Harper's shoulders tensed as she heard Jackson's car pull into the driveway as she finished getting ready upstairs. She looked at herself in the mirror and draped a long black scarf around her neck to cover up the bruises from the last night. Her whole outfit was black on black, Guess leather leggings, a sleeveless Monte Ponte mesh peplum top, Daphnee Moto leather jacket and high heeled Jimmy Choo ankle boots. The outfit was set off by large silver hoops in her ears. Her hair was all bed head messy from the earlier lovemaking with Brooklyn and her cheeks were still flushed with a post coital glow. She didn't need much make up, just a little powder and lip gloss.

New York chic, Harper thought to herself with a sad smile. A big part of her wished that she was catching up with Brooklyn for dinner, instead of going out with Jackson and playing pretend happy couples.

She heard the front door open and made her way down the staircase to greet Jackson, not sure how things were going to go, how he was going to be acting after the fight that morning.

Jackson looked up and saw his beautiful wife waiting for him.

"You look amazing Harper." Jackson, it seemed, had decided to act like nothing had happened. Perhaps was easier than being confronted with truth that his life was falling around him.

"Thanks Jack." Harper replied softly, her face stoic and serene.

"Let me just have a quick shower and then we can head off." He kissed her on the cheek and made his way upstairs to the master en suite. Jackson tried to forget the scene from the morning. He stood in the shower with hot water cascading over him, feeling his tight muscles slowly unknot. Jackson was looking froward to having dinner with Ethan and Emma. It was a chance to get back into the swing of their old life.

Harper made her way to the kitchen and made herself a cup of coffee while she waited for Jackson to get ready. Her mind was spinning with so many thoughts. Thoughts that were tinged with memories of Brooklyn. How amazing it was to have seen her today and how earth shattering the love making was. Harper's cheeks grew warm as she thought about Brooklyn's hands on her, her finger tips trailing across her skin, igniting a fiery passionate lust inside of her.

As she sipped on the bittersweet liquid she thought about the bank account that she had set up, she had met Brooklyn. The money that she was saving, with the plan to leave Jackson. It was a small amount now, but with a little stock market trading she should be able to double, or even triple her savings to make sure that she would be comfortable as she went about setting up her psychologist practice or finding a job to bring in her own money. So many different things to plan for.

Jackson's footsteps down the stairs broke through her thoughts.

"Are you ready to go?"

"Yes," She replied, putting her cup in the sink. "Let me get my handbag."

They got into Jackson's roadster. He started up his beast and the V12 rumbled to life. Jackson drove faster than he normally did and it was more erratic than usual. His normal flawless gear changes were a little jerky as he struggled to keep his emotions in check. He saw Harper watching him out of the corner of his eye with a look of concern on her face.

"Hey Jacky-Boy!" Ethan greeted Jackson at the door. He gave him a hardy handshake and clapped him on the shoulder. Jackson smiled and reciprocated the hearty greeting.

"Harper! Beautiful as always." Ethan leaned in and kissed Harper on the cheek.

"Thanks Ethan. Good to see you again." Harper smiled, kissing his cheek in return, playing the role of the happy wife.

"Emma is in the kitchen putting the final touches on another one of her amazing feasts for us." Ethan beamed.

Harper nodded with a smile and made her way to the kitchen. Emma looked up and smiled at Harper.

"Hey babes. It's so good to see you! How are you?" She asked tucking her long blond waves behind her ear.

Emma and Ethan were the perfect couple, both of them were athletic and laid back. They looked like they would be more at home barefoot on a beach with surf boards rather than the spacious house that they lived in.

Emma crossed the kitchen and enveloped Harper in a huge hug.

"I'm good darl. How things with you?"

Emma's inquisitive brown eyes searched her face. "Are you really ok?"

Harper sighed. She could never keep anything from Emma.

"Too much to talk about right now. But maybe we can we catch up for coffee during the week?"

"Or course babes," Emma replied with a warm smile. "You know that I love catching up with you."

Harper's mind flashed back to a brief interlude that she'd had with Emma. It had happened by accident - kind of.

She was visiting Emma while both of their husbands were at work. It started out as a casual coffee date which became more intense and deep. The conversation led to talk of sexual fluidity and discussions of how Ethan and Emma had an open marriage.

Emma opened up and confided how she had always been curious about being with a woman. Harper had listened and started to open up about her past, and how she'd always been attracted to women. Emma's eyes had lit up and urged her to into more detail. Harper skated around the details, only revealing that she'd had a few female lovers since being married to Jackson.

Emma's eyes widened and she excitedly urged her to give more details. Harper felt safe talking to Emma, knowing that her secrets would be kept. She gave a few details to pique Emma's curiosity, but kept it mostly to herself, not ready to share all of her secrets.

