believed that.
Any sex with Caroline had the potential to be explosive.
Jace had asked Caroline a thousand times on the short drive through the parking lot if this was what she wanted. She’d been firm in her answer of yes. He knew his wife was drunk, and he was praying that he’d made the right choice by honoring her request rather than just heading straight home.
Surprisingly, they’d had a good time with the Slaters at dinner.
It’d gone better than expected. They were an interesting couple with more going on than just healthy sexual appetites. Jace glanced over at his wife now, settled next to him, sitting slightly forward so she could peer into the Slaters’ car window. It was dark, but they were close enough to see fine. Her mouth was slightly ajar. Caroline was rapt.