Behind the Neighbor's Door - Part 5

Here is part 5! I had some issues with timelining a few scenes, so if there is any hiccups, that will likely be why.

Hope you enjoy! Happy reading!

*

When Nolan awoke, he was greeted by the sound of Grace humming to herself as she cooked breakfast. The smell of bacon and eggs filled the apartment, making his stomach grumble. He groaned and rolled over, trying to block out the light that was streaming through the window.

"Hey, sleepyhead," Grace said, poking her head into the room. "Are you up for some breakfast?"

"Yeah," Nolan croaked, rubbing his eyes. His head was pounding, and his mouth felt like sandpaper. He was definitely hungover, and he knew that Grace would give him hell for it.

He slowly got out of bed and made his way into the kitchen. Grace smiled at him as he sat down at the table.

"How are you feeling?" she asked, setting a plate of food down in front of him.

"Like shit," Nolan said, taking a bite of bacon. It was delicious, as usual. Grace was a great cook. "But this is delicious. Thank you."

Grace smiled and sat down next to him. They ate in silence for a few minutes before she finally spoke up.

"So, what happened last night?" she asked, her voice hesitant. Nolan could tell she was worried about him. He meant to be the one asking that, as he swore something had occurred as he passed out, but he was too drunk last night to know if that was actually something that had happened.

"I'm not sure," Nolan said. "I just needed to get out of the house. I was so anxious, and I was just pacing around. Not knowing what happened was just so exciting, but it was torture too. So I called up Nate, and we went out for a few drinks."

"You were anxious because of what happened earlier in the day with me and Nate?" Grace asked, taking a sip of her coffee.

"Yeah," Nolan said, his cheeks flushing. "I was so confused, and I needed to talk to someone about it. I couldn't talk to you because you were out with Dora, and I... I'm not sure what sense it makes to hang out with Nate when it's him and you that drives me mad like this, but he was there and available and..." Nolan trailed off, not sure how to explain his reasoning.

"It's okay," Grace said, her voice soft. "I understand. I'm sorry for making you feel that way."

"It's not your fault," Nolan said, taking her hand. "I just need to learn how to deal with this better."

Grace smiled at him, squeezing his hand.

"You're not angry with me?" Nolan asked. He had expected her to rip him a new one, but here she was, glad as ever.

"No. Or I was, but I know all of this is hard for you. Like, to me, it is confusing and scary, so I can only imagine how it's for you. It's your darkest fantasy, and it's coming to life in front of you. Of course, you're going to be overwhelmed," Grace said.

Nolan nodded, taking a bite of bacon. He hadn't expected Grace to be this understanding, but he was grateful for it. He knew that he needed to be more careful about how he dealt with his emotions, but he was glad that Grace was willing to help him work through it.

"You said that not knowing was torture but also exciting," Grace continued. Nolan gulped. That was a dark twist to his already so dark fantasy. He hadn't even fully been aware of it until they started to explore this kink together. "Is that why you didn't try to peek at us?"

"Maybe," Nolan chuckled nervously. "I don't know how to explain it. I wanted to see what was happening, but I also didn't. Like, I want to be in the know, to be included, but I also want the thrill of not knowing, you know?"

"Yeah, I think I get it," Grace said. "So you'd actually like it if I didn't tell what happened on the balcony? Or down by the mailboxes?"

Nolan felt his heart skip a beat. He knew that he should say no, that he wanted to know what was happening, but part of him wanted to keep the mystery alive. To keep the uncertainty going.

"I think so," he said, his voice barely a whisper. "I'm not sure."

"We can play it that way," Grace said, her voice soft. "I won't tell you what happened, and you can just wonder about it. How does that sound?"

Nolan nodded, his mouth dry. The prospect of it was terrifying and exciting. Part of him didn't want Grace to keep it a secret from him; he wanted honesty, and he, of course, was dying to know what had happened, but another part was excited by the prospect. He was still anxious about what had happened between her and Nate, but he knew that she was committed to their relationship, and so was he. He was starting to realize just how much he loved this woman, and that made it all so much better.

Nolan realized that he didn't even know anything had happened at the mailboxes. This was the first time he heard of it. And Grace didn't even address anything of what happened after he had passed out. He had heard something but had no idea what.

"You'll tell me eventually, right?" Nolan asked, avoiding making a decision for himself, suddenly apprehensive.

Grace shrugged. "Who knows. It's so sexy to just leave you guessing."

Nolan hated to admit it, but it was indeed exciting to leave him guessing like this. He was already thinking about all the things that could've happened, and he had a feeling that Grace was just starting. However, the torment of wondering and the real uncertainty that would come with it if Grace kept this up would drive him crazy. Nolan wasn't sure if he could handle that, if it continued like this. For him to remain completely in the dark.

"Is it too much?" Grace asked, this time in a quieter tone, a kind hand rubbing his shoulder. She was so good to him, he knew. He had gotten drunk last night, way beyond what was acceptable, and instead of running him through a woodchipper, she took care of him and was considerate of his reduced mental capacity after all of this. It was the reason he adored her so much.

He swallowed audibly. Was it too much? Maybe.

"Yes," he finally managed. "I love it, don't get me wrong, I do. But I also hate not knowing. It's torture. Especially when I know things have gone further. Maybe with time, but it might be too much now."

Nolan never wanted Grace to end the teasing. But this was getting too intense too fast. Grace looked him up and down and nodded, smiling warmly. He had no idea what was going through her mind.

"How about we compromise?" she asked, tilting her head slightly to the side. "Even now, I can see how desperate you are. I'll tell you everything. After ballet. That will keep you all angst up, but you know I will come clean. It is important that we're on the same page," Grace promised. "But are you sober enough to drive? Do you need anymore coffee?"

"You devil," Nolan gasped, suddenly wanting her right now. "Yeah, yeah, I'll drive you."

Grace laughed, getting up from the table. "Good. Now, hurry up and finish your breakfast. We don't want to be late."

Nolan hurried to finish his breakfast, jumped in the shower, and tried to shake of both his hangover and the excitement of finally getting to know what had transpired yesterday. He knew it was a dangerous game to play, but he was eager to see where it would lead.

After getting ready, Nolan and Grace head to the car. But as Nolan approached his Chevie, he saw that the passenger door was slightly ajar. Had he forgotten to close it last night? He sure hoped the battery wouldn't be dead, as the light was always set to automatically turn on when the door was open. But there was no light now.

Nolan dreaded trying to start the car already. It hadn't been the first time he had forgotten to turn the lights off, but leaving the door open overnight like that? That was just plain negligence.

Grace hadn't noticed anything amiss yet, but Nolan had a sneaky suspicion that the battery had been drained, or at least was on its last leg.

He got into the car and turned the key. Nothing. No sound, no nothing. Just dead silence.

"You're kidding me," Nolan groaned, slumping in his seat. He couldn't believe it. The car battery was dead.

"What's wrong?" Grace asked.

"The battery is dead," Nolan said, his voice defeated. "I think I left the light on last night."

"Damn," Grace said, shaking her head. "I don't want to be late."

"Can't we just use your truck?" Nolan asked.

"No, I'm not letting you drive my truck," Grace said, her voice firm.

Nolan sighed, knowing there was no use arguing with her. He knew he should've been more careful, but now it was too late. They were already running late for ballet.

"Sorry, babe. I should've been more careful," he said, turning to look at her. His bad habits with cars and him being drunk last night truly bit him in the ass.

"It's okay," Grace said, her voice softening a bit. "We'll just have to figure something out. Let me call Dora and see if she can pick me up."

"Wait. I have an idea," Nolan said, before he could stop himself. It was actually something Nate had said last night, but he was probably just joking around. And it was perhaps stupid to push further when he didn't know what had happened up till then, but Nolan was eager to see where this would go.

Grace raised an eyebrow at him, waiting for him to continue.

"What if we asked Nate?" Nolan asked. He could hardly believe he suggested it. Grace looked like she could hardly believe it either.

"Nate?" Grace asked, a smile playing on her lips. "You want me to call Nate and ask for a ride?"

"Yeah, why not?" Nolan asked. "He seems nice enough. And I'm sure he'd be happy to help."

Grace shook her head, laughing. "Are you sure you're sober enough to make this decision?"

Nolan looked at her. She was clearly trying to let him make the right call. He quickly scanned her. A pair of gray, unflattering gray sweatpants, and an equally baggy t-shirt loosely hanging off her one shoulder, exposing some tan lines. The t-shirt was long enough to cover the sweats, but Grace's god tier shapes were still visible. It was clear she hadn't put much thought into this outfit. Not that she needed to; Grace was always a sight to behold in whatever she wore. Or didn't.

"I'm sober enough," Nolan said, his voice firm. He knew he was taking a risk, but he wanted to see how far Grace would take things.

"Are you sure? I mean, you have no idea what happened yesterday," Grace continued, again giving him the chance to opt out of this. "Are you sure you’ll risk it happening again today? Whatever it may be?"

Nolan felt dizzy, his head throbbing with anticipation, but still felt himself nod. "I'm sure."

"Okay," Grace said, a wicked smile on her face. She then took out her phone and dialed Nate's number.

Nolan listened as Grace made the call, her voice sweet as sugar as she asked Nate to come to their rescue. She thanked him profusely before hanging up.

"He's on his way," Grace said. "But I'm not sure if you'll be able to handle the tension, knowing that he's about to get me all to himself. For over two hours, until I'm back, you'll have no idea what has happened. More so if he picks me up after as well. Who knows how long I'll be away then?"

"I can handle it," Nolan said, his voice wavering slightly.

"We'll see. If this is what you want, then I’ll play along," Grace said, a smirk on her face. She sensed his slight insecurity, but Nolan had insisted, so he had to deal with the consequences of his choice; he knew that.

They sat in silence for a few minutes, waiting for Nate to come down. When he finally came out three minutes later, Nolan felt a mixture of excitement and anxiety. He wasn't sure if he was ready for what was about to happen, but it was too late to back out now.

"You sure?" Grace asked as the two exited the car.

"Yeah, I'm sure," Nolan said. His heart was racing, and he felt like his entire body was on fire. He knew that he was playing with fire, but he was eager to see how far things would go. Grace reconfirming with him over and over sent all sorts of warning signals off in his mind, but he was too excited to pay them any mind.

"I'm here, I'm here," Nate said, panting. He was wearing a grey T-shirt and a pair of worn khakis. His hair was disheveled, like he had just rolled out of bed.

"Hey, Nate, thanks for coming to the rescue," Grace said, her voice sweet as honey.

"No problem. Anything to help," Nate said. He then turned to Nolan. "You okay, man?"

"I'm fine," Nolan said, trying to sound as nonchalant as possible.

Nate nodded, not pressing the matter further. He then turned to Grace. "So, are you ready to go?"

"Yep," Grace said, a smile on her face. Nate had already turned to his old Volkswagen, no doubt eager to get this pristine specimen into his lair. She then turned to Nolan, her expression suddenly serious. "Are you sure about this?" she asked again, her voice low.

Nolan nodded, his throat dry. "I'm sure." He had said those words a few times now, but doubt suddenly crept into his mind. Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea after all.

"Okay," Grace said, nodding slowly. "If you're sure."

With that, she turned and headed to Nate's car, leaving Nolan standing there, watching as she got into the passenger seat. He felt a pang of jealousy as Grace flashed him one last smile before closing the door. Nate grinned at Nolan as he started the car and drove off, leaving Nolan alone in the parking lot.

Nolan stood there for a moment, watching as they disappeared down the road. He felt a mixture of excitement and dread as he thought about the risk involved, especially when he had no idea how far things had gone. From the balcony to apparently something happening down by the mailboxes, Nolan didn't really know what kind of fire he was playing with. But it was too late to back out now; he had to trust Grace and let things play out. It was out of his hands now, and that terrified him.

With a sigh, Nolan headed back into the apartment building and up to their apartment. He tried to distract himself by cleaning up from breakfast, but his mind kept drifting back to what Grace and Nate could be doing right now. He tried to reassure himself that nothing would happen, but he couldn't help but wonder. What if things did go too far? What if Nate made a move on Grace? What if Grace decided that she liked it more than she should? The thought of losing Grace to Nate made Nolan's heart ache, but he also knew that it was a risk he had to take if he wanted to continue exploring his fantasy.

