“Sorry that Adam’s stuck at work,” I told Jackson when he arrived. “He shouldn’t be much longer.”
“Don’t worry about it, Bree,” Jackson said with a smile.
“I’ll get us some wine while we wait,” I said. I uncorked a fresh bottle and poured him a big glass. We settled on the couch in the living room, keeping a polite distance.
“You look really nice tonight,” he told me as he sipped his wine. I had put extra effort into my appearance. I was wearing a tight blue dress, low-cut of course, and had blown out my golden hair into soft waves. My ears and neck were decorated with diamonds. Adam liked me looking nice, especially when we had company over.
“Thanks.” I smiled a little too widely at the compliment, but I couldn’t help it. Unlike Adam, Jackson was smoking hot. He had piercing blue eyes and dark, wavy hair. He was definitely built – you could tell, even through his shirt. I would totally go after a man like Jackson as one of my permitted conquests. But tragically, Jackson himself was off-limits.
“So, how’s Carly?” I asked.
“Oh, we actually broke up a few weeks ago.”
“Oh my god, I’m so sorry!” I took a big gulp of wine, feeling very awkward now for bringing her up.
“Thanks,” Jackson said. “It’s for the best. She wanted commitment and I’m not ready for that yet. Don’t know if I’ll ever be. I just couldn’t lead her on anymore.”
“I get that,” I said. “Well, as hard as it is, you did the right thing.” Silence filled the room and I struggled to think of more to say. Jackson and I had never been on our own before.
“You know, I wasn’t the settling down type either when I met Adam,” I shared after another gulp of wine.
“Yeah? What changed your mind?” He asked. I realized I needed to tread carefully. Adam didn’t exactly advertise that he allowed his wife to fuck other men.
“He made me an offer I couldn’t refuse,” I said with a little laugh, gesturing around at our magnificent house. “Would you say no to this?” Jackson laughed.
“No, I don’t suppose I would.” He finished his wine and quickly refilled it. “Forgive my bluntness, but I always figured you and Adam didn’t have a traditional marriage.” I tilted my head at him, thrown off.
“What do you mean?”
“Bree,” he said with a slightly devious smile. “You’re a ten. Adam’s a six at best. Are you telling me you would’ve married him if it weren’t for his money?” I took offense to Jackson essentially calling me a gold digger, even though I knew deep down it was true.
“I love my husband,” I said, my friendly tone turning icy. Before Jackson could respond, my phone buzzed. A text from Adam told me he’d be another hour, if not more. He said to not hold dinner.
“Adam’s going to be even later,” I said, standing. “Maybe we should just do this another time.” Jackson stood as well.
“Bree, I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to offend you,” he said.
“Adam is a kind and decent man,” I said. “Our marriage works for us, and that’s all that matters.”
“Of course,” Jackson said. “You’re very lucky. It’s not often a woman finds a rich husband who also allows her to fuck other men.” My entire body froze.