Dormant Desires

Chapter 1

Sydney stood in the bedroom closet, her fingers fumbling with the tiny button at the top of the zipper on her black satin dress. She tugged, twisted, and pulled, but it wouldn’t budge. “Come on,” she muttered under her breath, her frustration growing with each attempt.

She took a breath and glanced at herself in the mirror. I couldn’t have outgrown this already, could I? She thought to herself. The dress was one of her old favorites, clinging to her curves in all the right places—well, it would if she could just get it zipped. “Evan?” she called out, voice slightly strained. “Can you help me with this?”

Moments later, her husband Evan appeared in the doorway, half-dressed, his button down shirt slung over his shoulder. He walked over, eyes scanning her reflection as she turned her back to him. “Having some trouble?” he asked, stepping closer.

Sydney nodded, a little embarrassed. “I don’t know why this won’t zip. It used to fit perfectly.”

Evan’s hands brushed against her back as he grabbed the zipper and gently tugged upward. It moved a fraction of an inch before stopping. He tried again, more firmly this time, but the fabric barely budged. “It’s close,” he said, his voice careful. “But... it’s not going to zip.”

She turned slightly, catching his eye in the mirror. “What do you mean it’s not going to zip? It fit fine the last time I wore it.”

Evan’s lips twitched into an apologetic smile. “I must have thrown it in the wrong load at some point. You know how satin shrinks if it’s washed wrong.”

Sydney sighed, turning to face him fully. “You’ve been doing that a lot lately,” she said, half-joking, though there was a slight edge to her voice. Her frustration simmered underneath, even if she couldn’t pinpoint why. She was partly relieved to know that it was due to Evan’s terrible laundering skills, not any weight gain on her part.

“I’m really sorry,” Evan said, stepping back a bit. “But hey, maybe it’s for the best? It’s probably too dressy for tonight anyway. Got anything else?”

Sydney turned back toward her closet, scanning the racks of dresses and tops, but nothing seemed right. She stood there, motionless for a moment, unsure.

Evan, sensing her hesitation, reached up and plucked a flowy navy midi dress from the hangers. “How about this one? You always look great in it,” he suggested, handing it to her.

Sydney looked down at the dress, running her fingers over the fabric. She hesitated, still holding on to the idea of the satin dress, but then a smile crept onto her face. “Okay,” she agreed softly.

As she slipped out of the black dress and into the navy one, Evan stepped behind her again, zipping it up without much effort. That’s more like it, she thought, pleased with how easily it seemed to slip on.

“What time is it?” she asked as she adjusted the dress’s neckline in the mirror.

Evan glanced over at the closet island, where his watches were laid out in a neat row. He picked one up, checking the time. “About 5:45.”

Sydney’s eyes widened. “We need to leave soon! The restaurant’s pretty far, and we’re supposed to be there at seven.” She turned back toward her shoes, reaching down to pick out a pair.

Chapter Two

Evan’s eyes lingered on Sydney's ass as she bent down to slip on her shoes. The navy dress swayed with her movement, skimming over the generous curves of her hips and rear. He smirked slightly, satisfied that he had convinced her to wear one of the dresses he hadn’t forgotten to replace.

In truth, the zipper on the black dress hadn’t been close to fitting, not by a long shot. He figured she had probably outgrown it by at least thirty pounds, though she didn’t seem to notice. He couldn’t remember exactly when he’d started altering her clothes, he’d gotten into the habit of upsizing her wardrobe and swapping out the tags, but it always seemed to make things smoother. Sydney was much more cheerful when she wasn’t worrying about her size, and Evan liked it that way. There was something about keeping her happy that made the little lies seem worth it. Still, he was going to have to come up with a new excuse when he slipped up, the “I must’ve shrunk it in the wash” line was losing its charm.

“Evan? What are you doing? You’re not ready yet,” Sydney’s voice cut through his thoughts, and he blinked, realizing he’d been staring.

“Right, sorry,” he said quickly, forcing himself to look away. “I’ll be ready soon.”

Evan slipped out of the closet and into the bathroom, pulling on his shirt and buttoning it up as he glanced in the mirror. Tonight should be fun, he thought. It had been at least a year since they’d seen Matt and Reagan. His old college friends had moved a couple hours away, and between work, Sydney, and life in general, it was hard to make the time. He was looking forward to catching up.

As he stood there, styling his hair, a flicker of worry crept into his mind. He wasn’t sure how Matt and Reagan might react to Sydney’s gain. She had always been curvy, even when they first met, but lately...well, her appetite had certainly grown. Over the past year, her weight had steadily climbed, and she was far past the ‘thick’ category she often liked to describe herself as.