It also brought him a sick sense of excitement, the idea that he could lose everything that mattered to him the most. As he put the dishes away and tidied up the kitchen, he thought about how Grace might be sitting next to Nate, chatting away like old friends. Would Nate try to touch her? Would Grace let him? Nolan's stomach churned at the thought of Nate's hand wandering up Grace's leg, but he also knew that it might happen. How could it not?

Nolan drew out his cock and hurried to the bathroom. And as Nate's hand disappeared between Grace's legs in his mind, he erupted into the toilet like never before. Nolan felt a mixture of relief and dread. He had released some of his pent-up anxiety, but now the realization of what he and Grace were now doing hung heavier over him. Grace and Nate were somewhere else right now, doing God knows what. The reality hit him that Grace might very well go for it and return home all sore and satisfied from the company of another man. He had pushed her to take such risks, but what would it cost him in the end?

As he cleaned himself up, he felt a great wave of jealousy, picturing Nate groping his girlfriend, doing as he pleased with her. Would Grace even consider it, though? She had expressed some interest in Nate, and Nolan had been pushing her a bit despite her warnings.

He took out his phone, tempted to send Grace a text and tell her to come home. He wanted her to himself now, to fuck her until she forgot about Nate and everything about him. But he resisted the urge, knowing that he was just being jealous and didn't want to come as... possessive? Paranoid? Grace was an adult and could make her own decisions, and Nolan had to respect that. He had to know she'd make the right call.

A shiver ran through Nolan as he finished cleaning up. He also decided to go buy Grace some flowers, and perhaps a voucher for a spa or something. Not just to show that he was her significant other and no one else, but also as a thank you for being so kind this morning, for being so accommodating when Nolan himself wasn't sure what he wanted anymore. It was a fantasy with so many aspects and nuances, it was hard to digest what he really wanted from it.

After running those errands for his precious Grace, Nolan sat at a cafe with his small notebook from work. He wanted to concretely write down what he liked about this fantasy. To hone it in and really try to understand himself. Perhaps some of those things that were a no-go had already breached; he had no way of knowing, but that would be his own fault for pushing his fantasy without taking the necessary precautions of understanding his own kinks first. He'd take those potential mistakes on the chin and move on. No fault in any of this was with Grace, he knew that. This was his stupid fantasy, and she had rightly reacted with disgust and confusion when it was first brought up. It was her being too good for Nolan that made her compelled to explore at all. So that one was also his mistake. If it was a mistake. Time will tell.

So. It was actually really hard for Nolan to discern what he liked. Flirting, teasing; check. What else? He liked the idea of Nate touching her, but it actually happening for real... no. That was too far. And that automatically excluded sex. Right? Maybe for now.

Also, as Grace had noticed and taken some initiative for, Nolan liked some secrecy to what was going on between them, as weird as that sounded. At this point, secrecy had become part of the allure. Wondering was half the game. As twisted as it was, that aspect excited Nolan more than anything. He wanted to be included, but what if Grace withheld a few things? Maybe it could work with how they did it today, that Grace would eventually spill the beans. 

But it couldn’t be understated. It added some danger and risk, like a forbidden fruit that you shouldn't taste, but you can't help yourself. Nolan now wondered if that was the actual allure to this fantasy of his; the fact that it's wrong. A taboo. That it goes against everything he stands for, everything he loves about Grace.

She was perfect, his most treasured, and it was so wrong to want her to tease and flirt, but that was the wrongness. And there was some sense of pride, too. He bagged this caliber of woman, a  goddess, and everyone could gawk, flirt, and get teased, but it was all for Nolan at the end of the day. But breaching that boundary, that someone, like Nate, would be able to conquer her was still... Well, that was a thought he'd have to ponder later.

For now, he knew that he liked Grace teasing Nate and Nolan, and he liked the idea of Nate trying to get with Grace, but he didn't like the idea of them actually doing stuff. Like, physically.

Nolan then checked his wristwatch. He didn’t expect anything from Grace in another few hours and by now it had been only an hour or so now since they had left. Nolan checked his phone, but there were no new messages from Grace, though that was much as expected. He tried not to think about what they might be up to, but his mind kept drifting back to Nate and Grace. He wondered if Nate was trying to convince Grace to go back to his place after ballet, promising her a good time. Nolan knew that Nate wasn't a bad guy, but he also knew that he couldn't be trusted around women, especially women as beautiful as Grace.

He tried to shake the thoughts from his mind, but they kept coming back, taunting him. Nolan sighed and took a sip of his coffee, trying to focus on his notebook. Grace had some nerves, but now it was Nolan who had to calm himself down. And not like yesterday. He was done with drinking himself to such a level of intoxication. Maybe it was excitement. That's what he told her at least, when she was nervous.

Well, flirting, teasing; check. That was the list. He also put a question mark on touching. He wasn't sure now. He had been thinking it was a no-go, and perhaps it still was, but the level of danger that came from them potentially doing something against Nolan's 'rules' was too enticing to let go of.

What about getting naked? Like, showing the goods. Nolan almost had to giggle at Nate being naked. He wasn't morbidly obese, but definitely not in shape. He also looked sort of... greasy. Then Nolan found himself wondering about Nate's dick. He didn't know if he was hung or not, but judging from how he had plowed Dora, he probably was decently skilled. Or Dora was so bored that anything would do.

But Nate seeing Grace naked, or at least partially naked... That would perhaps be the next step in his mind. They were basically halfway there with the red bikini anyway. Her ass was amazing in both sweatpants and in that red bikini alike, but sliding those pesky fabrics down her long legs was beyond measure a special treat. And if she undressed in front of Nate… Slowly. Nate would no doubt love that. His eyes would bulge from the sight of Grace, the pristine woman that she was, exposing herself, showing off what Nolan had bagged. But Nate would be left with nothing. A tease, for sure. Nolan knew if that were to happen that he’d be all over Grace after. It surprised him himself how much he wanted his girl to undress for their sleazy neighbor.

That made Nolan smile. He liked that idea. The fact that Nate would see all that, but nothing would come of it. It was a thrill to imagine Grace showing off her perfect body like that, but with the added safety that Nate wouldn't touch her. Or her touch him, but Nolan sort of thought there was no reason why she should want to touch Nate. She was the one with all the goods.

After a few more moments of lingering in the cafe, he decided to head back to perhaps take a look at his car battery. How hard could it be to get it fixed?

*

It annoyed Grace greatly that Nolan had gotten too drunk last night, that his car battery was dead, and that she now had to hitch a ride with their creepy neighbor. Sure, her tone with Nate was far from hostile like when they had just moved in, but it was still not an ideal situation for her.

Nolan had no idea what had happened on the balcony, at the mailboxes, before he headed out with Nate, or later when Nolan was passed out. Nate had tried to seize the opportunity almost as soon as Grace stepped out of the bedroom where Nolan was sleeping like a rock after his drunken escapades.

Grace was sure that Nolan hadn't heard anything from their living room when Nate had cornered her against the counter between the fridge and the stove, his hands running up her powerful thighs. When Grace tried to swat his hands away, he simply chuckled, took hold of her wrists, and continued with his groping of her divine form.

"Even in sweatpants, you're fucking perfect," Nate had mumbled.

"Nate! Nolan is right there!" Grace had hissed.

"I've got something large and heavy to muffle you," Nate had teased, which had made Grace cringe, but also chuckle. The bad joke was perhaps too bad not to be funny. "Besides, you haven't slapped me again yet, so..." Nate's hands then made their way down, pulling at her waistband. Grace wasn't wearing panties underneath her gray sweats, so she doubled the force and kicked out. Hard. Nate yelped and jumped backward.

"I'm trying to set up boundaries. I am so close to slapping you again," Grace groaned. "If you push it further, I'll have to."

"What? You keep teasing me like this, then when I try to take initiative for something fun, you get squeamish about it?" Nate said, taking a step back.

"I'm setting limits for when the situation demands them. Not the time, nor the place to escalate," Grace said in her best no-nonsense teacher's voice.

"What, are you some kind of tease?" Nate complained, giving Grace enough personal space with another set of steps back.

Grace had felt a bit bad for Nate then. She thought that perhaps she had been a tease, and maybe she was giving the wrong signals. Perhaps she could rectify this by indulging Nolan's little fantasy a little bit, but with the safe boundaries that needed to be in place. And maybe she could indulge in the thrill herself in the bathroom later. For a fleeting moment, she wished she had her college vibrator. She had thrown it out when Nolan and she moved in together, but with him drunk and temperatures rising, it would very much be of use. Maybe Nate could help her out? No, that was a dangerous thought. Unavoidable, sure, but not one to investigate.

"Maybe I am a bit of a tease," Grace shot back with a naughty grin and took a step towards Nate. He seemed to take the hint and remained standing where he was. "Maybe I like the attention. But you should respect my boundaries and my boyfriend. That is not the case to be insensitive and forward. We can both have fun like this. Within reason, okay?"

Nate had slowly nodded at that, trying to gauge where this was going. Grace decided she'd be daring. With that, she closed the gap between them by taking a couple of steps toward Nate, standing only about two feet away from him. Nate at first looked a bit apprehensive but excited, like he was unsure what was about to happen, but hoped for the best.

Grace had let her eyes scan his body. He wasn't attractive, she noted. As sleazy as he was sleazy-looking. A bit of belly, rugged, and with a coarse face. Beady eyes and dark, unruly hair, and with a bit of stubble. Why was this man the one they had chosen for their fantasy? Nolan perhaps thought it was a Beauty and the Beast situation, or perhaps he didn't see Nate as a threat, or maybe Grace, Nolan's perfect girl, with a man like Nate, was a fitting recipe to stir up trouble in his mind.

For Grace's part, well, there was much the same as what Nolan might think, but also the allure of what this man could do... and if Grace could allow herself to be so easy, Nate's probable size wasn't too bad either. Not that she'd ever let him know that, of course. But she liked to imagine what kind of monster he was hiding in his pants, what it would feel like to have that inside her…

Grace realized she had been standing there for a while, seemingly staring at Nate's crotch. She blushed and cleared her throat. "Like I said, we can have fun together. Just within reason."

"And what do you consider reasonable?" Nate asked, his voice low and husky. He was clearly enjoying himself.

Grace grinned and shook her shoulders. "Oh, I don't know," she said, turning around while looking over her shoulder at Nate, pushing her hips back toward him to stick that ass he admired out for him. "I'm not sure at all."

"Fuck," Nate grunted, taking a step back so he could see more of her ass.

"Not today," Grace teased, trailing her hands up along the outside of her thighs, up to her hips, to her slim waist, and then back down.

On her way down, however, Grace let her thumbs slip inside her sweatpants and pulled them down just enough to reveal some skin. Nate groaned again as he saw the exposed skin.

"Not today," Grace repeated, grinning at Nate. He was clearly enjoying the show, and that made her feel a bit powerful.

She continued her teasing, slowly moving her hips side to side, almost sensually, letting her sweatpants dance down in slow motion. The arch of her butt cheeks, however, prevented the sweats from falling down completely, but Nate was clearly very enthralled, his hungry eyes glued to her perfect ass. He no doubt took note that there was nothing between him and those perfect cheeks but those sweatpants, and he was no dangerously close to seeing it all in its might and glory.

"Jesus... You're a fucking work of art," Nate mumbled.

Grace smiled, feeling the power she held over him. She was definitely enjoying herself and almost felt tempted to show off more of her ass. Nate had seen it in her bikini. What was some set of naked ass cheeks with a safe distance between them compared to that?

Suddenly, Grace felt Nate's hand on her lower back. She let it linger for a moment, enjoying the feeling. Nate's touch was soft and warm, and it sent tingles down her spine. But it didn't linger there; his fingers ran down the arch of her ass before slipping into her sweatpants, cupping her ample right cheek. Grace gasped, feeling him grab her ass like that. His touch was gentler than Grace would've expected, but still assertive, and she was suddenly reminded just how big his hands were.

"Nate!" Grace hissed.

"Sorry, I can't help it!" Nate said. But Grace grabbed him by his shoulders, turned him around with more determination than even Nate would've anticipated, and shoved him toward the door.

"Show's over," she said in an angry, no, frustrated whisper.

Nate stumbled out the door, with Grace not far behind. She was both furious and horny, angry at Nate for trying to grab her like that, and upset with herself for even allowing him to. What the hell was wrong with her?

"Sorry! Sorry! I don't know what came over me," Nate mumbled.

Grace huffed. "Go. Shoo." She slammed the door on his face and hurried back to check on Nolan, her cheeks flushed, her heart racing.

