Chapter 3

The week dragged on for Rachel and Jake, with anxiety mixed with anticipation. Their once fun encounters turned tense, which made everything feel different. Rachel tried relentlessly to maintain her composure, acting casual. But inside, her heart jumped whenever she heard a small sound, like the footsteps of Elena or David. Even a creak on the stairs sent a jolt through her. made her jump. Rachel followed her daily routines, remaining inside her home, keeping up appearances with David, who was ignorant of her infidelity. But inside, her mind was a storm of doubt. Then there was Elena, who has been unusually quiet lately. Their glances stayed just a bit too long.

Rachel realized that Jake next door felt the same way. Jake avoided Rachel’s house, the spot of their passionate moment. Now, it felt like a minefield for him. On his evening jogs, Jake took a different route. He tried to keep his eyes glued to the pavement whenever he exited or entered his house. He couldn’t risk an even glance at his neighbor’s house. He felt like the only way to keep their secret safe. Still, whenever he caught a glimpse of Rachel, her eyes seemed to ask a question—what now?

Rachel wondered—had Elena really seen them? Was she okay with it? Did she even remember? Would she tell David? The way Jake had been close to her? The way Rachel had experienced pleasure? These questions haunted Rachel day and night. The thought of Elena knowing felt both terrifying and thrilling. She waited for a sign, a look, anything that might reveal what Elena was thinking. Yet, Elena remained a mystery, as if nothing had changed. Rachel had to find out. She drowned herself in fear and horror. Would this secret affair tear her world apart?

One evening, David announced he had to leave for a guest lecture in Austin. Rachel’s heart skipped a beat; this was her chance. With David gone, the house was quiet, almost too quiet. Rachel thought she could talk to Elena. But how? The idea made her palms sweaty. She needed to tread carefully. She couldn’t risk ruining their bond without being fully aware of what Elena knew.

Jake also witnessed David’s departing. Jake also felt the tension. Jake wondered if Rachel finally had the talk with Elena. He could see the change in Rachel. On the first day, David was gone; Jake watched Rachel from his driveway; he felt her silent plea for how to approach. Elena’s smirk only added to his worries. He knew Rachel was anxious, feeling trapped. He understood the time for confrontation was upon him, so he decided to take action.

A day after David left, Jake called Rachel at 8 a.m. “Hi, Rachel,” he said, tension in his voice.

“Hi, thank you, Jake,” Rachel replied, feeling relieved. “I was waiting for your call.”

“Have you spoken with Elena?” Jake asked, his tone cautious.

Rachel sighed. “No, she’s been ... different,” she added. “It’s like she’s playing a game with me.”

“Can you come over?” Jake whispered. “I think we should talk about it.”

“David is out of town for a few days.” She said, with worry in her voice, “But what about Elena? What if she sees us again?”

“Invite her too,” he replied steadily. “We can’t ignore what happened. We need to address it.” He added, “Tell her I’m throwing some burgers on the grill. We can swim and relax.”

“Okay, let me ask Elena,” Rachel said. She felt nervous, unsure how Elena would react. But avoiding the truth was not an option.

In the background, Jake heard Rachel’s muffled voice. “Elena, do you want to go to a pool party next door?”

Rachel waited, heart pounding, for her stepdaughter’s response. “Elena said yes. What time?” Rachel’s voice trembled with relief as she relayed the message.

“Anytime really,” Jake replied, trying to sound calm. “How about in an hour?”

Rachel nodded, her voice still shaky. “Okay. We’ll be there.”

“Great. I’ll see you then,” Jake said, with excitement and nerves mixed in his tone. “I will keep the door open.”

Rachel hung up the phone. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. A sigh escaped her lips. She felt pleased with his invitation. Jake would be there, and his presence would calm her nerves when they talked to Elena. Yet, the raunchy memories lingered. She needed to push them away. She rummaged through her drawer and found a simple bikini. It was flattering, revealing just enough. With a light sarong wrapped around her waist, she aimed for a casual look for a good-looking mature woman at a casual neighborhood pool party.

Meanwhile, Elena picked out a tiny two-piece. It barely covered her. The neon pink was bold. Elena’s young, firm body was perfect. Her cheeks flushed as she saw herself in the mirror. It was clear—Elena wanted attention from Jake.

When Rachel saw her stepdaughter, a strange feeling stirred in her. It was part concern, part excitement. It was not because of jealousy or Elena’s interest in Jake. It was deeper. Rachel missed the feeling of being so confidently sexual around people. Elena walked through Jake’s house confidently, like she owned the place. Rachel followed right behind her and saw her stepdaughter differently. Elena was a beauty; there was no doubt about it, but also a sense of pride in herself. Rachel wished she could feel that young and free again.

As they stepped into Jake’s backyard, Rachel felt excitement and dread wash over her. Jake stood by the grill, wearing only thin board shorts. They hugged his strong thighs, emphasizing his toned physique. His bare chest showed a light trail of thin hair leading down to his shorts. It reminded her of their raunchy times together. She wondered if Elena looked at Jake’s body like her. What was going through her stepdaughter’s mind?

Jake looked up and greeted them with a smile. “Hey, Rachel, Elena,” he said.

Elena didn’t just stroll over. She sprinted to him and threw herself into Jake’s arms. Her tits bounced as she ran. Their bodies touched—her breasts against his chest, her thighs brushing his. Rachel watched how Elena hugged him, how her stepdaughter leaned into Jake. Rachel felt a mix of emotions—excitement, fear, and possessiveness. Elena was stunning. But seeing her in that outfit with Jake ignited something inside Rachel.

“Welcome.” Jake said to Elena as they separated from the hug that lasted for too long.

Jake looked at Rachel and forced a smile. Rachel noticed he appeared casual. He stepped closer and wrapped his arms around Rachel in a brief hug. It felt innocent, yet it sent a shiver through her. Rachel returned the hug, trying to ignore the reactions of her body.

“I will bring the topic up without making it uncomfortable,” Jake whispered in her ear. There was a mix of comfort and desire in his voice. “Let’s enjoy the day, okay?”

Rachel nodded and relaxed at his words. When Jake pulled back, she noticed Elena watching them. Elena’s gaze held something new. Curiosity, perhaps? A hint of desire? Rachel shook off the thought.

“Can I get you ladies something to drink?” Jake broke the silence.

“Oh, I’d love a margarita,” Elena replied, her excitement clear.

Jake grabbed the blender and started making a pitcher of margaritas on the portable table near the pool. While Elena and Rachel sat in the pool chairs. Rachel watched Jake closely. He poured a big, frosty glass for Elena. Then, he turned to Rachel, glass still in hand.

“Rachel?” he asked, blending hope with nervousness.

She nodded. “Okay, but just one.”

Jake offered Rachel the drink first. Rachel took the drink, trying to keep her hands steady. The cool glass felt good against her palms. Rachel took a sip. Elena’s smile widened as she watched them.

When Jake offered Elena her glass, “Thanks, you’re the best,” Elena said to Jake, winking at him. “Taking care of us.”

They sat around, talking and drinking. Elena’s flirtatious nature towards Jake was obvious. Rachel took a sip of her margarita, hoping to calm down. Jake tried to keep things light. Rachel brought up the town’s gossip, but her talk was forced. She noticed Elena’s eyes glued to Jake. He kept glancing back at Rachel.