Our Little Secret {n.h}

chapter 30

"Alright, big smile for me." I held up the stuffed animal above my camera so that the baby would look at me and he finally did, cooing.

I snapped a few shots and his dad changed his clothes while I fixed up the set. I moved the lights a little bit and adjusted the height of my camera, offering a small smile when the dad sat his baby back down. I took more pictures and soon, the baby started yawning so I figured we should stop. I turned the lights off and led them to the front so that they could pay.

"Could I have your card?" The man asked. "I might need more pictures done."

The last sentence sounded suggestive so I nodded, grabbing my business card. I handed it to him with my left hand, making the point to show that there was a ring on my finger. The man obviously stiffened and left after paying, going outside of the gallery. I went back to my studio and uploaded the pictures, putting them on a disc to mail. I shut everything down and grabbed my bag, locking the door behind me.

Walking out to my car, I threw my bag in the passenger seat, getting my phone out. I noticed a text from Niall saying he would be home late and I just sighed, not replying. I began driving home, ready to just eat some ice cream and go to bed. I closed my eyes at a stop light and leaned my head back on the head rest, taking a deep breath. I passed the magazine and noticed Niall's car was still there along with a familiar one that I knew was the secretaries. I rolled my eyes and kept driving, not wanting to think about it.

Ever since Niall suggested an open marriage, I was against it. I just figured that it would make him happier so I went with it. I knew that things hadn't been the same for a while, but I never said anything. Then Niall brought up his idea. I haven't done anything with anyone but I know he has. It makes me sick thinking about it, but I choose not to say anything.

flashback

"Wait, let me get this straight." I said, sitting up in my seat at the dinner table. "You want to have an open relationship?"

"Yeah, I mean," Niall swallowed his steak. "You said it yourself. You've only had sex with two people in your life. I'm sure you've wanted to venture out and try things with other people. It could be good for both of us."

"Um, yeah." I cleared my throat and sat my fork down. "If that's what you want."

I got up and took my practically full plate to the sink, dumping the food in the trash can. I took the white plate to the sink and rinsed it off, grabbing the brush to get all the food off. I momentarily closed my eyes and put the plate in the dishwasher, moving to clean off all of the things we cooked on. Just half an hour ago, we were happily cooking dinner and now Niall is technically saying he wants to have sex with other women.

"If you're not comfortable with it, we don't have to." Niall spoke up and I shook my head, turning the sink off.

"No, it's fine." I offered a small smile and he eyed me warily. "Just don't fall in love with somebody else." I laughed and Niall smiled, a little, getting up from the table.

"Promise." He smiled and pressed a kiss to the side of my head. "Thanks for dinner."

"No problem." I said quietly, not turning to face him.

flashback over

I pulled into the driveway and parked in the garage, heading inside. I closed the door behind me and heard paws on the tile floor before the two dogs ran up to me. I sat my bag down on the kitchen counter and turned the lights on, walking over to give Samson and Charlie some food and water. I finished with them and went to the fridge, getting out some strawberries that I had cut up last night. I took the tupper ware container to the living room and plopped down on the couch, turning the TV on. Leaving it on a random channel, I started eating straight from the container, not bothering with a bowl or anything.