She stood for a moment, watching Nolan sleep. Part of her wished she could just wake him up and have his way with him. She was frustrated and horny, and her thoughts were racing. Nolan stirred slightly, muttering something incoherent. Grace sighed, her mood changing slightly. She suddenly felt sad, the thought of cheating had crept into her mind, and she hated it. What the hell was wrong with her? Why did she allow herself to let Nate touch her like that?

Grace wouldn't have ever thought of Nate in a sexual way if it wasn't for Nolan's fantasy, but now it was like it couldn't be avoided. The thought was there. Perhaps it wouldn't be so bad. She had always had a strong libido, and it was only made worse by having someone like Nate lurking around.

That was last night. She hadn't told Nolan any of it yet. Partly because of the excuse of his fantasy, but also because she was both embarrassed and frustrated at how riled up she had been, how far she was letting it go already. This was supposed to be Nolan's little fantasy, but here she was, letting things escalate beyond what they should.

But Nolan had insisted, wanting to explore his fantasy, ignoring the dangers of it, unaware of what Nate and Grace had been up to, so here she was, small-talking with Nate on the way to ballet. They didn't really have that much chemistry when it came to just regular conversation. Just something Grace noted. Like a lack of common interests. Luckily, it wasn't a long drive. The only reason she didn't drive herself was because of how sore she often was afterward. Ballet was especially tough on the heels.

"Thank you, again," she repeated.

"No problem," Nate replied. "I'm happy to help."

"Well, we appreciate it," Grace said, offering him a smile.

There was an awkward silence in the car, but the short trip was quickly over. Nate found a parking spot and stopped the car.

"We're here early," Nate noted. There were a few cars here, but they were indeed early. 15 minutes or so. Grace then noticed that he had chosen a spot that was somewhat secluded. It was just the two of them here.

"Yep. We are," she said, biting her lip, a surge of nervous energy going through her. What was his plan here? Was he trying to take advantage of the fact that they were early? She couldn't blame him for being desperate to feel her curves. However, this was not the time nor the place.

But Nate no doubt wanted to continue what he had tried to start last night. Grace felt bad for having to reject him once again. Maybe her consistency in denying him anything would have him lose all interest, and her and Nolan's fantasy would be forfeit, but it would just have to be that way. Or maybe Nate could learn to respect boundaries.

"My Mom was a dancer too," Nate said, breaking the ice. "Ballet, I mean."

"Really?" Grace asked, slightly caught off guard. He sounded like a person sharing a mutual hobby for a bit rather than a sleazy asshole that wanted to get her into the backseat for a quickie. But that was perhaps all part of the game, she supposed.

"Yeah," Nate continued, a faint smile on his lips. "It was the only thing that brought her joy. My dad was in Vietnam, so he wasn't much around, and I was a dipshit when I was young, so she took great pleasure in dancing. It was her sanctuary, I think."

It surprised her, that this guy had more depth, as she had only considered him a dirty old bastard, looking to get into her pants. It changed a bit from the narrative Grace had constructed of Nate so far; an entitled prick who never had to take no for an answer. However, she still thought he was a sleaze, and she wasn't going to let her guard down, especially as they were now alone together.

"That's really sweet," she said, offering him a smile. "Was she a nice lady?"

"She's still alive. And no. Beautiful, yes, but she beat the shit out of me all the time. Like I said when you slapped me, not my first time getting hit by a woman," Nate chuckled.

"Now I feel even worse about it," Grace said.

"Nah, don't. I know we like to flirt and tease each other, and whatnot, and that makes up for it. And to be fair, I slapped you first. Just not your face, of course," Nate said. "But that was my fault. You're just too damn beautiful to not want to feel."

Grace blushed at his words. She didn't know if he was genuinely complimenting her, or if he was just trying to get in her good graces after last night’s rejection, but she had to admit that she liked the way he spoke about her. It was a softness that she didn't expect, especially after his little tale of his mother.

Nate seemed to sense her apprehension and continued. "I'm sorry if I came on too strong last night, but you're a beautiful woman, and I'm a man. And like I said, we're both into flirting and teasing, and well, I can't help myself. And a few drinks, some bad judgment, you can perhaps take pity on an old sleazeball like myself."

"I get it. And I do appreciate the compliments," Grace said, a small smile on her lips. "If anything, I invited it by letting you have a feel on the balcony. It was a step I shouldn't have taken, but I can't blame you for being excited, I guess. And maybe that gave the wrong impressions for… what happened last night."

"Yeah," Nate sighed, staring at her. His gaze sent a shiver down her spine. She knew he wanted her, but she also knew that he wasn't going to force himself on her. Still, it was a tense situation to be in, and she didn't know how far she was willing to go with this.

"I can't take it back anyway," Grace said. Why did she linger on it, though? They could move on, yet Grace decided to continue the conversation.

"Well, I'm glad you let me have a closer look," Nate said, grinning at her, taking the invitation to talk further about their… interactive relationship. "You have no idea how much I loved it."

"I think I have a pretty good idea," Grace said, smirking. She felt more comfortable now, and she was starting to enjoy their little game. She had thought that Nate might try to take advantage of the situation they had here, but he seemed to be content with just flirting and teasing for now.

"I suppose so," Nate laughed. "But seriously, thank you for indulging me. It's a big thrill to be able to get so close to a beauty like you."

"You're welcome," Grace said, blushing. She hadn't expected him to be so sweet and respectful, but she was glad that he was.

"I haven't had the best experiences with women, so you've been a real joy to be around. I've had loads of fun, heh, don't get me wrong, but the barn always burns down. So if I ever step over any boundaries, I want you to tell me. I'd rather sulk in your shadow and be your friend rather than not get to hang out with you guys," Nate said. Grace felt her almost melt a bit at his words. He was really trying to make her feel at ease, and she appreciated it.

"I will," Grace said, smiling at him. "And I'm glad that you're respectful. You could easily have taken advantage of the situation, but you haven't. And I appreciate that."

Nate shrugged. "I'm not a total monster, you know. Just a horny guy who enjoys flirting with a beautiful woman."

"Well, I'm glad that you're not a total monster," Grace said, laughing. "And I've enjoyed our little game too. It's been fun."

"I'm glad to hear that," Nate said, grinning at her. "I've had a blast."

They sat in silence for a moment, just looking at each other. Grace felt a flutter in her stomach as Nate's gaze lingered on her body. He looked hungry for her, but she also knew that he wouldn't try to force himself on her. She felt a strange mix of emotions; she was excited by the attention, but she also felt a hint of apprehension. This was dangerous territory, and she knew that she had to be careful.

Nate then reached out and took her hand in his, gently stroking her skin with his thumb. Grace shivered at the contact, but she didn't pull away. It was a bold move, but she was willing to give him this. After all, he had been very sweet and respectful, and she wanted to reward him for that.

"Your hands are so soft," Nate said, his voice low. "I can't get enough of how silky smoothe you feel."

Grace blushed, her heart racing. This was a new level of intimacy, and she wasn't sure if she was ready for it. But she also knew that she wouldn't want to stop now. She felt a tingle of excitement between her legs as Nate continued to stroke her hand, his eyes locked on hers.

Nate then slowly leaned in towards her, his lips almost brushing against her ear. His breath was warm as he whispered, "You're driving me crazy, Grace."

She let out a shaky breath. Her heart was pounding, and she felt a rush of adrenaline coursing through her veins. This was thrilling and terrifying at the same time. Nate's hand moved from her hand to her thigh, and he slowly began to stroke it, sending shivers down her spine. She knew that she should stop him, but something inside her was begging for more. Just like last night, her body wanted to give in while her brain screamed no.

Nate then moved his hand to the top of her thigh, his fingers teasing the hem of her sweatpants. He was getting bolder, and Grace knew that she had to put a stop to this before things went too far again. But as his fingers brushed against the bare skin of her lower abdomen, she found herself wanting more. It felt wrong, but it also felt so good. She was torn between her desire for pleasure and her fear of giving in to Nate's advances.

"I can't take it anymore. I need to feel you," Nate growled.

His fingers were dangerously close to reaching into her panties now, and Grace knew that she was at a crossroads. She could either stop this and tell Nate that she wasn't interested, or she could give in to her desires and let him touch her. Her body was betraying her; she knew that she should stop this, but she also knew that she wanted more. It was like her mind and body were at war with each other, and she didn't know what to do.

No.

No, no, no.

Grace shoved her hand to his wrist, stopping his descent. She didn't say anything, but the look she gave Nate told him that this was as far as it goes and that it had, in fact, gone too far already. Nate looked at her, his other hand suddenly wrapping around her own wrist and gently guiding her hand down to his crotch. She felt the steel pipe in his jeans, and her heart skipped a beat. Warm and thick, pulsing even. And like she had suspected, Nate was big. Like, scary big. The kind of big that could make any woman forget her morals and standards.

Nate then pushed forward in his seat and moved his mouth to kiss her, and just as he was about to close the distance between them, Grace abruptly leaned out of his reach, his lips landing in her neck instead, giving it an unwarranted, unwanted slobber. Nate, not backing down, started kissing and sucking on her skin, making Grace squirm in her seat.

She was overwhelmed by his advances, but she knew that she had to be strong. Grace pushed his face off her, making a disgusted look at him, shaking her head at the daring fool that he was.

"We have to stop," Grace said, her voice firm. "We can't do this. It's not right."

"But you want it," Nate groaned, squeezing her thigh. "We both want it."

Grace felt a familiar warmth pool in her core, but she pushed it down. She knew that she had to be the sensible one here and put a stop to this before it went too far. But even now, Nate's hand was still on her thigh, his finger lightly stroking her skin.

Grace clenched her jaw and sat back in the seat, not sure what to do now. Nate looked at her, a mixture of disappointment and excitement in his eyes.

"Can you move your hand, please?" Grace asked.

"I'm just giving you what you want," he said.

"What I want is for you to keep your hands to yourself," Grace said, her voice shaking slightly. "I'm not interested, Nate."

Nate shook his head. "You're lying. I know you want me."

Grace swallowed. This was getting out of control. Nolan hadn't agreed to any of this, this was purely wrong. But what Nate said wasn't a lie. She did want this, but that didn't mean that she was going to give in to him. Grace knew that she had to be strong and resist his advances, even if her body was screaming at her to let him have his way with her.

"I'm not lying," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don't want this. I'm sorry."

Nate sighed and removed his hand from her thigh. "If you say so," he said, sounding disappointed. "I'll respect your boundaries."

Grace nodded, relieved that he had finally stopped touching her. She felt guilty for wanting him, but she knew that it was wrong. Still, the memory of his touch lingered, and she couldn't help but wonder what might've happened if she hadn't stopped him.

She also felt guilty for leading Nate on like this. What else was he supposed to think? They'd flirted and teased each other for a while, and he must've thought it was only a matter of time before she would give in to his advances. Nate had been respectful and kind to her, and she had rewarded him with mixed signals.

"I'm sorry for coming onto you like that," Nate said, his voice soft. "I got carried away."

"I should be the one who's sorry. I've been leading you on," Grace said, her voice barely audible. Nate didn't say anything. "Th-there's a reason why I'm letting you get away with these things, and why I'm playing along like I am."

"Playing along?" Nate chuckled.

"Okay, fair. There's a reason why I'm being such a tease. But I can't explain it now. I'll find time for it later, and with Nolan..." Grace said. She knew this was a decision she should've made with Nolan, but what had just transpired, and last night, was precisely why they had to let Nate know of their kinky adventure. The poor man had only responded to what he thought was a feisty girl hungry for... well, something extra.

It was all going too fast, though.

"Are you fucking with me?" Nate asked.

"No. I'm not," Grace said, shaking her head. "I'm serious, Nate. There's something going on that I can't explain right now, but I promise that I will tell you later. I'm sorry for leading you on like this and being so difficult. I'll get someone else to drive me home; don't worry about it."

She grabbed her things and was about to exit the car when Nate gently grabbed her arm.

"Wait," he said, his voice soft. "Are you okay? I mean, obviously there's something happening that I don't know about, but are you okay? You seem upset."

"I'm fine," Grace said, sighing. "It's just complicated. And it's my fault, not yours."

Nate nodded, his eyes searching her face. He then let go of her arm, and Grace opened the car door, stepping out into the parking lot. She glanced back at Nate, offering him a small smile before she turned and walked away. As she headed towards the studio, Grace felt a mixture of guilt and excitement. On one hand, she had led Nate on and given him the wrong impression, but on the other hand, it had been thrilling to see how far he would go, and boy had he pushed her this morning. And now she was going to have to explain all of this to Nolan. She just hoped that he would understand.

