Secrets in Suburbia Read online

  “It’s a little cold for my boys,” Jake jests, the action of his breath and the movement of his lips as he speaks sends shivers straight to my core. “Maybe we should take this out of the pool?”

  I nod my head and he lifts me out of the water, my body still wrapped around his. “You’re such a romantic,” I swoon as he carefully carries me out of the pool and gently lays me down on the lounge chair.

  For a moment, our eyes connect, both of us questioning if we should go further. Maybe I move first, maybe he moves first. But I think it’s both of us giving into the pull. Our mouths collide, desperation for a connection apparent in the way we cling to one another..

  Jake moves on top of me, taking care to keep his weight from crushing me. I push myself against his chest, needing to be as close as possible. My fingernails digging into his toned back. He moans as his hardness rubs against my wet, waiting entrance. He delicately runs his fingers down the side of my body.

  “You are so beautiful, Samantha.”

  I don’t know how to respond to such a sweet sentiment, so instead I pull our lips back together. Our hands explore each other’s bodies, getting to know every sensitive spot we can find, until we can’t hold out any longer.

  “Let me ride you and give you pleasure,” I whisper.

  In one swift move, he rolls us over so that I’m straddling his hard waiting cock. I slowly lower myself onto his shaft, until I’m filled completely. Our sounds of ecstasy echo in the quiet night air. I stay still for a moment, allowing us to take in this pivotal moment.

  Jake reaches around the back of my neck, bringing my lips to his. I slowly rock my body, sensing from his gentle touch that he needs to be made love to; and I need it, too. As I continue to slowly undulate on his rock hard cock, my orgasm building, the sounds escaping our fused mouths become more desperate. My body demands that I ride him hard, but the slowness of our lovemaking is giving me pleasure like I have never felt before.

  I can feel every inch of his glorious shaft rubbing against my canal, driving me to the edge of insanity. When he growls, “I can’t hold it anymore,” and I feel his cock pulsating inside of me, I lose all control. My body convulses as my orgasm rips through me, leaving me limp and trembling.

  I collapse on his chest, his shaft still inside me. I listen to his heartbeat as he strokes my hair and runs his fingers up and down my spine.

  “You are captivating, Samantha.” A tinge of sadness passes through my mind as I think how it would be too easy for me to fall in love with a man like Jake.

  Chapter 15

  I’m pretty sure I have perma-grin from the amazing night, and morning, with Jake. It was surreal waking up in his arms, soft snoring and little bit of drool on the corner of his mouth endearing. I couldn’t help but to reach out and stroke his shaft, waking him up for another round.

  By the time we finished and showered, we didn’t have much time to spare. He was going golfing with Stuart. I chastised myself for being disappointed. I didn’t have any plans for the afternoon. Elena was out with Robert enjoying their changing marriage. In my brief interactions with the two of them together since the party, they now act like honeymooners, unable to keep their hands off each other. It’s adorable.

  With nothing else to do, I decide to get to work on background checks and finding the information on the owners of La Petite Mort. I debate on which one to start with. The sex club will be much easier to find, but I really don’t want to ruin my bliss with reminders of Rich.

  Hours into my search, I’ve found nothing out of the ordinary on Robert, Elena, Rachel, or Stuart. I’m saving the checks on Jake and Victoria for the end. It feels a bit awkward for me to run checks on the man I’m sleeping with who has been nothing but wonderful to me.

  I move on to some of the other people in the neighborhood. Everything is dull until I get a hit on Old Elmer. There are several court records of misdemeanor drug charges and two misdemeanors of possession of drug paraphernalia over the ten year span that the online records go back. “My, my. Looks like Old Elmer is a bit of a pothead. Never would have guessed that.”

  I hit the jackpot with Heidi. “No way,” I break into uproarious laughter. “I guess lying about lemonade isn’t the only thing she’s guilty of.” The court records show a felony charge of theft with a sentence of three months in jail, two years of probation, fines, and restitution. Looking at the date of one year ago, it seems she is still on probation.

  I seem to remember Elena telling me about some sort of long trip Heidi went on last year. We had talked about our dream vacations and Elena had been all starry eyed when she spoke about the vacation Heidi had relayed to all the women while they played bridge. “This secret keeping shit is getting a bit out of hand.”

  I decide to give a call to one of my contacts at the police department, Officer Ryan Hunter. He certainly picked the right career to go with his surname. He has helped me out on many occasions during my work assignments. We have a good deal going; he feeds me information and I give him the arrests in exchange. It’s no surprise that a large number of the debtors I find also have outstanding arrest warrants for various unrelated crimes, or in some cases their nonpayment of a court ordered judgement is the reason for the warrant. Our arrangement has brought him to the top of his department, so I don’t feel bad asking for a personal favor.

  “Hunter,” he gruffly picks up the phone.

  “How’s my favorite officer of the year?” I ask, referring to the recent award he received.

  “Samantha! As always, it’s a pleasure to hear from you,” his voice teasing.

  “How’s Lisa and the kids?”

  “Good, good. Can you believe they are all going to be in high school next year? I’m going to have to work quite a lot of overtime to pay for college.” He and his wife had five children, two of them a set of twins. I don’t know how Lisa managed so many kids so close in age.

