This is the fifth episode in my story series "Fun, an Affair, then Who Knows Where."
In the last episode, Steph and I made the most of our time alone, breaking sexual boundaries but also understanding that what was developing between us wasn't just sex anymore. In this episode, Steph finds a way to create an opportunity for us to meet, which we take advantage of and I shared some news that helped to give her a more positive outlook for meeting.
Thank you for reading. Comments are helpful and welcome.
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Steph and I spoke a few days later after our weekend together and she was tearful. The frustration at being in her every-day-the-same affectionless marriage was continuing, compounded by growing feelings she had for me.
"Andy, I'm trying to find a way to see how I can see you again but it's not easy, not obvious. For Christ's sake, I'm crying over this. I don't do this. So bloody frustrating."
"Oh Steph, I want to be with you and we'll get there."
Thankfully, I was able to plant a seed of optimism. "Look, I have some news for you."
"Oh, what? Exciting is it?"
"It might be. I've bought a house -- brand new. I didn't want to say anything unless I was certain but I've signed all the papers today, mortgage sorted. I move in 6 weeks time."
"Really, oh fucking hell, that's brilliant, Andy. I...oh, this sounds desperate...I wish it was now."
"I know, Steph, but, once I'm in, it gives us a safe place to meet."
"Where is it?"
"This is the best bit. I've had a look at the bus routes and you have the 22 that goes from the end of your estate?"
"Yes, into town."
"And out again, 5 stops from the end will be my estate."
"Really. Fuck, so I could..."
"Catch the bus to get to my house."
This cheered Steph up considerably. Yes, it was some time away from happening, at that point, but a definite light in the distance for her to focus on.
We spoke every few days. Steph was interested in updates on my house and became even clearer about ways to make sure we met in the meantime. A week later, she had a plan, borne of impatience and the need to see me.
"Look, I know your house is coming soon but I really want to see you, baby, even for an hour or two. Can we meet? Could you pick me up in town and we go somewhere for the evening if I get the bus in?"
The plan worked. Steph got off the bus in the middle of town and I was waiting in the car park nearby. I opened the car door for her. She looked fabulous. A dark leather style jacket, a dark blue shirt over a loose, flowing thigh length pale skirt and the trainers from our day out.
She'd had a haircut too. The longish locks from before gave away to something shorter but still reaching her shoulders. Removing some length showed off that her hair had some curl to it too. Parted to the left, the right side of her hair fell close to her eye and enabled her to look a little coquettish from certain angles. She'd gone for a bit more eyeliner too than before to emphasise her eyes.
"Steph, you look fabulous. I've missed you."
"Oh Andy, you don't know how long I've waited for this."
We kissed and I felt my lips bond to the fresh lipstick she must have applied only minutes before.
"I have a plan where we can go. Drive on."
I had learned that Steph was always prepared and, as such, sorted out that there was a park heading east out of town that would be open and quite expansive, which meant we could go for a walk - 15 minutes drive and we were there. Being early evening, we almost had the car park to ourselves. Just one family were loading up after what must have been a fun day out.
"How do you know this place, Steph?"
"One of the girls in work told me about it."
Steph picked up shifts as an emergency stand-by worker packing shelves and orders late night at a local warehouse. Pete worked but was prone to losing days worth of money due to being too pissed to work. No wonder Steph was finding glimmers of happiness with me.
I got out and ran round to open the door for her.
"Oh, thank you. What a gentleman."
"I have to look after my lover."
Steph stopped and turned to me.
"I am your lover."
She put her arms on my shoulders and linked her hands behind my head.
"It's about the only thing I have now that makes me happy. I am most definitely your lover"
We kissed, intensely. The kind that encapsuled too much time apart in a single moment. A kiss that was from the heart.
Steph sighed. "I've so needed that."
She held on to me. "I'm meant to be out for a drink with the girls from work. I can't really afford to get dirty at all."
"Then we'll have to be careful and find somewhere."
Steph took my hand and we headed into the park, following signs for a woodland trail. I stroked Steph's hand as we walked, glad for the contact with her.
"I've missed you loads, Steph."
"Oh, you don't know how much I have missed you. I just want to find somewhere we can be together for a while."
We followed a track through to a clearing with a hut in the corner facing out to a lake. Being summer, there was still a little daylight and we made our way into the hut, enclosed except for the open area facing out towards the lake.
"This feels like we're 15 and trying to find a place to have a fumble!"
"Well, Andy, I'm still in my twenties...just...the rest is true. Young love, eh!"
Steph span around joyfully around once or twice until we stood facing each other.
"If this is what I have to do to get you, then this is what I'm doing."
"We'd better make the most of this."
Physically, so much passed between us, especially on the weekend we had together, that it seemed strange to have to be in this strangely furtive, secretive position. This, however, was the reality.
We had spoken often enough that we were able to just to enjoy being together. I kissed her.
"Love the hair, Steph. And have you put a little more eye make-up on?"