But her mind was made up. To keep going like this, it simply wasn't fair to anyone.

Grace made her way to the studio and signed in, her mind still racing with thoughts of what had just happened. It was as far as they'd gone and much further than Grace was comfortable with. It was all too fast. She knew that Nolan had pushed her to tease Nate, but this was a whole other level. She felt guilty for not stopping things sooner, and she knew that she would have to talk to Nolan about it. Grace hated keeping secrets from him, and she knew that she would have to come clean about what had happened between her and Nate.

And from Nate's perspective, Grace had to guess it was even more confusing.

*

Nate scratched his stubble, utterly confused. He still sat in his car, watching the door where Grace had left for her ballet class. It was as frustrating as it was exhilarating. One moment, Nate thought he'd finally bag Grace, then the next, she was all over the place with excuses for why she didn't want to go the extra mile and indulge in what she truly wanted.

But Grace wanted it. Whatever obstacles that was in the way, Nate knew a horny girl when he saw one.

"Fuck," Nate muttered, annoyed with this setback. It had gone so smoothly. He talked about his mother, forcing himself to be the gentle soul Grace sought, but then it blew up in his face. Nate had barely been able to not take what he wanted, regardless of her protests and fake disillusionment.

Changing tactics from yesterday didn't go anywhere, apparently. Was this such a slow game that progress was only made with patience? Well, patience wasn't really his strongest virtue.

It was barely that he remembered that he was supposed to be a caring man when she left. But he was glad he was able to pull back up on the horse and ask Grace about her well-being after their little session in his car. She had smiled back at him. It was enough of an answer that Grace appreciated his concern. At least he knew what buttons to push with her.

And that smile was beautiful, he thought. Her steel-blue eyes stared into his dark, brown ones. It was like the world stood still for a moment. He could feel her breath on his lips, her body inches from his, her skin tingling at his touch. She wanted him, and he wanted her, but she was holding back. And that was what frustrated him the most. He was so close to getting what he wanted, and then she pulled away.

Nate had half a mind of finding some whore to take his frustration out on, but he knew the victory would be all the sweeter once he got Grace out of her shell. It was just a matter of time. He'd be patient, no matter how hard it was. It would pay off in the end. Nate would make sure of that. He'd make Grace his and nobody else's. That, Nate was sure of.

As he started his old Volkswagen and headed back home, his mind continued to race with possibilities of what could be going on with Grace. She had said there was something she needed to tell him, and it involved Nolan. Would Nate finally get the full picture? He always had a suspicion there was some outside factor that he wasn't able to gauge.

Damn it. He really wanted to see her come out from her dancing class, sweaty and perhaps even still wearing her dancing attire.

Nate found himself driving around for at least an hour, just mulling and sulking as he headed in no particular direction. In the end, as all roads lead home, he was outside his apartment building, finding his neighbor hovering around his car. He looked like had no clue of how to wire a battery, and Nate was in no rush to instruct him how. Let the idiot simmer.

"Howdy, neighbor!" Nate waved at Nolan as he passed him in the parking lot. 

The kid had gotten him that temporary job as an advisor for a project around Oakland Pharma. It would be good to get some new money into the old bank account, but he hated to reap fruits from Nolan's tree. Though, perhaps he sort of was doing that with Grace, no matter what he did. What really was an annoying factor was that the higher-ups at the holding company didn't trust him, which meant no permanent contract, and there were certainly few reasonable expectations of promotion or just elevating his position in any way.

"Hey there," Nolan said, starting to talk about something Nate didn't care about. Nate, in the meantime, was trying to weigh if he should try actually try to do some real work at Calhoun Holdings.

On one hand, he enjoyed the freedom of being jobless. He had a few bucks from saved-up funds and could still live pretty comfortably.

But on the other hand, maybe it would serve to help his plans in conquering Grace. She liked ambition and was quite a strong-minded woman in her own right. Nate knew his sleazy demeanor was somewhat appealing to Grace, but if there were long-term goals here, then he had to make some adjustments. At least until she was broken in.

Then Nolan stopped talking, interrupting Nate's thoughts.

"Well, I'll going to head in now," Nate said.

"I gotta fix this car battery anyway. If  that’s even the right terminology," Nolan said with half a chuckle. "But can’t go to work without it, can I?"

"Oh, yeah, of course. I'll see you later, then," Nate said, offering him a smile. "And thanks for the gig. It was really kind of you."

"No problem," Nolan said, grinning at him. "So tomorrow, right?"

"Sure. And do you mind if I drive?" Nate asked. It was a genuine concern. Nolan was a shit driver, and if Nate wanted to experience Grace then he had to stay alive.

"Not at all. I could split the gas if you want," Nolan said.

Nate was about to accept but remembered he was supposed to be nonchalant and charitable, soft if you will. "Nah," Nate said, waving his dismissal. "It's on me. You're already doing me a solid."

Nolan shrugged, not pressing the matter further. "Well, thanks, man. I appreciate it."

"Don't mention it," Nate said, giving him a pat on the shoulder before heading towards his apartment. As he walked, he wondered if he was going too far in trying to be a better person. When he got up to his floor, he sent a glance down at Nolan, who was still down by his Ford Equinox. Nolan looked at Nate as a friend and an equal.

Nate couldn't help but chuckle to himself. The poor boy had no idea what Nate was truly capable of. If only he knew what Nate was thinking when he smiled at him. If only he knew what Nate wanted to do to Grace. If only he knew what Nate would do to get what he wanted.

*

Nolan had stared for quite a while on the car battery and the wires, wondering which end went where. He had no clue how any of this worked but was determined to fix this himself. Almost as a karma-building exercise, or whatever. Character building. Maybe. 

It was also a menial task he found himself doing so he would remain distracted from Nate and Grace being out and about. Sure, it was just a matter of an hour or so until she was home, but it drove Nolan quite anxious still. Every time they were alone together, some small steps toward a dark cavern had been made. And as they took those steps, Nolan felt him swaying closer to the edge. Especially now that some parts of what the two had been up to was in the dark. Nolan wanted to think they only teased and flirterd, but a darker part wanted it to have blossomed into something more taboo. But those were sickening, taboo thoughts, some that he didn't want to think too much about.

It wasn't fair to Grace. Perhaps it was getting too drunk for the second time in a short period that made him sort of wary. If it was one thing that could truly upset Nolan it was Grace getting upset. And being the cause of that, well, it wasn't too great. Nolan often thought of himself as a somewhat conservative stoic man, although his practical abilities were severely lacking, but when it came to Grace, he was all pudding and puppy. 

But perhaps that was why it was such devious fun to see her flirt and tease, and down the line, who knows, did Nolan even dare think it, for her to experience pleasure from someone else. That Nolan would let the love of his life, a woman he deemed perfect in every way, and that she was out of his league, to let another man feel her up. It was like a forbidden fruit, something you shouldn't do, but you still crave. It was deliciously wrong, and yet, it was also an exciting thrill to think about it.

Of course, there was no doubt that he felt jealous. That was one of the main reasons why this fantasy was so taboo, and perhaps why he loved it so much. But the more he thought about it, the more he realized that it was mostly about feeling that loss of control of the situation.

And that was exactly what he was experiencing now. Nate was giving Grace a ride after Grace had said something had happened yesterday, and if that had moved the status quo, who knew what was going on? The anxiety was killing him, and he found himself constantly looking at the clock, waiting for the ballet to be over, for Nate to show up with Nolan's source of worship. But the more he waited, the more he realized two things. He loved Grace more than anything, and he loved this burning sensation in his chest at a masochistic level. What was it that Fyodor Dostoevsky said? Something like, 'Love is one long moment of bliss, surrounded by many moments of despair.'

It was like that with Grace and this kink. His heart soared whenever he saw her, and when they were together, he never wanted the moment to end. But there was always a tinge of fear that he wasn't good enough for her. That she would realize he was nothing special and that she deserved better. It was a constant battle between his desire for her and his fear of losing her.

And losing her to a man like Nate through one of his own kinks, if only for a little bit, felt like an exquisite torture. The pain of losing her to someone else, the pleasure of knowing she was enjoying herself with someone else. And that pain was what drove his lust, or perhaps the danger of that pain, and hand in hand with that the thrill of that danger. With the added bonus of real-life consequences.

"It's the height of egoism," Nolan muttered, finally inserting the cables into the battery terminals. How Nolan had sat down to write down at a cafe how he wanted his girlfriend, his love, to behave in accordance to only how he felt? There was something to that didn’t sit right with Nolan in retrospect. It was all about him, with how he was approaching this. "I am so full of myself I can't even see what is in front of me." What did he mean by that? Due to his own hellbent fixation on his kink off late, perhaps he didn't truly appreciate Grace's effort and her side of the equation. And he'd already been feeling like she was too good for him.

But he was also sure she wouldn't want to hurt him, or at least she wouldn't want to hurt him badly, and never intentionally. But hurt, the pain of the jealousy, wasn't it ingredients in the same cauldron?

"Howdy, neighbor!" Nate suddenly called. How long had Nolan stood there philosophying his own stance on his own kink? How long had he stood there contemplating his own desires versus his love for Grace? The latter won out, but wasn't there a possibility for both to occur? Like down the stretch? Perhaps that was why Grace insisted on telling Nate.

Nate who stood before him now.

"Hey there," Nolan said. He then started talking about work, something he could do on auto-pilot. Without thinking, he went on and on, Nate nodding along. Nolan wondered why Nate had shown up without Grace. The ballet wasn't over for another hour or so. Had something gone awry? If so, Nate didn't give any signs of anything.

In the end, the two of them concluded that Nolan would hitch a ride with Nate the next day to work, and Nate disappeared up to his apartment while Nolan spent the next ten minutes googling how to hotwire a car battery. Apparently, he needed a whole other battery, which meant borrowing Grace's truck. He wasn't sure he dared to borrow her car, fearing he might do something wrong with it. Her livelihood was dependent on that car.

With a heavy sigh, Nolan went upstairs to start an easy lunch instead. Something nutritious and light, just the way Grace liked it.

It wasn't until later that Grace came home. Tired from the ballet, she hung her coat, kicked off her shoes, and seemed like her regular self, though tired.

"I forget how tiresome dancing can be," she sighed. "Oh, Caesar Salad? For me?"

"You bet," Nolan said, kissing his girlfriend as she came floating toward him. "So, what happened last night?" he asked.

"Eager are we?" Grace asked, biting her lip. "Promise me you won't be mad. Because it sort of continued in the car today. Hence why I hitched  ride with someone else home."

"What continued?" Nolan asked immediately. This sounded alarming.

"Don't get mad, but..." Grace started. "You know what, I think you need to be a bit more on your toes. I'll tell you after lunch."

"No. Now," Nolan demanded.

Grace studied him for a brief moment. "I can tell you now if you want. But is that what you want?" she asked, playing right into his fantasy. Did she enjoy torturing him like this? Or was it for his benefit? Or was his benefit why she enjoyed torturing him? Well, that couldn't be so bad.

"Are you able to wait?" she added, biting her lip seductively.

"You devil," Nolan muttered, moving over to his girlfriend to study that delicious booty with his hands.

"But before anything–" Grace began, but Nolan quickly shot in his own remarks.

"Wait. Let me go first. I know ladies first and all that, but before I watch those sexy lips of yours tell something that will turn me into pudding, I want to say a few things, and it has been things that I've been thinking about all morning," Nolan said. He let out a long sigh. Not to clear his mind or to buy time, but to find the right words. "I'm grateful. For everything you've done. I love you more than anything, and perhaps even more after you've accepted my weird kinks. You got quite upset at the beginning, but I really appreciate, more than I can say, how you actually came around and accepted me instead of running out on me. You're the strongest person I know, and I'm an incredibly lucky man."

"Aw," Grace said, kissing her future husband on his cheek.

"And perhaps all those reasons are what makes my kink so... potent. But, that being said, as much as I think that fantasy is a thrill, I want you to be happy. If it upsets you to a point where you want to stop this adventure, I will respect that. It's not heroin, I can kick it," Nolan continued. "If it comes to that, then I won't be upset or hold any grudges. If you're not comfortable with it, then that's it. No pressure, okay?"

"That's really sweet, Nolan," Grace said, cupping his cheeks and planting a kiss on his lips. "But I'm not there yet."

Nolan breath caught in his throat.