Evan paused for a moment, letting his hands drop. Was he doing the right thing? Adjusting her clothes, tweaking the scale, making sure she stayed in the dark about how much she’d really changed. It kept her happy, sure. But sometimes he wondered if he was protecting her or just prolonging the inevitable. Sydney was far heavier than she knew, and he had no idea what would happen if she ever found out what he’d been up to.

Shaking off the thought, Evan finished getting ready. Mostly dressed, he scooped up some socks from the closet and started making his way out. “I’ll go start the car!” he called back to Sydney.

A few minutes later, as he was lacing up his shoes, Sydney appeared in the hallway, her heels clicking softly against the floor. She walked up to him, a slight rush in her step, and asked, “How do I look?”

Evan straightened up, taking her in. The navy dress hugged her frame, accentuating the way her hips had widened over time. A thick roll of soft fat encircled her middle, pressing gently against the fabric, and her cleavage—always generous—seemed to have grown even more prominent. He felt a warm rush in his chest, a mix of admiration and possessiveness.

“You look beautiful,” he said, his smile widening as her face lit up in response.

Chapter Three

The hour-long drive to the restaurant had been slightly uncomfortable for Sydney. Her dress, though flattering, had a way of tightening uncomfortably around her middle when she sat. Still, she smiled as they pulled into the parking lot of the restaurant—at least she looked good, and they were finally here.

Evan parked the car, and Sydney took a moment to smooth her dress before stepping out into the cool evening air. The restaurant loomed ahead of them, an elegant, somewhat casual steakhouse, its glowing lights promising a warm, inviting atmosphere. Sydney couldn’t help but feel a little excited, the smell of sizzling steaks and buttery bread reaching her the second they stepped inside.

“Welcome! Do you have a reservation?” The young host smiled warmly at them from behind the stand.

Evan nodded, stepping forward. “Yeah, it’s under Evan Williams. We’re meeting some friends.”

The host tapped at the screen and nodded. “Yep, you’re the first to arrive. Follow me, please.”

As they followed him to their table, Sydney’s excitement grew. It had been far too long since they’d had a night out like this, and she was eager to catch up with Matt and Reagan. She was also pretty hungry. How long had it been since she’d last eaten? Long enough, she thought. Her stomach growled in anticipation.

The host showed them to a cozy booth by the window. “Your server will be right with you,” he said, before disappearing back to the front.

Evan slid into the booth, and Sydney sat across from him, adjusting her dress again as it bunched slightly around her hips. A few minutes passed before a cheerful waitress approached, balancing a pitcher of water and menus. “Hi, I’m Amanda, and I’ll be taking care of you tonight,” she said with a bright smile. “Would you like to order, or are you waiting for the rest of your party?”

Sydney glanced at Evan before speaking. “We’ll wait until our friends arrive. But water would be great, thank you.”

Amanda filled their glasses and placed the menus on the table before retreating. Sydney eagerly opened hers and scanned the offerings, her eyes lighting up. “Wow, everything looks so good,” she said, her voice rising with excitement as she glanced over at Evan.

He smiled softly, nodding in agreement. “Yeah, looks like we’re in for a good meal.”

Sydney flipped through the lighter fare for a moment, eyeing the salads and low-calorie dishes. She knew she’d gained a little weight recently—though nothing too dramatic, at least based on what the scale had said. Still, her clothes felt tighter, and it made her feel self-conscious at times. She figured it was just bloating or something temporary.

But as much as she wanted to be good tonight, her eyes kept drifting back to the richer, heavier dishes. Her mouth watered just reading the descriptions.

“Doesn’t this sound incredible?” Sydney leaned toward Evan, reading aloud, “‘Slow-braised short ribs with a red wine reduction, served over mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables.’ How am I supposed to choose?” She looked at him with wide eyes, half-laughing.

Evan’s smile widened as he watched her. “You don’t have to choose. Just get whatever looks good. You deserve it.”

Sydney felt warmth blossom in her chest at his words. She smiled back, feeling a bit more relaxed. She was about to say something when her eyes flicked to the entrance of the restaurant. “Oh, there they are!” she said excitedly, waving toward Reagan, who was scanning the room.

But to Sydney’s surprise, Reagan’s gaze swept over her without recognition. Sydney’s hand faltered, dropping slightly. “Does she not see me? I’m right here,” she murmured, feeling a little confused.

Evan turned, spotting Matt and Reagan just as they paused, looking around the restaurant. He stood and waved them over, and the moment his hand shot up, their faces shifted. Reagan’s expression changed from uncertainty to surprise as they approached the table.

“Evan!” Matt greeted warmly, his voice tinged with a bit of shock. “Hey, man, good to see you.”

Reagan trailed behind, her eyes flicking briefly toward Sydney, and then back to Evan. Sydney stood up as well, smiling broadly despite the confusion that lingered in her chest. It hurt a little that she didn’t recognize her at first. Had it been that long?