  “Well, you know I’ll do my part to give you all the arrests I can.” I butter him up, even though I know he will do me a favor anyway. “Listen, I’ve got a favor to ask. I need to get the arrest information on a person of interest from about a year ago.”

  “Sure thing. Let me just get to the right screen and I can pull that up.” I can hear the loud tapping on his keyboard and grunts of frustration. Great cop, bad at technology.

  I give him the information that I need him to find and he asks if I need a hard copy or over the phone. “Let’s start with over the phone, and then I’ll decide if I need a hard copy or not,” I reply.

  “Got it,” he reads out the date, arresting officer, and all the other boring stuff that would be useful if this weren’t just personal curiosity. “Oh shit. Who is this woman?” he chuckles.

  “Oh, come on, now I’m dying to know if it has you laughing,” I plead.

  “Says here she was picked up at the Love Nest.” An adult store? “The employee noticed bulges in her clothing and suspicious behavior, so called us in. A female officer was called in to do a search and found…” he breaks off into laughter.

  Oh, this is going to be good. “Come on Hunter, you’re killing me over here!”

  He continues, little chuckles still coming out between words, but finally manages to get out, “Upon search… the suspect was found to have three adult DVDs in her shirt… and one adult toy in her pants… and another adult toy in her purse.”

  I crack up laughing. “You’re pulling my leg!” I accuse.

  “Nope. I can send you a copy so you can read it yourself.” His laughter starts up again, “Man, I would kill to have been on that case!”

  I ask him to send me a copy and we say our goodbyes. I promise him that I’ll have some new arrests for him ready on Monday. I’ve got enough on two of them to send over to him.

  With that behind me, I steel myself for the La Petite Mort search. I still can’t bring myself to spy on Jake. It feels wrong right now. I will do it, just not yet.

  I easily find the owner’s names; Todd and Lydia Gilbertson, w
ith the business address located at their home. I can’t say I am shocked at this information. It seems that nothing shakes me anymore when it comes to Rich and his dealings.

  The business was officially registered just seven months ago. Digging deeper, I find it is registered as a bed and breakfast and an entertainment venue. “We know what kind of entertaining that is. I sure wouldn’t want to be a maid there!” I laugh at my own joke.

  I find the website and see from the pictures that it is indeed the same house that I caught Rich at. There is something off about the website. It doesn’t scream exclusive sex club to me. It looks like a regular B&B website.

  I click on the reservation screen, hoping that this will lead to something, anything. “Bingo!” A pop-up window informs me that I must be a member to continue and to provide my membership number to proceed. I close the pop up and sigh. I guess I won’t be getting any information on it today.

  I get up to stretch and get some coffee. I’ve only taken two steps when I hear a ping coming from my computer. I turn back and look. A new pop up has come up on my screen, this one in a deep dark backdrop, in contrast with the muted tones of the rest of the website.

  Thank you for your interest in La Petite Mort. If you would like further information on all of our adult offerings, please fill out the form below and one of our member specialists will contact you shortly. Sincerely, The Management, La Petite Mort.

  I don’t know what to do. I get up and make myself some coffee while I think of a solution. I want to get more information, but it’s not so important that I need to take the risk of my name being attached to an inquiry. I’m pretty sure that the PI has gotten the proof, but I can’t count on that right now. Not until I hear for certain and Stuart gives me the okay.

  Oh, I could use Heidi! I’m sure she wouldn’t mind getting spam from a sex club, given the nature of her crime. I’m sure if Elena and I put our heads together, we can find a way to get whatever it is they send her. I’m kind of willing to put on some gloves and riffle through her recyclables if I need to. As a last resort.

  Resigned, I go back to the computer and input her information. Pushing enter, it takes me to another screen. This one asks me to review the membership details before I submit my information.

  “Fuck yes!” I cry out. This one doesn’t tell me all the dirty details, but it does have quite a bit of information. I’m actually pretty impressed at the way they present the information while skirting around the fact that it is a sex club.

  Membership fees. Ok, I know Stuart said it was exclusive, but I had no idea that it would be that high priced. One hundred thousand a year for a full access membership! It includes meals, a room in one of the themed suites (reservations required), and access to the full property amenities, including a pool and hot tub. I remember that beautiful pool that I wanted to take a dip in. I shudder at the thought of all the sperm that must be floating around in there.

  “Ewwww.” Then it dawns on me, “How did Rich get away with only twenty thousand?” Not that it wasn’t a large sum of money, but it seems to be only a small portion of the fees. I wonder if it is a down payment, or there is something deeper going on there.

  In order to maintain a safe environment for our members, please provide us with a completed health form and applicable test results, both of which may be found here to print for your convenience. If you would prefer a mailed copy, please indicate so on the next page.

  Of course I click the forms. One is a standard physical from a doctor. The second lists the sexually transmitted disease testing requirements. They are asking for everything. That does make me feel a little bit better knowing that at least Rich is screwing people that don’t have diseases. I can’t say that I’ve taken the same precautions. Honestly, it’s not like Jake and Victoria have been sleeping around with anyone beside myself and Rachel. Even so, I’m going to add a screening to my list of things to do ASAP.

