Fifty Days of Sin by Serena Dahl

he’s out of earshot, but I don’t want to be
talking about him behind his back, or hearing things that are a bit
personal.
    “It’s not a secret that all the
directors at Grantham and James are on six-figure packages,” he
replies. “Or that Adam’s on track to for partner within six months
– he’ll be the youngest partner they’ve ever made.”
    I’m taken aback. I hadn’t
thought about Adam’s income at all. I suppose I assumed he was
comfortable. But his bank balance really doesn’t matter to me.
    “I had no idea, Matt, and I
don’t think it’s really any of my business unless he wants to tell
me.”
    “Just thought you’d already
know,” he says, holding his hands up. “I thought he’d have a flash
car and live in a massive house. With a butler,” he adds as a
joke.
    “I haven’t even seen his house
yet.” Of course, he’s right about the car, but I keep quiet about
that. “Anyway, can we change the subject? Kathy, how is your mum
now? It’s a couple of months since she had that surgical procedure,
isn’t it?”
    Adam returns with his sparkling
water and the others’ drinks as we talk about the pre-cancerous
mole that Kathy’s mum had removed. I breathe a sigh of relief that
he didn’t hear us talking about him. I don’t suppose he’d have been
particularly offended, but I don’t want to be rude discussing his
private affairs behind his back. That said, I’m wondering now what
his home will be like, after Matt has built up my expectations. I
stifle a small smile to myself as the comical mental picture of
Adam being waited on by a butler flashes into my imagination.
    “That looks like a secret
smile,” Adam whispers into my ear as the others carry on their
conversation. “Now I’m curious about what’s going on in your
head.”
    I turn to look into his eyes.
It’s obvious that he thinks I’m having dirty thoughts about him,
and this triggers a completely different memory. In my mind’s eye,
I see Adam looking down at me as he enters me, his full length
thrusting hard inside me as I grip his behind with my hands and
pull him in harder, faster, loving the feeling and wanting
more.
    “You’ll just have to wonder,” I
tell him, smiling even more.
    Despite being pleased that Adam
is meeting some of my friends, I couldn’t help being nervous
earlier today about what he would think of them – particularly
Simon. My old sparring partner from when I read History here as an
undergraduate has a habit of teasing me about my unconventional sex
life. And although I’ve come clean to Adam now about Michael, I
don’t relish the idea of Simon bringing up the subject of my
lifestyle. But Simon leaves it alone for once, and when we leave
and head home, I feel like Adam’s first introduction to my friends
has been a success.
    “I had no idea you knew Matt,” I
comment as I climb into the car and Adam shuts the door after me.
He gets into the driver’s seat.
    “Oh, Matt’s a bit of a star, as
it happens,” he replies. “He’ll go far.”
    I decide not to question him
regarding their work, feeling a little awkward about the
information Matt volunteered regarding Adam’s financial position.
But then as he drives us through Oxford and out towards the
outskirts, and pulls up in the driveway of a large detached house,
I wonder if Matt wasn’t exaggerating.
    “Is this your place?” I ask,
incredulous at its size. It looks like an awfully large house for
just one person. Maybe he needs the space for the butler after
all.
    “No, I just thought I’d steal
it,” he laughs. I poke out my tongue and punch him gently on his
upper arm. He catches my wrist and looks into my eyes, an amused
look on his face, gazing at me for a few moments longer than
necessary, as if deciding whether to retaliate. Then he smiles and
lets me go.
    Once inside, I’m just as
impressed with Adam’s house. It puts my little two-bedroom
townhouse to shame. Decorated with taste, it’s furnished