The Convenient Wife

“He let you help as a kid? My dad didn’t let me in the alcohol room until I was eighteen.”

“Yeah, well, my father wasn’t really a man who like—or followed—rules. He shouldn’t have let me taste it either, but he did. He also shouldn’t have tried to sell it, but—” Cutting herself off, she shakes her head. “But that’s in the past now. Tell me, Bolt Sheckler, what makes whiskey different for you than other alcohol?”

“Well, I don’t know. I guess it’s because it’s been in my family forever really, I just kind of fell into it. But I do love it, I love everything about making it. My favorite part, though, is watching the barrels as they get charred. I don’t know what it is, but it’s exciting.”

Starla licks her lips and angles her head a hair as she speaks. “What else gets you excited?” Her voice is sultry and smooth, making my cock throb.

“There’s a few things I can think of.” Sipping my drink, I lean forward, unable to keep the space between us. Lowering my cup, I reach out my free hand and stroke the side of her face.

Starla doesn’t move, she freezes. I’m not even sure she’s breathing. Her chest isn’t moving, her stomach is still, her lips are parted but static. She looks like a living picture.

Pressing in further, I ignore any thoughts in my head and just go for it.

I kiss her.

Her lips are lush, full, and she tastes like sunflowers and sugar. Slipping my tongue inside her mouth, her eyes close briefly, and she tips her head back to give me more access.

My dick is hard, pulsing, and ready to drive deep inside her hot pussy. I feel her arch her back, but as quickly as her body allows me to kiss her, her hand is on my chest, pushing me away.

“Bolt,” she says, my name nothing but air as she scoots her chair away, putting the space back between us.

“It’s alright, no one’s coming in here,” I say, ready to kiss her again.

Leaning forward, she stops me by turning her face away. “Bolt, we just met, we shouldn’t be doing this.”

Raking my hand through my hair, I drag it down my neck. “You’re right, I’m sorry, it’s probably just the alcohol, that’s all.”

I lie. I enjoyed that kiss. I want more of that kiss. I need more of that kiss.

But I let her think I made a mistake. It had nothing to do with the liquor or being drunk. It had everything to do with her, and how she made my body come alive.

I don’t tell her that because she obviously doesn’t feel the same.

Swallowing hard, she forces a smile. “Besides, I’m agreeing to be a fake wife, not a real one.”

“Wait, you’re saying you’ll do it?”

Nodding, she bites her bottom lip. “Fuck, I’m not sure how— but you’re right, this could work in both our favor. I mean, I don’t know what you’re getting out of this, but for me, it’s everything I’ve wanted.”

“That’s perfect!” I blurt out, wiping the sweat off my forehead. Tugging my shirt away from my chest, the room feels way hotter than it did when we came in. “This is going to work beautifully, it really is, you’ll see.”

I don’t have any doubt in my mind, it’s an easy plan. I found a temporary wife, it’s the perfect solution to my problem.

What could go wrong?

5

Starla

“Where did you say he was taking you?” Em’s voice is in my ear as I balance the phone on my shoulder to finish packing my bag. She sounds more like an older sister than a best friend.

Her tone is flat, and I know she’s on the other end pursing her lips and flaring her nostrils. She doesn’t like what I’m doing.

“I’m not sure, he hasn’t told me yet.” Folding a pair of sweatpants, I drop them into my suitcase and start rolling up socks.

“Let me get this straight; you just met this guy a week ago, he’s supposed to be your boss—but instead, he’s inviting you on some weekend getaway—and you’re going?”

“Yup, sounds about right,” I say with a giggle. I’m trying to act normal, like this isn’t strange or weird or out of character for me. But Emily knows me better.

“What the hell has gotten into you, Star? Does any of this really sound like a good idea? Have you ever watched Forensic Files before?” Her voice is panicked and fearful. “Please, tell me why you would run off with some guy you don’t even know? I mean Jesus, Star, remember the swipe right guy—”

Ugh, Jake Lauder.

“Can we not bring that guy up? That was just a horrible mistake.”

About nine months back I decided to try a dating app. I saw this cute guy, with dark brown hair and a strong jaw. So I swiped right on his pic.