"In fact... I'm actually sort of getting into all of this. It's like a huge thrill to me, too. And I do have to confess I feel quite guilty for it," Grace said, letting her hands trail down to Nolan's shoulders. "But, I mean, I guess I sort of want to continue exploring, if that's what you're asking. I'm curious myself to see where this is coming from. So it is not any longer a kink for you, it has sort of become something I find exciting, too. And the more we explore it together, the more excited I become."

"Are you serious?" Nolan asked, staring at her. He felt his heart pounding in his chest, his palms sweaty. He had manned up and thought this was something he had to lay aside, but no. Here Grace was, professing her interest in it as well. What had happened in the car? Should Nolan be scared or excited?

"Deadly," Grace said, giving him a sultry look. "But I have to ask you if you're okay with it, too. You have to be honest with me here, okay? I need to know that you're not just going along with it because you think it's what I want. You have to be honest with me."

"I-I am," Nolan stammered, his mind racing. "I think it's the hottest thing ever."

Grace laughed and shook her head. "I should've known. You dirty little pervert. I love you."

"I love you too," Nolan said, smiling at her. 

"But I will only continue on one condition, and if this is not met then I will absolutely pull the plug. And perhaps you will see my point when I'm done telling my story of yesterday. And this morning," Grace said.

"I think that is fair. I've been on the fence about it myself," Nolan said. "So... you'll tell me what happened then?"

"Oh, yeah, I'm sorry," Grace said, shaking her head. "So, what is the last thing we did that you don't know about? Oh, right, the balcony… so I guess I have quite something to tell you." 

"Oh-oh," Nolan teased.

"You might have heard how I moaned a certain someone's name," Grace said, her hand moving touching Nolan's chest with the most sensuality. Just her hand on his chest and with what was to come was enough for Nolan to swell. Chest and crotch alike started to rise to the occasion. Her hand trailed from his chest to his stomach, and he looked intently at this devious woman that was Grace. "Oh, you heard that, didn't you?"

"Yeah," Nolan said.

"I want you to promise not to be angry," Grace said with innocent wickedness. "Because I have no idea why I let it happen, or if you'd be okay with it... still, I cannot lie about what it did to me. I feel guilty and ashamed, but it is what it is."

"Spill the beans, woman," Nolan said, before taking her unoccupied hand and kissing it.

"Nate beckoned me over, and before I could really understand what he wanted to do, his hand was kneading these heavy ass cheeks that you love so much," Grace said. Nolan gasped, muted by what she told him.

Everything from what Grace said to how she told it, the hand that was still trailing down, the one that had reached his navel, and the way she looked at him. She was a master at seduction. If this was a dream, then Nolan didn't want to wake up.

"And so there we were, on the balcony, and he had his hands all over my ass," she continued her voice barely a whisper. "I hate to admit it, but I think it's only fair, but I loved it. I don't know if it was because of the roughness and eagerness, or if it was finally reaching some sort of physicality after all the teasing and flirting, but when Nate's hand started feeling up what I had been almost parading in front of his face, well, I fell into it. But only for a moment. I once again got scared and got out of there.

And then when I got home from tennis later, at the mailboxes... you know, where Nate felt me up the very first time so many months ago? Well, he started flirting with me, and I didn't exactly tell him to fuck off. Until he grabbed me again. I have no idea, but I actually slapped him. But I think he didn't mind, because when I ended up apologizing. Can you believe that? He grabbed my ass, even when I'm spoken for, and I apologized to him."

Nolan swallowed, trying to comprehend what she had told him. His throat was so dry he felt like he couldn’t breathe. He did not like that Nate had touched Grace, least of all on his own initiative, but he couldn't deny the way Grace was telling it, and the fact that it had more or less happened under his nose, well, that was the sort of painful thrill he had been chasing. Something he had thought was selfish of him to yearn for.

"And then last night... when you got shitfaced, Nate decided enough was enough." Grace's hand now shoved hard into Nolan's pants, soon jerking his length in the tight confinements. "He was so eager for me. God, I never thought he'd turn me on so much, but there we were. He was like an animal, and I was so close to letting him do anything he wanted."

"Oh my god," Nolan gasped. He was harder than ever before, and his balls ached for release. His mind was spinning, his heart racing, and his skin tingling. He didn't like that Nate had groped his girl, but he'd deal with that later.

"There was no god present with what Nate wanted to do to me. That is, I haven't got any holy vows to abide by yet so..." Grace said, trailing off. She smiled deviously at Nolan as she talked, gauging his reaction. "His hands were all over me. I wore a sexy pair of baggy sweatpants and a just as baggy t-shirt, but apparently, my forms drove him mad regardless. God, how hard would he have fucked me if I hadn't stopped him, huh?"

"Fuck," Nolan grunted. He took Grace by her shoulders and guided her to the counter where he bent her over. 

"My my, what are you to do to me?" Grace teased as her pants slid over the curve of her flawless ass cheeks. Nolan felt like he was possessed. If he didn't fuck Grace now, he felt like he'd go insane. A deep animalistic part of him just wanted to pound his girlfriend silly, consequences be damned.

"You stopped him?" Nolan asked, scared of her refuting it despite the fact that she had just said that she had indeed stopped him.

"I did. I told him he should respect my boundaries and that he should keep his hands to himself," Grace said, smiling at him over her shoulder. "But then I felt bad."

Nolan worked his length inside of Grace and almost came right away. And his erection throbbed angrily inside of her when she didn't immediately follow up on that last cliffhanger. The anticipation would have been appreciated if Nolan hadn't already been so turned on.

"Continue," he asked.

"Well, I felt bad for being such a tease. So I teased instead of fucking him," Grace said, for the second time bringing up 'not' fucking Nate. Was there any intention behind that? Was that something she had been thinking about as well? "I gave him a bit of a slow tease, peeling off my sweatpants slowly for him. Just a bit. Though, I was about to show him my whole ass fully naked when I felt him touch me again. Gently, instead of ravaging me in pure eagerness. I'm... ashamed to admit it, but I let him have his fun for a bit... and I liked it. God, Nolan, I liked it a lot. His hand on my ass, molesting these cheeks you worship and love so much... fuck, I might cum just thinking about it. You gonna make me cum while I think about our neighbor groping me when you were passed out in the room right to us?"

As Grace had been talking, Nolan had increased his work rate, and through their mutual efforts, they both reached a climax together. Nolan leaned down over Grace, kissing her neck, his hands groping her breasts. He felt his cock still inside her, but he didn't want to pull out. He wanted to stay there forever.

Grace turned her head and kissed him, her tongue exploring his mouth. She moaned into him as she came down from her orgasm, and Nolan held her tightly, his cock still hard inside her.

"That was amazing," Nolan said. "Was that all true?"

"Yes," Grace said.

*

It wasn't until later in bed that they rekindled the topic. Nolan was already in bed, while Grace was just coming out of the shower. Nolan was glad the door was ajar so he could admire the naked form of his definition of a perfect woman. Grace just loved the way he worshiped her. She simply couldn't understand why, not entirely anyhow, he wanted to share her. Or rather, why he wanted to play a dangerous game where that might be one outcome.

Nate looked at Grace as a lay, like Nate was the center of the world, that he was the god of his world, and that Grace belonged to him due to that fact. In Nolan's world, he saw Grace as the goddess instead, and he belonged to her and was so devoted to her. 

It was like that analogy of cats thinking they are gods because they get taken care of, while dogs think you're the god because you take care of them. Grace had snickered in the shower calling Nate a pussy(cat) and Nolan a dog. Dogs were loyal and easy to keep happy. Was Nolan a dog?

It spoke volumes that he was willing to give up his darkest fantasy for her. But Grace had said to him that she wanted to continue. So they were on this path because she wanted it. That was the truth now. Grace was intrigued by Nate's dangerous allure and his... big heavy tool. Again, it baffled Grace that such a shallow reason could motivate her, but apparently, it did. She had no idea if it would ever lead to sex, that was something her and Nolan would have to talk about among other things, but Grace was curious.

But was Nate truly such a dirtbag as they first had thought? He had opened up to her in a way that she hadn't expected. His relationship with his mom, and how his dad was not around when he was little.

It didn't excuse him being a creep and a perv, but it was enough to make Grace sort of pity him. He had been through some shit. He was an asshole, but not a total monster. 

Grace donned her sexy, silky night dress. It was light purple, with simple but delicate embroideries along the rim, and would fit their evening as she thought it would be an important one. She was determined that they should either quit the exploration or tell Nate. She had already laid the foundation for telling Nate by vaguely alluding to the situation.

"About the car ride today," Grace began as she appeared in the doorway from their bathroom. As expected, Nolan sat up. But this wasn't supposed to be a sexy tale. "Like you heard about yesterday, Nate has taken it upon himself to initiate the next step. I've stopped him. It was no different in the car. He apologized then..." 

Grace was unsure if she should tell Nolan about Nate opening up. It sort of felt like something personal to Nate, something that wasn't for her to share. 

"... then he tried again. I rejected him. He got upset but respected it. But I think this is twice now that he has gotten way too physical. Three times, if we count the balcony, which I sort of do. Four with the mailboxes, but I got him back for that. And I'm sure we can trust he won't do anything... too forceful, but I think it's wrong of us to play him like that. And play me like that, too, for that matter."

"I agree," Nolan sighed. "While I desperately want to hear the tale of him groping and touching you more, it is honestly not an escalation I was ready for. Not yet. I mean, perhaps... well, what are you proposing then? That we tell him?"

"Yes. And that we talk among us two thoroughly before that. And perhaps we can do it now?" Grace asked, placing a knee on the bed, bending forward to crawl into bed. It wasn't meant to be sexy, but it just was.

"We can," Nolan said, but leaving the door open for them to postpone the talk as well.But Grace closed that door immediately and continued.

"So," she began, slumping down next to Nolan, staring up at the roof. "I think we should talk about the long-term perspectives. Like, where does this go? And that means asking some questions that might be a bit difficult. And I think you know where I'm going with this."

"I do," Nate said. "And yeah it is a bit difficult. There are no manuals for this. At least not that I know of."

"This is why you need to say your peace," Grace said. "Regardless of what I feel and want, purely objectively speaking, would you be okay with this leading to sex? I mean, that is what most of these fantasy tales lead to."

Nolan felt silent for a bit. Grace rolled over on her side to study him. She loved him so much. She couldn't imagine being with anyone else. But she also wanted to explore this fantasy with him. It was like a part of her had come alive that she didn't even know existed. It was an exciting new world, and she wanted to learn everything about it. And it was also a thrill that she sought out as well.

"I think... that I can get there," Nolan finally said. "And I'm not saying that because I think it's what you want to hear. I'm saying it because I think it's true. But I also think it will take time. It's a process that we need to work on together. It's not something that's going to happen overnight."

"That makes sense," Grace said, nodding. "And I think that's how it should be. Because if we consider what Nate probably wants, that's one of them."

"Do you, regardless of what I feel and want, want it to lead to sex?" Nolan asked before he was able to stop himself.

Grace wasn't prepared to have the question turned back on her. She opened her mouth, but no words came out. She looked at Nolan, trying to read his expression, but it was unreadable. He simply stared back at her, waiting for an answer.

"I... I don't know," Grace said, finally, feeling herself blush and her cheeks grow warm. "It's hard to say. I mean, there's a part of me that's curious. And there's a part of me that feels like it would be wrong. But then there's another part of me that thinks it could be fun and something, sorry Nolan, but something different and new. But I'm not sure I'm ready for it. And I'm not sure I want to do it. Not even ever. But I'm not sure I don't want to do it either."

"We're in the same boat then," Nolan chuckled. He ran over her belly, softly tickling her with his nails. "But... I'm not sure, but if it ever gets there, I think I want him to... erh, wear a condom. And I'm not sure if I could handle him... finishing in you... or if he made, you know, you cum as well."

"So if it ever gets to sex, you'd prefer I didn't cum, that he wears a rubber and that he doesn't cum inside me?" Grace said. It was just a summary, but the bluntness, the objectiveness, was apparently turning Nolan on, and in turn Grace too. "Sounds like a hypothetical plan. But we're not even past touching. But now we know. If only there was a way to satiate my, or our, curiosity without actually fucking Nate."

"Now we know," Nolan said, running his hand from her belly down to her right thigh.

They lay quiet for a moment. Grace regretted admitting perhaps her darkest desire, but she wanted to be honest with Nolan. Even if it was perhaps hard to hear, she thought he deserved the truth.

