It's why you're here after all

You felt a sense of apprehension as you followed Aimee up the steps into her home; you realized you were going to meet her husband when he got home. You didn't even know the man, but you were hoping for a job recommendation from him. What kind of man would marry a woman like Aimee? Was she his idea of an ideal woman? You thought about it more, you decided it might be best to imitate her a bit, at least until you learned more about Jake.

Aimee ushered you into a living room and say you down on the couch. "I'm going to get something to drink... Can I get you anything?"

You were more focused on your laptop as you answered, "Whatever you're having should be fine, Aimee, thanks!" You quickly brought up Ameranth's webpage and started filling out the application as she reappeared with a bottle and two wine glasses.

"Alright!" she said, pouring you each a glass. You weren't much of a drinker, but didn't want to be rude. She scooted close to you on the couch and leaned close to see the screen, her scent wafting over you. "Let's get you a job!"

The next hour or two was a pleasant, productive blur of drinking, giggling, and completing your application at Ameranth. As far as you could tell, Ameranth Pharmaceuticals had fingers in a bit of everything, from antidepressants to antibiotics, even dabbling in cosmetics and dietary supplements. The job itself was a bit below you, and looked to be a simple front desk position. The benefits were great though, and the salary listed was much better than you'd expected.

At some point you paused when Aimee brought in more of her cookies, and the two of you enjoyed a rather unhealthy "dinner" of cookies and wine.

You finished the application, slightly tipsy and feeling very warm, and looked up to see the door opening. Aimee saw too, and jumped up with a slightly slurred squeal. "Jake! Welcome home!" She sprung to her feet and dashed toward the door, then wrapped her arms around the man who stepped into the room. She broke the hug, took a breath, then introduced you. "This is Stefi! She just moved in to that old guy's old house down the road. We've been shopping all day, and I told her about the opening at Ameranth. She just applied!"

Jake was handsome, in a older, relaxed sort of way. He was probably in his 30s or early 40s, but in great shape. He stepped around Aimee and offered a hand, grinning. "Hi Stefi, have you been keeping Aimee here out of trouble? Or have you been having fun together teasing all the guys at the mall?"

You took the hand and tried to channel Aimee's ditzy exuberance, smiling back. "Oh, as if I'm going to tell you our secrets! Aimee has been SO GREAT about showing me around! She didn't mention her husband was so hot!" Wait, did you just say that last bit? Briefly you glanced at the empty bottle of wine in the table. How much of that was you, and how much was Aimee? That also came out more slurred than you wanted...

*He IS hot,* you thought.

Aimee tipsily giggled, then wrapped an arm around you. "Isn't he? He's also hung like a horse!" You giggled nervously along with her, unsure how to react. Aimee smelled nice, and you were suddenly very conscious of the *man* in the room. It was hard to keep eye contact with him.

Jake smiled indulgently at the pair of you, in a way that made you feel weak and light. "Aimee can have a bit of a one-track mind when it comes to sex, but I get the impression you're probably the same way, right? You two certainly seem to be having a good time here in any case. Stefi, do you have much office experience?"

You paused, knowing you were more qualified than he thought, but also hesitant. If he knew you were overqualified, would he still recommend you? "Oh..." you started, **** to mention Congo, "a bit here and there, you know?" A wave of dizziness passed through you and the room spun as you added, "I take GREAT dictation, if you know what I mean."

Mentally you kicked yourself for the whorish flirtation, but you also got a tingling thrill at the same time. Why did you say that? It sounded like a line from a cheap porno.

*That was kind of fun!*

Jake was talking again, eyebrows raised. "Is that so? Well, if Aimee likes you, I'll see what I can do to help. I'll set up an interview for Monday. How does noon sound? If it goes well, you could start on Tuesday."

"Thanks SO MUCH!" You gushed, excited. It sounded like you could have a job as soon as this week! "This means, like, SO much to me!"

You had intended to sound like a smarter, more capable version of Aimee. Listening to yourself though, you just sounded like a more drunk version of her. Still, Jake seemed to be taking it in stride.

"Thanks so much, Jake!" Aimee squealed. She kissed him hard, and pressed her body into their embrace, her hips making small motions that made you feel as though your were intruding. You also felt a unexpected jolt of jealousy. She spoke softly under her breath as she broke the kiss, but you couldn't hear whatever they exchanged. He said something back and she nodded, then she trotted off, giggling when he slapped her butt.

Jake turned back to you, "Is it alright if I give you a lift home? Aimee doesn't seem to be quite ready to drive just now." You glanced at your phone with a start, realizing it was almost midnight. What would Greg say? Where had the time gone?

Minutes later your were both in his Audi, then back at your own home. You some little on the drive, feeling conscious of the wine and your growing exhaustion.

"Have a good night, Stefi," he said, bidding you farewell. Somehow the shortened name didn't bother you this time, hearing it from him.

*He's going to go home and fuck Aimee,* some part of you realized, *lucky her, to have a man like that, who understood what a woman needs.* Dumb voice in your head.

You turned back, already getting out of the car. "You have a good night too, Jake. Aimee is a lucky girl!" Open mouth, insert foot. Bed. Sleep. Sober up.

He stayed parked behind you as you turned toward the home, waiting for you to get in safely before he pulled out of the drive.