They were sitting next to the pool in Emma's tropical backyard when it happened. Emma suddenly leaned across and kissed Harper on the lips briefly, like a tentative peck. The kiss startled Harper. She felt a spark when Emma's lips had met hers. She sat there in shock, trying to process what had just happened.

"Was that ok?" Emma asked her. Her brown eyes searched Harper's face anxiously, trying to work out whether or not she'd overstepped any boundaries.

"Yeh," Harper breathed. "Just came as a bit of surprise that's all."

"Sorry babes." Emma stuttered a little. "I just thought, after what we spoke about, I'd give it a shot."

Harper smiled gently at her and stroked Emma's face. "It's ok."

She tangled her fingers in Emma's beachy blond waves. "But let's try it like this instead."

Harper leaned in and slowly caressed Emma's lips with hers. She playfully nibbled Emma's lips, and then used her thumb to run across her lower lip, opening her mouth so she could play with Emma's tongue with hers. Her palm cupped Emma's jaw, while the other hand ran through her hair, gently pulling her hair, bringing her face closer to hers. Emma's hands reached up to run through Harper's hair gently, coming to run across her shoulders and arms. Emma wasn't yet brave enough to allow her hands venture any further.

"Wow..." Emma whimpered. "I've never been kissed like that before."

Harper half smiled and gently nudged Emma's nose with hers.

"There's more to it than just kissing." She murmured softly. Harper's fingers trailed through Emma's beachy waves, twisting the waves between her fingers, the coconut fragrance of her shampoo lingered in the air around her.

Harper stood up and pulled Emma to her feet. She put her arms around Emma's waist and pulled her in for another lingering gentle kiss, her hands gently running across her taunt firm athletic body. Emma tentatively responded, getting slowly bolder as she touched Harper's waist, cupping her backside and her hands finally skated across the sides of Harper's full breasts.

"Let's go for a swim." Harper whispered seductively into Emma's ear. Emma nodded and followed Harper to her lagoon shaped pool. The azure water sparkled invitingly in the sunshine and the air was perfumed from all the flowers surrounding the pool.

Harper sensually undressed slowly and walked to the edge of the pool. She paused momentarily to give Emma a chance to sneak a peak at her pale lithe figure before diving in with perfect form, travelling a few metres underwater before surfacing in the centre of the pool.

"Come on." She called out to Emma. "It's gorgeous in here."

Emma slipped the straps of her dress off her shoulders, her tan skin glistened in the sun as the skimpy sundress puddled at her feet. A delicate bead of sweat ran between her small perky breasts.

Emma dived in to meet with Harper in the middle of the pool. Harper beckoned her closer with a crooked finger and a smile. Emma swam up to her and met her lips enthusiastically. They cavorted in the water, kissing and fondling each other until they reached the side of the pool.

Emma reached the edge of the pool and grabbed it with both hands. Harper swam up behind her, brushed the her wet hair back and kissed her on the shoulder, while her hands reached for her small perky breasts and erect nipples. Emma moaned and wiggled her hips against Harper. She turned her face so she could meet Harper's lips.

"Mmmm what are you doing to me babes?" Emma breathed in between moans. Harper just smiled and reached down between Emma's legs to gently caress her soft, moist centre. Her fingers found her clit and started rubbing in slow deliberate circles. Emma threw her head backwards as her pleasure climbed, moaning louder than before, her head rocked from side to side. Harper's other hand found her erect nipple, playing with it, while her lips kissed up her neck to nibble Emma's ear.

Harper's fingers moved faster as Emma climaxed, her cries of pleasure rang out across the back yard.

"Damn babes! That was amazing..." Emma said breathily as she clung to the edge of the pool, her breath coming out in erratic gasps. Harper pulled her in for another kiss and smiled.

"I'm glad that you enjoyed it." Harper chuckled softly. "Again?" Her face broke into a cheeky smile.

Emma checked her watch, her face still flushed with pleasure.

"Mmm I'd love to have my way with you instead babes," Emma said softly with a satisfied smile playing across her lips. "But Ethan is going to be home soon and I don't want to share you."

"Harper, can you help me bring these to the table?" Emma's voice broke through her daydream.

Harper nodded and took the plates that Emma held out to her and made her way out to the sun room. The setting at the dining table was exquisite. A bouquet of white roses and lilies sat in the middle of the table with tea lights scattered all over the white linen table cloth. The sun was low in the sky and the candle light flickered against the huge glass walls which over looked the beautiful backyard.

