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It had taken some effort, but Emma had finally managed to get her husband, Jason, to bed.
“He’ll never learn,” Rob laughed as he and Emma made their way back downstairs.
“Aww, bless him. He’s been working so much lately. Poor thing must be exhausted.” She tried to sound affectionate, but the truth was, she was annoyed.
Tonight was supposed to be a fun, lively house party-a chance to catch up with friends, laugh, and drink long into the night. Instead, it had been a complete flop. It wasn’t even midnight, and only she and Rob remained. Sure, Jason had been overworked since his promotion, but that didn’t excuse him getting hammered within hours. He had been throwing back shots like a man on a mission, despite the fact that he famously couldn’t handle his liquor. The results were as predictable as they were humiliating: he insulted one of her friends and her husband, spilled a drink on another, and vomited in the kitchen before passing out on the stairs.
To make matters worse, the turnout had been disappointing. Three couples canceled at the last minute, and even Rob’s wife, Sarah, couldn’t make it because she was away on a hen night. Once the first few guests started leaving, the rest followed.
Emma sighed. She had really been looking forward to tonight-dressing up, socializing, enjoying time with her husband. But instead, here she was, left to clean up the mess and barely tipsy.
“I can’t believe everyone left so early.” Rob shook his head, cracking open a beer as he dropped onto the sofa.
“I know!” Emma exclaimed, grabbing her glass of wine and settling into the chair across from him. She crossed her tanned legs, the motion making her skirt ride up slightly. “It was a bit of a crap party, wasn’t it?”
Rob chuckled. “No, not at all! Jason was on fire!”
Emma rolled her eyes, but she couldn’t help smiling. Rob had a way of making things seem better than they were. He always did. Over the years, she, Jason, Rob, and Sarah had become close. Whether it was Sunday lunch, clubbing, or vacations, they did everything together. She felt comfortable being alone with him.
“I’m not even drunk,” she admitted, swirling her wine.
“Getting there, but no,” Rob said, stretching out his legs. “I think Jason stole half my drinks. Why was he even doing shots? I swear he was the only one taking them.”
Emma laughed. “Honestly? I have no idea.”
She had gone all out for tonight-wearing a loose-fitting white silk blouse tucked into a red pencil skirt with a slit up the back, paired with high heels. The blouse was just sheer enough that, in the right lighting, the white bra underneath was faintly visible. She had even gotten a spray tan, wanting to look her best.
And Rob had noticed.
He always noticed.
From the day he met her, he had wanted her. Not that he had ever been inappropriate-aside from the occasional “accidental” brush against her over the years-but given half a chance, he knew he’d be all over her.
“Well,” Emma declared, sitting up straighter. “I’m not going to let them ruin my night. I’m getting drunk.” She poured herself another glass.
Rob grinned. “Sounds like a plan. I’ve got no one to go home to anyway.” He shrugged. “Sarah’s away, so… mind if I join you?”
Emma sighed dramatically. “It’s such a shame Sarah’s not here. I’ve really missed her tonight.” Then she smirked. “But you’re the next best thing, so yeah, let’s get drunk.” She raised her glass, and Rob clinked his beer against it.
“You might as well stay over then,” she added. “Your room’s available.”
Rob smirked. Over the years, he had stayed at their house so often-both with and without Sarah-that the guest room was basically known as “Rob’s Room.”
“Yeah, that’d be great. Saves me the hassle of finding a taxi.”
“It’s a plan,” Emma said with a mischievous glint. “So… do you know any good drinking games?”
Rob hesitated for a second, then decided to be bold. “Drinking games? Not really. We usually just play truth or dare.”
Emma laughed. “Truth or dare? I haven’t played that since university. But I was the queen of truth or dare back then.”
“Oh really?” Rob leaned forward, intrigued. “Well, I think it’s time I took your crown.”
“I think we’re a bit old for truth or dare, don’t you?” she teased.
Rob raised an eyebrow. “I’m not. Sounds like you’re either too old or too chicken to play.”
Emma narrowed her eyes. She was fiercely competitive. He knew it. And she hated being called a chicken.
“Hey!” She pointed at him. “Fine. I’ll play. Truth first.” She took another sip of wine.
Rob’s heart pounded. He had fantasized about a moment like this, but he had to be careful. He had a million dares in mind, but they would have to wait. He would push her boundaries slowly.
“Alright,” he said, feigning thoughtfulness. “How old were you when you lost your virginity?”
Emma smirked. “Fifteen. He was seventeen. A friend of my brother’s.”
“Fifteen? Same as me. Nice.” Rob nodded, taking a swig of beer. “Truth for me.”
Emma tapped a finger against her chin. “Which celebrity would you leave Sarah for?”
Rob chuckled. “Hang on. We need to agree-nothing leaves this room, okay? Whatever is said or done stays between us. No matter how embarrassing.”
“Of course,” Emma grinned. “The secrecy of truth or dare is sacred.”
“Alright then,” Rob said. “I’d leave her tomorrow for that one from Modern Family with the big boobs.”
Emma burst out laughing. “Sofia Vergara? Good choice. She’s sexy.”
Rob shrugged. “What can I say? I have a type.”
Emma raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Truth again.”
Rob exhaled dramatically. “Alright. Hit me.”
“What’s your favorite position?” she asked, eyes sparkling with amusement.
Rob played it cool, but inside, his mind was already running wild. “Depends on the mood, but I’d say on top. I like looking up at her.”
Emma nodded knowingly. “Yeah, it’s easier to control that way. But sometimes, you don’t want control.”
Rob’s throat went dry. Jason had told him before-Emma liked being dominated. She liked it a bit rough. Nothing extreme, but she loved being taken.
“Well,” Rob said, shifting slightly. “Jason’s a lucky guy.”
Emma smirked. “Truth for you.”
Rob leaned back. “If you could change one thing about Sarah physically, what would it be?”
He didn’t hesitate. “Her boobs.”
Emma laughed. “Well, if she ever wants a boob job, let me know. I think I get a referral fee.”
Rob grinned. “Noted.”
Emma stood up, slightly tipsy. “I need a gin and tonic. There’s some bourbon in the kitchen if you want some.”
“Sounds good,” Rob said, following her.
They returned with fresh drinks, the game continuing. Emma confessed the wildest place she had ever had sex-a packed movie theater-and admitted she didn’t spit.
Rob nearly choked on his drink.
“Alright,” he said finally, trying to keep his composure. “Time for a dare.”
Emma smirked. “Bring it on.”
“Drop and give me twenty push-ups.”
Rob rolled his eyes but complied, dropping in front of her and pounding them out.
“Fourteen… fifteen… sixteen…”
At sixteen, Emma lifted a foot and pressed the sharp point of her heel against his back.
Rob glanced up, a mixture of amusement and challenge flashing in his eyes.
“Hey! Not fair!” he laughed.
Emma giggled, swirling her drink.
Rob stared at her, his mind already racing with the next dare.
“Alright,” he said, settling back onto the sofa. “Your turn.”
Emma crossed her arms. “Bring it on.”
Rob smirked.
“Twenty star jumps.”
She raised an eyebrow. “That’s the best you’ve got?”
“Oh, trust me,” Rob said, voice lower now. “I’m just getting started.”