"I think you should really think it through whenever, or if ever, we get there," Grace said, wanting to hammer it home with Nolan. "The best sex I’ve had has been with you. Do you really want to risk that to change that? Because that's a big risk. And I have no idea how I'll react once it has happened, or how it may change me while it is happening."

Nolan nodded.

"It's a big step, and perhaps we're not there yet, but I think it is smart that we're talking openly about it now. Time might give us the option to consider it more thoroughly," he said. "Are there aspects about sex with Nate that you wanna bring up by the way? Like, how I want him to wear a condom and so on?"

Grace thought for a moment. There were a few things she had been thinking about, but she wasn't sure she wanted to admit them out loud. She was worried that it would upset Nolan.

"I... I think if we ever get there, that I... don't want you to be there. At least for the first few times," Grace said eventually, choosing her words carefully. "It would be too much for you, I think. And I don't want to put you through that. And honestly, I'd be so nervous, you being there would just make it so much more difficult. You have no idea how hard it would be for me to cheat on you like that, and it would be worse with you there."

"That's... fair," Nolan said, his voice strained. He seemed like he was trying to hide his emotions from her. But Grace knew him well enough to know that it upset him. But it was a compromise Grace needed to make.

"I'm sorry," Grace said.

"No, I get it," Nolan said. "I just... it's hard, you know? But I think I understand what you mean. At least now I know, and I have time to deal with it. If we get there. If any of us get cold feet, perhaps we'll never have to deal with that."

"Yeah," Grace sighed. Did Nolan try to imply he was getting cold feet? "And if that's the case, that's fine too."

But Grace didn't want that to be the case. She felt guilty for admitting that she wanted to have sex with someone else, but she did. It was an exciting new world she had been opened up to, and she wanted to explore it. But she also loved Nolan dearly. She couldn't imagine being with anyone else. And if Nolan didn't want to explore this further, then she would have to live with that. Like Nolan said, it wasn't heroin. But it would be something she'd wonder about for a good while after.

"Do you think he's hung?" Nolan asked. Grace froze for a moment. She had hoped he'd never ask that.

"I... don't know," Grace said, not wanting to scare Nolan. Nate was, by all accounts, very big. But it was technically true, Grace didn't truly know. It could've been a zucchini in his pants. She hoped that would be enough for Nolan not to ask any further.

Grace thought back to Nate's car, her hand down in his crotch, her palm pressed against his girth, as it stirred under her attention. His sheer size and heat alone had turned her on.

"So, tomorrow is the big day, then?" Nolan asked.

"It is," Grace said.

*

Nate threw a glance over at Nolan as they were driving to work the next morning. He'd half expected him to be all passive-aggressive or angry or something, that Grace had snitched to her little boyfriend. But no. The dude seemed nervous and a bit anxious, if anything. In fact, Grace and Nolan had, over text, invited Nate over the next day. They didn't say about what, or anything like that, just a simple invitation. So it wasn't like she'd ratted him out to Nolan.

"So, how are you doing?" Nate asked.

"Oh, fine. You?" Nolan responded.

"Yeah, I'm good. Just trying to wrap my head around later tonight," Nate said. "I mean, has Grace said anything? I hope I'm not in the dog house or something!"

Nolan glanced over at Nate. He was nervous, yes, but Nate could see that this man had some resolve. "We'll talk about it later. Tonight," Nolan said.

"Sounds ominous," Nate chuckled.

"It's not meant to be," Nolan said, looking out the window. Nate decided he'd drop the topic.

It had all been quite frustrating to Nate. Grace had been showing all the signs, but none of the actions. Though she did give him a bit of a strip tease, and boy did it work wonders. Nate regretted grabbing her, regretting missing out on how far it might've gone if he hadn't lost his cool. But Grace brought it out in him. The desire to possess her, to own her. That he was the one who was supposed to have her. No other woman had been able to stir Nate up like that. It was maddening.

Nate knew he couldn't force himself on her. That would be wrong, and he wasn't a monster. Besides, on the pragmatic side of things, that would ruin his long-term goals. And he had plans for Grace. But she wasn't making it easy for him.

"Wanna learn how to park?" Nate asked as they pulled into the parking lot. Nolan was an awful driver, and his parking skills were abysmal.

"It's a bit late for that," Nolan chuckled.

"Just because you're too old, doesn't mean you can't learn new tricks," Nate laughed.

"Old?" Nolan chuckled. He was 20 years younger than Nate, or thereabouts.

They spent the morning working together on the Oakland Pharma project. Nate spent the morning sort of being a mix of errand boy and researcher. They had to be well-prepared, and he knew what sort of things that entailed. Nolan put it all together, and, honestly, he was quite good at it.

At least initially. Every time Nate went to get them coffee, he was careful to slip just a tiny bit of vodka into Nolan's coffee from his hip flask. Not enough to notice, but enough for the effects to show after a while.

In general, Nate was very impressed by the office. He had imagined that this company, which was a hybrid PR and agency and a holding company, was a poorly managed and run place. But they had done a fairly good job hiring the right people, and the guys running the place would, in general, be regarded as nice people. Nate didn't put much stock in people who were overly nice, but at least the atmosphere in the office was good. It was a new-age office, complete with game consoles, sofas, and such stuff, though he still insisted that this project have at least a whiteboard with some pens and paper. There's no replacement for brainstorming like that.

However, one aspect that Nate found disappointing, aside from the general lackluster performance of Nolan after a few cups of coffee, was how loosey goosey people were. The bosses were nice, but there was nothing to keep these fools on their toes. You can't give people candy all day and expect them to take their work seriously.

But it was an environment where Nate would excel and thrive. He'd stand above these lazy co-workers of his. With a good enough performance, perhaps they'd look past his criminal record. And maybe, down the line, he'd be able to carve out a small department with himself at the head. Nate almost snickered at the possibility if he'd be able to get Nolan as his underling. He'd take his job and his girl. Heh. Well, those were long-term ambitions. But first, he had to survive today. That was the biggest hurdle.

"You okay?" Nate asked as Nolan was rewriting a sentence for the third time. It was late in the afternoon, and Nolan had at least three cups of vodka-laced coffee. Grace hated it when Nolan got drunk, and if there was a wedge, he'd be able to pry himself in between.

"Yeah," Nolan said, staring intently at the computer screen. "I just... I need to focus."

"I get that," Nate said. "Do you want a coffee?"

"Yes, please," Nolan said, his eyes not leaving the screen.

"Sure thing, buddy," Nate said. Nate wasn't sure if buzzing Nolan like this would get him anywhere, but he was certain that down the line it would pay off. Plus, if it lowered his inhibitions enough, perhaps Grace could finally give him a shot. Or at least make his judgment not as good, should there be a pressing situation. A meeting, a presentation, or something else at work, or just how he conducted himself when he got home to his girl.

Nate got Nolan his coffee and placed it on the desk. "What can I help with?" Nate asked.

"You know these guys, right?" Nolan asked. Nate nodded. They proceeded then to have a lengthy conversation about how best to present themselves and Mrs. Lewis's product. Nate wasn't sure what the product was, something about eroding acids and whatnot, but he was able to guide Nolan in the right direction.

It took quite some time before they had finished their workday. Nate had to admit that Nolan worked hard when he was focused, even if he did drink Nate's special mixed coffee.

The two of them drove back in silence. Nate couldn't tell if Nolan was drunk or if he was tired. Perhaps a mixture of both. Nate wondered if he could get Nolan hooked on alcohol without knowing it, and almost smiled at the thought.

"So later tonight, right?" Nolan asked as Nate parked next to the big Ford Equinox that Nolan owned. Nate had his shitty old Volkswagen, but at least he knew how to drive.

"Yeah. I gotta say, I'm kinda nervous about what you guys wanna talk about. Has Grace said anything to you?" Nate said, trying to both fish for information and gauge Nolan's reaction.

"We'll talk later," Nolan said, exiting the car. "Be over at our place at seven."

"You got it, chief," Nate said, following him up to the elevator. The two of them stood in silence as they waited for the elevator. There was a bit of tension in the air. Nolan seemed nervous like before, but perhaps a bit more... relaxed. Is that even possible?

"Later," he mumbled, hurrying down the open corridor.

"Later," Nate replied shuffling his way down to the apartment just next to theirs.

*

Grace sat by the kitchen table, staring blankly at the wall. She was nervous. She was worried. She was excited. Nolan was on his way from work, but he'd soon be home. Grace was more stressed than in a while, finding this whole process more difficult to see through than she thought.

"It will be fine," she murmured. They had already invited Nate over, so it wasn't like she could back out now. And honestly, she didn't want to. She wanted to see this through. There were some nerves, yes, but once this little meeting with Nate was done, they could at least move on. Either with or without Nate. But that was up to how Nate took this, and if he could abide by their boundaries.

Grace stood up and stretched. She'd gone to the gym earlier in the day and had been working out a bit. Her muscles were sore and strained. And she was sweaty. Grace sighed and walked into the bathroom, stripping as she went.

She loved their apartment, she loved their building, so that was one reason to hope for Nate's cooperation, but Grace knew that there was more to her slight nervous excitement. There was a thrill to seeing where this would finally go. If Nate agreed to their terms, they could finally begin to explore this fantasy properly. Grace had no idea if it would lead anywhere, and if it would end with her fucking Nate or not, but it was exciting nonetheless.

Grace turned the water on, letting it run down her body. She was sweaty from her workout, and she felt dirty. And perhaps not only from her workout. She lathered her loofah up with soap and started scrubbing herself clean. As she washed herself, her thoughts drifted off to what she hoped would happen. In an ideal world, where everything proceeded without any bumps, perhaps both Nolan and Grace could experience something great. Grace didn't know what that something great would entail, but it would be something new, something different.

And Grace hadn't had a new or different experience like that since she started dating Nolan. She loved him, don't get her wrong, but there was something thrilling about the thought of exploring something new with someone else. And it was with someone that she wouldn't fall in love with. It was with someone that she was slightly scared of, and yet he was able to invoke some primal emotions in her.

And for Nate, well, he got to ogle a pretty young girl without consequences. Nolan had been quite adamant about that, that it had to remain as a visual teasing sort of situation. While it turned him on to have those boundaries broken, he had been quite clear this morning that he preferred if Nate didn't feel her up and whatnot. Part of Grace knew that was for the better, but a part of her did want to do more with Nate.

Grace sighed as she rinsed the suds off her body. She ran her hand through her wet hair and let the water run over her face. She wanted to fuck Nate, she just knew it. She didn't want to want it, but she couldn't help it. It was the thrill of it, the taboo of it, that drew her in.

But the fact that Nate was so pushy also made Grace hesitant. She was worried that he wouldn't be able to handle the boundaries Nolan and she had set. Perhaps he'd end up going too far? She didn't really trust Nate to behave himself. And she wasn't sure how Nolan would react if that happened. But then again, Nate had surprised her on more than one occasion. From apologising when he thought he had fucked up, to softening up and talking about his mom. Perhaps he could handle it after all?

And if he couldn't... well, it was time to tell him no. Grace turned the water off and grabbed a towel, drying up after spending a few too many minutes in the shower thinking these things over.

Buck naked, she wandered into the bedroom. That was something else she had learned to enjoy. When there was no one at home, she loved walking around her apartment completely in the nude. No prying eyes, no uncomfortable glances, she just loved the freedom it gave her. There was no shame, no guilt, nothing. Just freedom.

She grabbed some clean clothes from the drawer. She put on a simple, white T-shirt and black yoga pants. Not the sexiest outfit in the world, but she didn't want to give Nate any ideas. Well, no more than she had already given him. And still, the yoga pants were quite tight around her ass, giving it a nice shape and curve.

Grace had considered dressing more nicely, but she didn't want this to be too serious. The tone needed to be light and charitable, an open space where Nolan could feel secure, and, well, for Grace as well. But most of all for Nolan. She was worried he'd get jealous. That he'd get angry. Or perhaps hurt? She couldn't tell. He was a complicated person, and she loved him, but she also had reacted quite poorly when she first discovered his fetish, and he had now gotten quite drunk twice. She worried about him for that.

After showering and getting dressed, Grace spent the remained of getting some snacks, some non-alcoholic beverages, then spent the rest of the day doing the accounting for her landscaping business. It had been a few weeks since she had done it, so it was high time to get caught up with it all.

By the time Nolan came home, Grace was finished with all the accounting, and they had plenty of time to talk and eat before Nate was due to come over.

