“Let’s start by introducing yourselves and telling us how long you’ve been married.” Gabrielle turns to Blake and Virginia.
“Hi, I’m Blake, and this is my wife, Virginia. We’ve been married for five years now.”
The introductions continue. Anthony and Demek have been married for less than a year, which is the shortest time in the group. Everyone else has been married anywhere between two to forty years.
Or supposedly married, in the case of Jayden and me.
“One of the leading causes for the breakdown of marriages is due to a diminished sex life,” Gabrielle explains once we’re finished with the introductions. “You become busy with your careers and the kids. In time, the sexual passion that you and your partner once shared becomes a thing myths are made of. Once that happens, the frustration seeps in. The love you had between you fades, increasing the risk of the marriage failing.”
Or your spouse cheating on you and destroying your faith in love.
That’s not to say my mom no longer believed in love after my father cheated on her. But her ability to trust another man was left in ruins—much like the Roman Colosseum.
“So our goal during these sessions is to ensure at least one foundation of a happy marriage doesn’t crumble. You will learn how to keep things fun and exciting when it comes to your sex life.”
Well, that’s unexpected. But totally doable. I can learn some fun new tricks to use with my flings.
A voice in the back of my head busts out laughing, reminding me that it’s been a while since I’ve had a fling, a one-night stand, or a boyfriend. Basically, anything that involves me having sex.
“We’re going to start with a simple, warm-up question,” Gabrielle says. “There is no right or wrong answer. All right. What gets you in the mood for sex? For example, music, a glass of wine, candles.”
She glances around the room, giving us a moment and then randomly calls on Virginia. “What gets you in the mood to have sex with Blake?”
Virginia giggles, the sound strangely smoky and seductive to be an actual giggle.
I wouldn’t be surprised if that laugh is what gets Blake in the mood to make love to his wife.
“He has a way of kissing me on the neck that leaves me desperate to have sex with him. He just has to kiss me that way andbam, I’m hot for him.”
Blake looks proud and slightly smug at the reply. He rewards his wife with a brief kiss…on the lips.
Guess she won’t be ripping off his clothes quite yet.
“That’s a great answer,” Gabrielle says. “There are areas on our bodies that are considered highly erotic. A simple teasing touch may be all it takes to get your partner in the mood for sex.” She looks at me. “Isabelle, what gets you in the mood for sex?”
“Chocolate,” I blurt. Jayden chuckles behind me. He knows how much I love chocolate.
“Another great answer. Chocolate is a known aphrodisiac, especially dark chocolate. It leads to better sexual arousal and improved sexual satisfaction. Studies have shown that chocolate consumption enhances your sex drive. So men, forget about giving it to your wife only for Valentine’s Day. Jayden, what about you? What gets you in the mood to have sex with Isabelle?”
For a second, an image of a naked Jayden leaning over me on the bed flashes in my mind.
I mentally shake it away. Nope, I’m so not going there.
Besides, it was the power of suggestion. Gabrielle was talking about sex and then mentioned his name. The same thing would have happened if she had called on one of the other men.
The voice in the back of my head bursts out laughing, not at all buying that theory.
Everyone is looking expectantly at Jayden and me, and I do my best not to laugh. Because Jayden is a man. And like most men, just give him a willing partner, and he’s ready for action. It’s not like men need anything to get them in the mood. They’re always in the mood.
Which is what led to the downfall of my father when it came to his secretary.
Who later became wife #2.
Until she became ex-wife #2.
“Isabelle only has to smile at me, and I’m in the mood,” Jayden says.
I bite my lip to keep from laughing out loud. I doubt in the two years we’ve known each other, he has feltthatway about me.