The backyard looked like a tropical paradise, with palm trees, ferns, birds of paradise, day lilies and frangipani trees grew wildly together. The air was perfumed with all the exotic flowers. Ethan walked around the garden lighting the tiki torches adding more ambiance to the dinner party, before joining Jackson at the table.

The food was beautifully prepared. Emma and Ethan were avid foodies, so every time that Harper went for dinner, or just a simple catch up, Emma always put on a magnificent feast.

Emma brought out the appetisers, thai beef salad served on elegant white asian soup spoons.

"This looks amazing honey!" Ethan enthused, grabbing his wife around the waist as she passed his chair. He pulled her on to his lap briefly to plant a kiss on her lips. The two of them giggled like wired teenagers and rubbed noses together. Ethan whispered in Emma's ear, making her chuckle as she got up off his lap, her hand squeezing his shoulder tenderly.

"Thanks darl." The two of them looked lovingly at each other. Their marriage appeared effortless, filled with the right amount of love and passion. Jackson observed the happy couple with scepticism. It was like they were inadvertently rubbing their happiness in his face with their lovey dovey ways. He smiled tightly to try and cover up his feelings. He reached for Harper's hand and gave it a squeeze. A tight smile crossed Harper's face, and she squeezed his hand back half heartedly.

Ethan got up and filled the wine glasses at the table with a dry riesling.

"A toast," Ethan said theatrically, with his glass raised up in the air. "I think one is in order."

Jackson smiled. "Yes. We had some big news at work today."

"Yup," Ethan agreed, with a huge smile on his face. "Honey, we finally got that account that we've been chasing for the past 6 weeks."

"Oh honey! That's fantastic!" Emma chimed in. "Congrats guys!"

"I know right!" Ethan bragged as he slapped Jackson on the back, "Me and my man here took care of bizznezz! Come on, bro, high five! Cheers everyone!"

Harper smiled and lifted her glass with the others. The glasses clinked and Harper sipped the wine. The vibrantly mixed aromas of citrus, white blossom and lime danced over her taste buds and was the perfect pairing with beef salad.

"Alright, enough of the razzle dazzle. Let's dig in." Ethan said enthusiastically. "Sweetness, this all looks incredible. He reached over to Emma and squeezed her hand.

Everyone helped themselves to the asian spoons. The steak was cooked to a medium rare perfection, sliced thinly, tossed with cucumber, coriander, mint, chilli and onion. The flavours mingled together wonderfully in Harper's mouth.

Harper half listened to Jackson and Ethan talk about work, her mind wandered, a million thoughts raced through her head. She wondered whether she would still be able to keep in touch with the friends from her life with Jackson or whether she would have to start a fresh with everything.

For the main course, Emma brought out an aromatic thai green chicken curry served with a side of jasmine rice. Of course, new wine was paired with this dish. Ethan poured for everyone a fresh glass. A pretty, aromatic riesling, with delicate notes of honeydew melon, peach, orange zest and spice. Dry and tangy, there was a lovely balance of purity and flavour that flirted across Harper's tongue.

"Emma! This is amazing. You'll have to give me the recipe." Harper enthused. The chicken was tender and the snow peas added a delicious crunch to the dish. The flavours of coriander, onion, coconut and lemongrass danced across Harper's tongue, mingling with the fragrant wine.

"That's if you're going to be home to cook it for me." Jackson said snidely, his blue eyes narrowing slightly. If this morning was anything to go by, there may not be another chance for Harper to cook for him.

Ethan and Emma exchanged uncomfortable looks across the table.

Harper decided to ignore Jackson's snideness. She smiled delicately and replied, "I'll cook it for us next week after Emma gives me the recipe."

"Yeh of course babes, I'll write it down for you before you leave." Emma smiled.

Jackson's eyes narrowed slightly, before he forced a smile back at Harper. "That would be great ... darling." The words were bitten out with thinly veiled contempt.

"Emma, are those flowers new?" Harper turned to Emma, in a vain attempt to break the tension. "Those pretty orange and purple ones?"

"Why yes! They're called birds of paradise." Emma replied with a smile lighting up her face. "Ethan brought them for me as a surprise last week."

Harper shot Jackson a disapproving look while Emma prattled on about the breed of flowers and how they had decided where to place them in the lush garden.

"Well, that was fantastic my love," Ethan praised Emma adoringly with a huge satisfied smile on his face after they had finished the meal.

"Oh well, just you wait for dessert darling." Emma replied playfully as she gathered up the dinner plates. Ethan winked cheekily at her. She turned to Harper. "Can you come and help me babes?"

Harper followed her to the kitchen.

Ethan leaned across the table. "Mate!" He exclaimed. "You wanna fill me in on what is going on with you and Harper? I mean, mate, what was all that about?"