  Making sure to click “contact by mail only”, I submit the online paperwork. The next step is to e-sign a nondisclosure agreement, which is binding whether the membership application is accepted or not. I know this for sure because it does have a great big warning on what I’m agreeing to and has me click again before continuing.

  The next page lists out the rules. I skim them when I come to the part about agreeing to use the proper protection and follow the required safe handling instructions of provided equipment. I can only guess that means to wear a condom and wash the sex toys. I love sex toys, but the thought of sharing with others really creeps me out.

  Finally, I am at the very end. I am warned that by hitting the submit application button, cancellation can only be done by calling the establishment and speaking to member services. I think I’ve found as much information as need at this point. I decide to cancel the application. Deleting the history, I close my computer and go take a nice dip in the pool.

  Chapter 16

  The sun is setting, the sky streaked with clouds creating hues of orange, purple, and pink. I’m floating in the pool on my lounge chair, enjoying the beautiful painting nature has provided me with tonight. I’m so lost in my own thoughts that I don’t hear footsteps approaching.

  “Hey there beautiful.” I jump so high that I nearly fall out of my floatie.

  “Never gets old,” Jake shoots me a sly grin once I’ve righted myself.

  “Want to come join me?”

  A troubled look crosses his face and piques my curiosity. That blasted intuition is pounding on my conscious right now.

  Blowing out a heavy breath, he finally replies, “How about we cuddle tonight and talk. I have some things that I need to say.”

  My stomach drops. Uh oh. It is never good when someone uses the “need to talk” line. The look on my face must match my emotions because he tries to assure me that it is not all bad.

  After changing out of my bikini and settling down on the couch with Jake, the silence is uncomfortable. His eyes roam my body, the tiny silk shorts and matching tank top showing off my curves. I love how he looks at me, but it also makes me feel a little desperate. I admonish myself for choosing something so revealing to wear.

  His voice breaks my wonderings, “I talked to Stuart today about us. About everything.” When I open my mouth to protest the sharing of our time together, he interrupts, “You have to understand, Samantha. He is not only my best friend, but also the person I trust the most to tell me the truth when it comes to legal matters.”

  “Please tell me you haven’t told Robert,” my mind is running with all the things that could happen if he did. Would he stop Elena from hanging out with me? Would he tell Elena? Oh god, that would be the worst. I could not face her if she knew and I doubt our friendship would ever be the same, if it even survived.

  “No, I am not going to tell Robert. We aren’t quite as close as me and Stuart. And honestly, I don’t want him to know. He’s actually the one that talked me down from leaving Victoria at the altar. I had cold feet,” his brown eyes filled with a mixture of sadness and resignation, “Hindsight.”

  “Plus, Robert is a much better man than Stuart and I could ever hope to be. In our odd family dynamic, he’s like the father. I can’t disappoint him; again.” The cryptic nature of that last statement strikes me as odd. I want to ask what he meant by it, but he continues speaking before I can.

  “I just feel so many different emotions right now. I don’t know if we’re doing this,” he waves his hands between us, “because our emotions are all over the place, or if it’s something more. I’m confused and I don’t want to hurt you. And you know as well as I do how complicated these things can get.”

  I nod my head in understanding, even though I have so many questions I want answered. He’s baring his soul to me and I don’t want to ruin that, so I simply respond, “I understand, but I don’t want to lose what’s between us.”

  “I know. You make me so happy. You have no idea how much happiness just getting a text from you brings to my day. I never had this easiness wi
th my wife. But I can’t leave Victoria. There are really complicated things at play that I’m not able to tell you about.” He hangs his head and whispers, “I want so much to be with you.”

  My heart plummets at the thought of no longer having whatever it is with Jake. I want to hold on a little longer to the fantasy that we are real. That we aren’t just a temporary fix for our mutual pain. “I’m fine with being casual. We make each other feel good, and that’s enough for me.”

  He shakes his head, “It is enough for now, but what about later? Someday you will want to find a man that can give you a family and be there all the time. You deserve more than stolen kisses when Victoria’s back is turned.” He pinches the bridge of his nose. “You don’t know how much I wish I could be that man.”

  I understand what he’s saying, but I’m not ready for it to end. Not yet. “Jake, I understand and appreciate that you are so considerate of my feelings. But,” I punctuate, “You have to let me decide what is best for myself. I think we need each other right now. I wouldn’t mind keeping things like they are, fulfilling each other’s needs, knowing that it isn’t going to be forever.”

  “I don’t know Samantha. I’m scared that continuing would set us both up for heartbreak. I couldn’t do that to you”

  “Let me make this clear to you, Jake. I am not a damsel in distress like your wife. I can take care of myself. I promise you that when I am ready to find the right one, we will end it with no hard feelings. I care for you and I always will. Whether we stop right now or continue for years, that will never change.” I reach out to him, hoping he will give in and come to me.

  He exceeds my expectations, grabbing my arm and pulling me onto his lap. “Just promise me that you will get out there and date people after your divorce is finalized. And that you won’t feel beholden to me if you desire to sleep with other men.”