She ordered room service for the occasion. So it’s not cheating.

When I got to the second floor I exited the elevator, walked to the room, pushed the door open, closed it behind me.

One part of my brain thought the whole “talk and room service” comments might be a ploy, and I’d go in and find her lying on the bed in a negligee, or better yet, naked under the covers. But the truth was far less racy. The room was actually a suite, and the door I entered led to the couch and table, not the bedroom.

Nor was Nicki naked or wearing a negligee. She was wearing black, skin-tight yoga pants and a crop top, and oversized white Nike Dunk Sky High sneakers with the laces untied. It was a simple look that came across sexy as hell. When she saw me she jumped to her feet and raced across the room to greet me.

I didn’t know how to react: should I start the hug? Wait for one? Was she going to kiss me? If so, should I kiss her back?

She hugged me, and as usual, held it longer than friends would.

Much longer.

When at last she backed away, she had tears in her eyes.

“What’s wrong?” I said.

“I’m just…so happy!”

“Me too, Nicki.”

We made small talk till the food arrived, then we ate and talked some more. Neither of us mentioned Michael or Alison, though we did talk about Jessie, and her friends, and the upcoming concert.

When the talk died down Nicki said, “Let’s move to the sofa.” Once there, she said, “So David.”

“Yes?”

She blushed, placed her hand on my thigh. “Are you going to make me say it out loud?”

“I’m afraid so.”

“Very well. I want to be your mistress. If you’ll have me.”

I nearly choked. “What about Michael?”

“He’ll have to find his own mistress.”

11.

“SO WHAT DO you think?” she said.

“That’s the most amazing thing I’ve ever heard. How would it work?”

“Excuse me?”

“I mean, the logistics. The ground rules. The end game.”

“End game?”

“You said mistress, and I couldn’t possibly be more excited. I was just wondering if you’re thinking it might lead to something more.”

“Like what?”

“Marriage.”

“You’re already married.”

“Well…yes. What I mean is, I wouldn’t rule anything out where you’re concerned. I’ve been fantasizing about you for months. I was just wondering how far you felt this could—”

“David?”

“Yes?”

“Let’s not put the cart before the horse.”

“Okay.”

“How about we start with a checklist. Do you find me attractive?”

“God, yes!”

“Check. Do you find me desirable?”

“Incredibly so.”

“Check. Do you trust me?”

“Yes.”

“How much?”

“Completely.”

“Check. Here’s the big one: I’m not sure what you may have heard about…my background. But if we’re going to do this, it has to be at my pace, or it’s gonna go badly. Can you be patient with me?”

“Absolutely.”

“Are you willing to go at my pace?”

“Yes. If at any point you’re not comfortable with whatever’s happening, just—”

She shook her head. “That won’t be a problem because you’re going to let things develop at my pace.”

“Of course.”

“This isn’t going to be about fucking.”

“It’s not?”

“It’s gonna be about making love.”

“I’m with you 100%!”

She studied my face before saying, “I’m aching to make love to you. But you know what? Anyone can have sex. Dogs and cats can have sex. I hope you can rise above that and be patient and allow the sexual tension to grow more and more powerful each time we see each other.”

“I’m open to whatever works for you.”

“You won’t be sorry, David.