Jackson leaned back in his chair and contemplated telling Ethan everything. After all he is one of his oldest friends. Surely he would understand and keep it private.

"Look, it's tricky Ethan." He replied tensely.

"Come on Jacky-boy!" Ethan prodded. "You know you can tell me anything."

Jackson looked at his friend, like a boisterous puppy, eager to help him.

"Ok." Jackson responded slowly, thinking about his response, weighing up what to tell and keep to himself. "Harper has been having an affair."

Ethan's eyes widen. "Holy shit dude! You're kidding me?! How has it been going on for?"

Jackson waved his hand dismissively. "Not long. Look, its not that big of a deal, ok? We had a chat about it and she's going to end it." He said flippantly. "We're going to counselling, it's all going to be resolved shortly."

Ethan was silent for a moment, "And Harper's ok with all that?"

Jackson sipped his drink slowly before responding, "She'll see things my way eventually." He stated bluntly.

"Yeh?"

"Yes. Trust me. I've got her back under control."

Ethan nodded. "Sounds like its all going to work out then mate." He smiled. "All will be right in the Thomas house once more."

Jackson lifted his wine glass. "I'll drink to that mate."

They clinked glasses and returned to their business discussion.

Emma turned to her in the kitchen.

"What is up with Jackson babes?" She queried curiously. "Why is he acting so weird?"

Harper looked at the kitchen counter as Emma busied herself by taking the desserts out of the fridge.

"Because he found out about Brooklyn, you know that woman that I've been seeing for a while now?" Harper explained.

"Oh . . . I see." Emma paused, letting the news sink in. "Wow, I'm sorry to hear that. How did it happen? I thought you were being careful?"

"Obliviously not as careful as I should have been." Harper replied tightly. "Some of the texts that he read were pretty full on. And I think what really put the nail in the coffin was the conversation about wanting to live together and how Brooklyn couldn't wait to wake up with me in her arms."

"Ooh boy, not good!" Emma's brown eyes widened. "Well, that certainly explains him being such a whiny bitch."

Harper coughed with laughter at the unexpected swipe. Emma giggled along with her before wrapping Harper in a comforting hug.

"You're gonna be ok, babes," she whispered in her ear, "I promise."

As they parted, Emma thumbed away a small tear from Harper's cheek before kissing her gently on the forehead and turning back to the kitchen bench. Emma garnished the exquisite dessert with fresh pineapple, mint and finished it with a drizzle of homemade caramel.

"To be continued." She said to Harper. "Can you grab the dessert wine babes?"

"Sure thing. And you know... thanks.' Harper smiled, grabbing the wine out of the fridge and following Emma back out to sun room. The sun was setting and the garden was bathed in a beautiful golden glow. The tiki torches continued to twist and flicker in the gentle breeze.

Emma put the dessert down at the table as Harper handed the wine to Ethan, who immediately got up and started pouring everyone a fresh glass.

"Wow darling! What is this?" Ethan asked her.

"It's a coconut and ginger sago with caramelised pineapple." Emma replied with a smile.

"What on earth is sago?" Jackson asked curiously, his earlier animosity had disappeared for the time being.

"It's a starch extracted from the spongy centre of tropical palm stems mostly found around Papua New Guinea." Emma explained. "Sometimes it's called tapioca seeds."

This sparked a lively conversation about south east Asia and holidays that were taken and ones that were planned in the future.

Harper enjoyed the little ginger and coconut flavoured pearls bursting in her mouth, half listening to the conversation around her. The riesling Ethan had paired with the dessert was perfect. It had an elegant and perfumed aroma, with hints of lime and a crispy dry finish, that worked well with the sweet tartness of the decadent dessert.

Her thoughts wandered, as much as Jackson thinks that everything is ok, he has no idea that the next holiday that she's going to take will be with someone else. Maybe Brooklyn and her could have a tropical get away. They could frolic on the beach together, playing in the waves and sand in tiny bikinis, their sun kissed flesh glistening in the sun. They could lounge around poolside with cocktails, with some sensual rubbing of sun tan lotion on each other. Long and languid sunset walks, hand in hand along the beach, with maybe even some shamelessly naughty midnight skinny dipping. Just the thought of their two bodies being pressed together, skin against skin, salty kisses and lingering caresses. The thoughts made Harper smile softly as she sipped slowly on her wine.

"What do you think Harper?" Jackson's voice broke through her fantasy. His eyes narrowed as he took her sappy smile and the sparkle in her eye. He knew that she was thinking about Brooklyn and the anger slowly began to rise up in his chest again.

"Sounds good Jack." Harper replied, hoping that was the right answer, her cheeks turning pink under his stony gaze.

Jackson snorted in derision and turned back to the conversation with Ethan and Emma.