"So, what are we going to say?" Nolan asked, taking a seat opposite Grace. They were sitting at their small dining table, eating dinner together. Grace had made an easy salad, which was quite delicious.

"Well," Grace said, pausing to swallow a piece of cucumber. "I kinda want to be direct, but I also know this is, erh, sort of demeaning to you, so perhaps a gentler approach."

"Demeaning? What do you mean?" Nolan asked. "I think I know, and I guess I agree, but what makes you think it's demeaning to me?"

"I don't know," Grace said, shrugging. "It feels like we're asking Nate if he wants to help us make you a cuckold. Fuck, I still don't like that word."

"I don't either, but I think it fits the situation pretty well," Nolan chuckled. "But I get what you mean. This is kind of degrading to me, and we're basically asking if Nate wants to... I don't know, I don't want it to be physical so perhaps take care of you is the wrong way of putting it, but something like that."

Grace nodded.

"How do you feel about it, though?" she asked.

"It's weird. I know that I'm into it, but it is a bit odd to actually have this conversation with you. Like, you're basically asking me if I want my girlfriend fucked by someone else," Nolan said, chuckling nervously.

Grace reached out and took his hand in hers. "We don't have to do this."

"I know," Nolan said, giving her hand a squeeze. "And I appreciate your concern, but I want to do this."

"And it's not like I'm actually fucking him. We're just gonna let him know why I've been such a tease. And, honestly, I want to see his face when I tell him that," Grace said. She wasn't entirely sure why she wanted that, but she did. It was one thing to say it to Nolan, but to Nate... well, that was another thing entirely.

"So you wanna see him squirm?" Nolan laughed.

"Oh yeah," Grace chuckled. "The only reason he gets close to me is because you want him to get close to me. That's gotta be frustrating for him."

Nolan nodded, smiling. "It probably is."

"And hey, I do love the attention. Two men lusting after me, being the center of attention," Grace smiled. She stood up and slid over Nolan. Sitting down on his lap, straddling him. His hands landed on her hips almost by reflex, her legs wrapping around his torso. "God, it does so much for me. Having all this power over you. Two men who have no choice but to want me. And especially you. My favorite man to toy with."

She pressed a hard kiss against his lips, pushing her tongue against his. Grace could feel him throbbing underneath her, his hands coming around the curve of her ass, grabbing tightly. Grace knew how hot he thought it was that she was so confident, how he wanted her to treat him. And she loved the reaction she was getting out of him. But would he be able to live with it once it had happened? She didn't want him to feel betrayed, should they ever get so far.

Grace loved the contrast, the extreme differences between how she treated him and how he treated her. Nolan had always been so devoted to her. So worshipping, and almost... innocent, with her. And not in a naive way, but that he was so respectful, so loving, so giving.

Nate, on the other hand, was a very demanding presence, so pushy, almost cruel, and borderline vulgar in how much he seemed to want her. He wanted her bad, and the thought of being desired like that, it was a powerful drug. Something that Grace wanted more of. And it had affected her more than she'd like to admit. Even though she had rejected his advances and continued to reject them, a part of her did long to truly find out just how deep his depravity went, how hard he could push, and how far he would go to possess her. She had enjoyed his lusting after her far more than she liked to admit.

Grace peppered Nolan's mouth, face, neck, and ears with hard kisses, his grip only tightening as her display of affection increased.

"I just love you so much," she mumbled into his ear, kissing him softly and sucking his earlobe. She felt him shuddering at her attention. "But I need him to want me. That's so intoxicating. But you need to tell me if you can handle him wanting me too. Because you might not like where it might lead."

She began gyrating her crotch, only now noticing her own increasing excitement. But she couldn't get too wrapped up in it, she had to keep focused. She kissed Nolan again.

"Tell me where that might lead," he begged, his voice strained.

"Like, all the way," Grace sighed, now grinding herself harder against Nolan. "Like me ending up... sunbathing out on our balcony. Then perhaps he flirts with me some more. I pretend to hate it, but I can feel him looking at me, at my exposed body, my ass, my legs, my belly... my... god, and then he keeps flirting with me until I've gotten all kinds of tingly and horny. Oh, god, Nolan, the thought of being groped by Nate on our balcony, while you sit in here... perhaps watching through the window."

"Oh my god," Nolan panted, pulling Grace closer and moving a hand to squeeze her left ass cheek. "Then what?"

"Maybe I'll eventually cave. Maybe I'll get up, come in here then, look you dead in the eyes as I make my way through our apartment and over to his. You watch in awe, knowing I'm on my way over there," Grace cooed, grinding against Nolan, pressing her breasts against his chest.

"He'll touch me. Fuck me. And I'll like it, a lot," she whispered into his ear. Her right hand had sneaked under his shirt and was caressing his chest. "I'll be moaning, screaming, begging for him. Shrieking. Do you like that? Me grinding in your lap while I talk about 'fucking' Nate?" she asked, emphasizing 'fucking'.

"Yeah," Nolan breathed. His cock was straining in his jeans. His head had lolled back, and his eyes were closed.

"Imagine it. Nate taking me, while you're just next door. I bet you'd hear. I bet he'd let you know," Grace continued. She felt both wicked and wonderful. To tease Nolan like this turned her on, to picture her being fucked by Nate made her wet. And telling Nolan the tale seemed to only arouse him even more. "The bed is creaking. I can't stop moaning. It goes on for so long, Nolan. Hours. And in the end... he pumps my tight young body with his sperm, cumming deep inside of me. And before you can think to come over to stop him, he has rolled over. Pulled his cock out of me. Then... the deed has been done. Once that happens, there's nothing you can do about it."

"Yes," Nolan hissed.

Grace lifted his shirt up and leaned down. Her tongue running over his bare, hairless skin, kissing his flesh, then playfully biting him. Nolan's eyes popped open and stared at Grace with his big brown eyes.

"You love being this helpless. That I'm this sexy. I can tease the fuck out of you," Grace continued. "Nate likes my young and fertile body, my round ass and perky tits. My silky smooth skin and juicy thick thighs. God, his big cock would destroy me, baby, you have no idea."

The two of them groaned together at the thought.

Grace smiled at Nolan, kissing him deeply. "But you know I'm just teasing you, right? I wouldn't ever do that to you. But tell me, tell me what you really think about that. Does it turn you on or make you angry?"

"God, it turns me on," Nolan panted. "It turns me on so much, I almost can't stand it."

"Good," Grace purred, kissing him again. "But remember, I'm just teasing you. I wouldn't ever do that to you."

"I know," Nolan said, pulling her back into a kiss. Grace giggled into his mouth as they kissed, then pushed away.

"No, no, no, we can't continue. We gotta get ready for our guest," Grace said, climbing off Nolan's lap. She saw his cock straining in his jeans, but she could also see his frustration.

"Yeah," Nolan sighed. "But that was fun."

"It was," Grace chuckled. She walked over to the counter and began to clean up the rest of the dishes from dinner, cleaning up the kitchen. She was happy that they had talked about it and that they seemed to be on the same page. Also, now Nolan was on his toes until she could have her way with him after they'd thrown Nate out.

She knew it would be devastating for Nolan if Nate should take care of Grace in any capacity, given how much Nolan loved her, but it was still fun to use it for both of their advantages. Perhaps in another period of their relationship, she'd feel bad about it, perhaps she still did a little bit, but Nolan had insisted on this, so it had rubbed off on her. But she also wanted to keep things as clear as possible. It was an exciting new world of exploring, but it was also one that she had to tread carefully.

Grace looked over at Nolan, who was sitting by the kitchen table, fiddling with his phone. He looked calm, but she could tell that he was nervous.

Half an hour later, minutes that crawled by with hay balls rolling down mountainsides, there was a small knock at the door. Grace was amused by how light the knock was.

Grace exchanged a glance with Nolan, who remained in the kitchen, then nodded. The time was upon them. She walked over to the door and opened it. Nate stood outside, smiling at her while he scanned her body. He was in his usual attire, baggy dark khakis and a t-shirt. He seemed a bit nervous, but also hellbent on not showing any weakness. Did he think he was here to be scolded for his inappropriate behavior again?

"Hey, come on in," Grace said, stepping aside to let him in.

"Thanks," Nate said. "Hey Nolan."

"Hi," Nolan said, raising a hand from the kitchen table.

"So what's this all about?" Nate asked, looking around as if he was expecting something. Maybe he thought some ax killer lurked in a corner.

"It's nothing too serious," Grace said. "Though, perhaps that is not entirely true. Want something to drink?"

"I brought some beer," Nate said, holding out two six-packs of beer.

Grace shot Nolan a stern look, which he cowered under. "Nolan is having a break from alcohol. We've got fresh-squeezed lemonade. The lemons are from my own stock. We also have soda and... water."

"Nolan, you rascal," Nate chuckled, handing Grace his jacket. "If it's from Grace's stock, then I'll take some lemonade." Grace smiled at that. It was a nice compliment that he didn't protest, but immediately went for what she had produced herself. "You should get sparkling water, that's what all top salesmen drink. The water of successful men."

"Yeah?" Nolan smiled awkwardly. "I personally don't like how they add salt to it."

The two chatted a bit about businessmen’s fashion nonsense for a few minutes while Grace made refreshments ready. She handed Nate his lemonade, which he thanked her for. He kept glancing over at Nolan, as if he expected him to explode or something. In the end, he took a seat in the recliner opposite Nolan.

"So, Nate," Grace began, pulling over a chair from the kitchen. "There is a reason we've invited you over."

"Yes?" Nate asked, taking a sip of the lemonade

.

"We need to discuss something delicate," Grace said, crossing her arms, sitting down with conviction and determination. She needed to be the strong one in the room.

"Hold on, you made this lemonade?" Nate said, taking another sip, holding his other hand out to silence Grace. "This is amazing! Nolan, you're one lucky man having such a crafty woman around!"

Grace couldn't help but blush a bit.

"Thanks," she murmured, looking down.

"You should bottle this up and sell it. 'Grace's Stock' you could call it!" Nate chuckled. "But you were saying?"

"Right," Grace said, trying to start again, but their little conversational detour had thrown her off her game. "Well, we need to talk about... erh, us. As in, you, me, and Nolan."

"Right," Nolan echoed. He was catching on that Grace got a bit flustered and surprised Grace by taking the intitiative. "So, you've probably noticed that Grace has been flirting and teasing a bit." Nolan made a small pause, and Grace saw that he was gauging Nate's reaction. Nate seemed to have tightened up a bit, but not in an angry way. A nervous kind of way. It was a reaction Nolan clearly picked up on. "I know this might be hard to understand, but we do that on... purpose."

"Yeah," Grace said, taking the lead again. "And I'd like to say that we're both sorry that we've been leading you on like this, but there is a reason for it. I was as shocked as you will be, but basically, erh, well, Nolan has this fetish that he has and we've sort of tried it out a little bit. Basically, he likes it when I tease and flirt with other guys. And sorry to say, you were sort of there, so... it was convenient. I know that doesn't excuse it, and that you probably feel used and misled. And that's all true. But it was something we got caught up in and found exciting. Then we saw that perhaps we were leading you on and that simply wasn't right. But that didn't mean that we didn't want to continue, but we had to have a talk and figure out what we should do about it."

Nate stared at Grace as she spoke. Then he looked over at Nolan, then back at Grace. He looked very confused. "I'm... not sure I understand. So Nolan gets turned on by you flirting with other guys?"

"Yes," Nolan said. "And I'm sorry for how you've been used like this. We've been really terrible to you. And I apologise from the bottom of my heart."

"And, again, sorry," Grace added, looking away. "But... we hoped that we could get your perspective, and if this is something we could be able to explore further?"

"That's... wow, that's a lot to take in," Nate said, chuckling, rubbing his greasy neck. "Gimme a sec, here."

Nate sat there for a moment, looking between the two. Grace had been nervous to begin with, and honestly thrown off guard by Nate's compliments, but now she was back to being focused. Nolan seemed nervous, but determined.

A few awkward moments of silence passed. Nate finished his lemonade and put the glass down on the table.

"I'm sorry to say this, but I'm a bit confused," Nate said, chuckling again. "So, you're saying you want me to... fuck Grace?"

"Erh, no, not exactly," Grace said. "We just wanted to see if you would be interested in maybe... continuing to sort of play along? Nothing too serious, just a bit of flirting. Like, I know we've sort of gotten a bit physical, but that is too far. And we were hoping we could, y'know, keep it as it was before. You get to watch me in my bikini, and we can tease the hell out of each other."

"And why would I do that?" Nate asked.

The young couple was caught off guard again. They hadn't foreseen Nate objecting to continuing like they had.

"You've used me for your own benefit, and you think a quick apology is good enough?" Nate said. It could've been said with malice, but Nate held a crooked smile as he talked, and snorted a bit at the sentiment. "So, I'm not to touch Grace? Ever? Why the fuck would I flirt if I don't know it goes anywhere? Tell you what. You're young and need to do this and that in this day and age, and that's fine, and I wanna help you guys out because I like you. But see it from my perspective. I'll walk around with the biggest set of blue balls this side of the Mississippi."

"I guess that is true," Grace muttered. She and Nolan were still confused about where Nate was going with this.

"I think it's only fair that I put some demands forward," Nate concluded.

"What sort of demands?" Nolan asked immediately.

Nate paused again. It was obvious that he was stalling. That he hadn't expected this to turn into a negotiation. But he was clearly trying to come up with something. Grace wondered what sort of requests Nate would have. Would he be reasonable? How would Nolan react?

"Well, I think just watching her in a bikini... I'll never grow bored of that, but I want at least once a week, that she does a little bit more. Like, put on a show. Or maybe she can sunbathe on my balcony instead."

"How about this?" Grace began. She looked over at Nolan before she continued. "Once a week, you get to choose? Either I sunbathe over at yours, or I'm putting on a show. I'm not sure what that means, but I think we can work something out. And it really depends on the weather, doesn't it?"

"Seems fair, I guess. It's a bit like we've done up till now. Yoga, stretches, and I guess a tease show here and there won't be too much different," Nolan said. Grace was happy to hear the excitement in his voice. That meant that she had his approval. He liked her taking the initiative in bed, but this trail still had a lot of bumps that could cause you to trip.

"I'm not done yet," Nate said. "Two more things. I want you to have a bikini that is just mine. Nolan doesn't get to look at it, or you wearing it. The other is... well, it's a bit embarrassing."

"What is it?" Grace asked, feeling her curiosity. Nolan shot her a look she couldn't quite read. Did he take her curiosity for excitement?

"You see, I'm terrible with women. I'm sure you've noticed Grace, and I'm truly sorry I'm not less rough around the edges because I do think you're an amazing woman. I've been out of the game for a while, and I'm not sure if I was ever in it, at least not with any good intentions. But ever since you two moved in, you've treated me nicely even though I'm as rough as I am, well, I've grown to like you guys. Perhaps I've taken that the wrong way now and then, and perhaps you've done so for your own reasons..."

Grace could hardly believe the level of humility on display from Nate. Where did that come from? Was this a new tactic from him? A way to manipulate them, perhaps?

*

"... But the point is, I'm out of practice, and I'd like to be able to talk to you more often. Get some pointers, if that makes sense? You see, I'm bad with women, and I want to get better. And perhaps, you know, if I could, erh,  dull my edges," Nate said. He looked from Grace to Nolan once more.

The recent revelations had destroyed any semblance of respect he had for Nolan. What a pathetic loser! How could someone have such a perfect woman like Grace and actually want people to flirt with her? Sure, looks couldn't be avoided, but encouraging it? And if Nate knew anything, it wouldn't stop at flirting. Fucking idiot.

But it had sort of altered his goals. He didn't only want to take Grace as his own, but he also wanted to do it right in front of Nolan. He wasn't sure if he'd want to fuck with the idiot in the room, though there was something to that as well. But he wanted to show Grace how she deserved to be treated. That she should never settle for a weakling like Nolan.

He would never understand why women went for the weak type. The type that was safe, kind, considerate, and would never challenge them. It made no sense. Grace seemed like a woman who was adventurous and outgoing, and wanted to be challenged. Someone as assertive and demanding as herself needed a man that could give it back to her, someone that wouldn't just roll over and play dead.

Grace was clearly in need of a real man.

But in due time. For now, he had to play nice.

"So I hoped that if I agreed to be your little fetish-dummy, that I could at least get a date with you," Nate continued, staring right at Grace. This was something he asked of her: if she would accept that. "And I'll play nice. I won't do anything you don't want to do, but I want it to be a proper date. You give me pointers and whatnot, and I get to spend the evening with a lovely woman. I just need to be able to practice my flirting skills. I've been on my own for a while, and perhaps you can help me find someone to finally settle down with."

Nate had to admit he was a bit nervous about this part. He wasn't sure how far they were willing to go, and he was trying to keep it as tame as possible, but also enticing. He still wanted Grace to know that he wanted her. That he'd stop at nothing to possess her.

Nolan and Grace exchanged a look. Nolan seemed nervous but excited, Grace was calm and collected. Nate knew that she'd probably be the one to decide, and he knew that she was an intelligent and cunning woman. She'd see right through him if he tried to be too much. And that was a problem.

But she would fall for it. He knew she would. It was just a matter of time. He had to keep in mind what he had learned about her from their interactions. That she was a tease, that she was turned on by being desired by a man, but also that she liked to be in control. That she liked the power of being the center of attention. Nate could use that. He knew he could. He just had to stay the course and keep his wits about him.

And Nolan. His weaknesses now became Nate's strengths. As long as Nate didn't push too hard, he could get Nolan to agree to anything. Nate just had to keep it light, playful, and not take it too far. But he needed to get to know Grace, really get to know her, and the only way to do that was to spend more time with her.

"I'm not sure about that," Grace said. Nate could tell that Grace was thinking it over, but her kindness and sense of empathy were taking the wheel. "It feels like you're asking us for a lot. We need to talk it over."

"I get that," Nate said. "I can wait here, or go out on the balcony for as long as you want so you two can discuss it." He wanted to give them time, but not too much time. He was reasonable enough to let them talk it out, yes, but if they agreed to talk it out now, he had a pinky toe in the door already. Then perhaps it would be easier to convince them later? If they were inclined to accept his offer, he needed to appear like the reasonable man he could be. The reasonable, generous man.

"Alright," Grace said. Once again, she was taking the initiative. "We'll just need a few minutes."

"Alright," Nate echoed, and got up. "Mind if I smoke while I'm out there?"

"No, not at all," Grace said, turning to Nolan again. Nate wondered if Grace would light a firecracker of jealousy off inside Nolan or if she'd manage the balance between generosity and assertive dominance.

"Sure, knock yourself out," Nolan said.

"Thanks, guys," Nate said, smiled, and stepped out on the small balcony, the glass door closing behind him.

He lit his cigarette and stared out over the view from their balcony. He was beginning to see the picture from a larger perspective now, not only the pieces. Sure, there was luck involved, but Nate knew he could take things even further. He didn't know what those extra steps were or when to take them, but he knew that he could push this situation to his advantage.

Nate finished his cigarette and looked around. Their balcony was nice, as Grace was such a master of plants. Her horticulture skills made Nate almost forget he was in Indiana; it more felt like he was in some exclusive garden retreat, perhaps at a private villa in Italy or something. There were quite a few plants around, so he had to be careful with his cigarette. He didn't want to be disrespectful to Grace.

Once Nate was done, he looked back through the glass door into their apartment. Grace was sitting in Nolan's lap, her arms around his neck, kissing him softly. Nate couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy, seeing Grace display such intimacy with someone else, and that someone was Nolan. Nate wanted to be that someone. He wanted to be the one she kissed, the one she held like that, the one she whispered sweet nothings into.

Nate sighed and took a step back. It was best to give them space. As much as he hated it.

After a while, Nate saw Grace get up. She walked over to the glass door and slid it open.

"We have conditions," Grace said.

"Good. Like a true negotiation," Nate chuckled as she let him back in.

"First off, we agree to the two previous terms. You can have a show once a week, or I can sunbathe on your balcony. You can have a bikini that is, erh, yours," Grace said, moving over to her chair. As she sat down and crossed her legs, Nate took note of how elegant and majestic she was, even in simple yoga pants and a white t-shirt. "As for the date... well, we have a stipulation. We agree that you can take me on a date, as long as it is not too far out there, but only if you can keep your hands to yourself for a month. If you don't, we add another month."

Nate thought it through for a moment. It sounded like a hell of a challenge, but the amount of teasing and flirting over a month might make that date such a treat and such a success.

"Wait, so I can touch you? But a month gets added?" Nate asked. Grace shrugged.

"I will stop you after a certain point, but I guess you can look at it that way."

"And Nolan?" Nate said, forcing himself to remain jovial around this fucking moron. He could barely stomach this idiot right now. But Nate was Nolan's friend, so had to try to act respectful of his wishes. "I wanna hear it from you."

"We're cool," Nolan said. His voice was surprisingly calm and collected. "I trust Grace, and I think that throwing you a bone after we've been using you more or less is a nice conciliation. And, erh, well, it plays into my fantasy so, yeah."

"If you're that sure, buddy," Nate said. "So I get a date in a month? It's all settled?"

"I guess?" Grace said, looking at her boyfriend for any signals of disagreement. "But you can't do anything I don't want to, and if I tell you to stop, you gotta stop. Right away. You get me?"

"Of course," Nate said. "You two are in charge, and I'll follow your lead. Just point me in the right direction."

Grace smiled at that. Nate was pretty sure she liked that statement. That she was in control. But he was too.

"That sounds good, then," Grace said, standing up. She held her hand out. Nate looked at her for a moment before shaking her hand. "I'm glad we got this sorted out, then. I gotta say, I'm surprised you're not disgusted with us and that you're so agreeable."

"Heh, miss out on my chance at flirting with a hottie like you?" Nate chuckled. He looked over at Nolan. "I'd be fucking insane to miss out on a girl like Grace, even if it's just to kiss her feet." 

Grace chuckled. She liked to feel in control indeed, and to be put on a pedestal. And Nolan chuckled at that, missing entirely the point of what Nate was saying, thinking Nate was the jovial guy he had portrayed himself to be.

"But will you still tend to my plants? Like, outside this deal? I don't wanna be greedy, but those poor things won't survive without you," Nate lied. He had made sure to learn how to take care of his plants so that Grace spent less time on them and more with him. "I'm a paying customer after all, I want my twenty minutes!" Nate managed to sound like he was joking, but that was exactly what he wanted.

"Of course," Grace blurted out, the ever professional. "I'll tend to your plants like always."

"Good," Nate said, smiling. "So, erh, when can we begin?"

"Oh, yeah, that was kinda stupid of me to forget that," Grace said, laughing awkwardly. "I guess I could start tomorrow? I'm getting picked up for ballet in a bit and won't be back until late."

"Sounds good," Nate said. "Nolan, wanna have a beer? Y'know, to celebrate that we've come to an agreement?"

"Sure," Nolan said.

Grace shot Nolan another look. This one was more stern, but she didn't protest.

"Alright, then," Grace said. She walked over to Nolan and kissed him softly on the lips. "Have fun, guys."

"We will. I'll give him nothing but light beer," Nate said, deciding not to booze Nolan up this time around. He couldn't help but feel a sense of victory. "You sure we can't get a small teaser from you, precious Grace?"

Grace shot Nate a dirty look over her shoulder, still leaning over her current boyfriend. Then, much to Nate's surprise, she slowly moved a hand up to the hem of her yoga pants and slowly pulled them down. She only got the waistband as far as bottom of her shapely cheeks, but her ass looked round and gorgeous, a small piece of white lacy underwear hugging the two firm mounds perfectly.

Nate swallowed, dying to get his hands on those sumptuous young cheeks. But he couldn't. Not just yet, at least.

"There. A little something before ballet," Grace smirked before pulling her pants back up. She gave a playful little wave to Nate before she picked up her bag and disappeared down the hallway, her tight ass twitching playfully underneath her tight, tight yoga pants.

A moment later, Nate and Nolan heard the front door open, then close.

"Fuck, how the hell did you bag that?" Nate grunted. "Did she get that ass from ballet?"

"That, and probably a mix of perfect ingredients. From genes to jeans. Or yoga pants," Nolan said, in as much awe of his girl as Nate was. "But she does get sore a lot."

"Heh, one of my favorite things to do is giving hot little girls foot massages," Nate teased, hoping it came off as camaraderie.

"Heh, what a surprise," Nolan chuckled, seemingly getting more comfortable as Nate remained non-hostile but friendly instead.

"So... beers?" Nate asked.

*

Hope you folks enjoyed this installment. Let me know what you guys think? I know it's slow, but that's how the cookie crumbles or however that saying goes.