“Reagan! Oh my gosh, it’s been forever!” Sydney exclaimed, pulling her friend into a long, enthusiastic hug. Reagan returned the hug, though a bit tentatively at first.

“Yeah, it has,” Reagan said, her tone polite. “You look... different. But good! Really good,” she added quickly with a nervous laugh, a small smile forming on her lips.

Sydney brushed off the awkwardness, happy not to dwell on it. “How’ve you been? I’ve missed you so much!”

They all sat down, Sydney sitting next to Evan now, exchanging pleasantries as they caught up. Sydney laughed easily, her bubbly personality on full display. “Work’s been a little crazy, but it’s good crazy, you know? Keeps me on my toes,” she said happily. “And what about you guys? How’s the new place?”

Reagan smiled politely. “Yeah, I get that. We’ve been knee-deep in house renovations, and it’s been... well, a lot,” she said with a small laugh.

“Oh, you’ll have to show me pictures! I can’t wait to see how it’s turning out,” Sydney said, leaning forward with interest.

As they continued chatting, their waitress returned. “Are we ready to order appetizers?” she asked, pen ready.

“Oh yes, definitely,” Evan said. “We’ll start with the truffle fries and maybe the crab cakes for the table.”

Sydney’s eyes lit up at the sound of the appetizers. As the conversation continued, she felt herself growing hungrier. When the food finally arrived, the rich smell of the truffle fries hit her first, the scent causing her stomach to growl impatiently. Evan looked over at her, having heard it, and widened his eyes knowingly with a smile. She swatted his knee under the table, embarrassed, but their friends didn't seem to notice.

Without thinking too much about it, Sydney reached for the fries, still hot and dusted with parmesan. She popped one into her mouth, savoring the earthy taste of truffle mingling with the saltiness of the cheese. She dipped the next fry into the accompanying aioli, her appetite kicking into full gear.

“God, these are amazing,” she murmured, grabbing another fry as she listened to Reagan talk about their new house.

The conversation flowed easily between bites. Sydney laughed and nodded along as Evan shared a college memory with Matt, though her attention was mostly on the food. She reached for a crab cake next, one of four large ones, and moved it onto her plate with her fork. She sliced into it, the slightly crispy exterior giving way easily to the tender, flaky crab inside, and she brought a generous bite to her lips. Her eyes fluttered shut as the flavors hit her tongue, and she sighed contentedly, savoring every second. She took another bite, her appetite only growing.

“So how’s everything been with you two?” Reagan asked, turning her attention back to Sydney and Evan, though her eyes were squarely on Sydney.

“Great, really,” Sydney said, wiping her fingers on the napkin before reaching for another fry. “We’ve been trying to find more time for ourselves, you know, nights like this.”

Reagan nodded slowly as the conversation continued. Sydney kept nibbling between sentences, the shared plates slowly emptying without her realizing it. The fries were almost gone, and she couldn’t help but take the last crab cake, noticing no one seemed to mind.

Chapter Four

Matt leaned back in his seat, a grin spreading across his face as he finished recounting a story from their college days. “And then, he tried to convince the professor that he was right, even though the entire presentation was fucked from the start!” he finished with a chuckle.

Evan couldn’t help but laugh too. “Yeah that sounds like Ben,” he said, still grinning. As Reagan chimed in with her own memory, Evan’s eyes wandered toward Sydney. She was sitting next to him, finishing the last few fries from the appetizers. The others had stopped picking at them long ago, but Sydney seemed determined to savor every last crispy bite.

He didn’t mind. In fact, he’d consciously held back from eating much of the appetizers himself, making sure there was plenty left for her. It was just fries, after all, but he noticed the glances Reagan and Matt exchanged as Sydney casually popped the last fry into her mouth. Neither of them said anything, but their looks said plenty.

To his surprise, the thought amused him. He got to see Sydney every day, watched her slowly soften and grow. But Matt and Reagan? They must have been stunned. Sydney was a different woman now—curvier, fuller, undeniably bigger—and Evan could only imagine what they thought seeing her after all this time.

The waitress appeared again, breaking his thoughts. “Are we ready for our mains?”

Evan felt Sydney perk up beside him, her face lighting up as she flipped open the menu again. “I think so,” she said, scanning the list. Her finger traced over a dish, and she smiled. “I think I’ll have the... creamy chicken fettuccine alfredo with garlic bread,” she began, then hesitated. Her eyes flicked toward Evan. “Do you think I should get the prawns instead? It’s a little lighter.”

Evan paused, looking at her as she stared back at him with her sweet, expectant eyes. And for some reason, he found himself saying, “Why not get both?”

Sydney blinked, caught off guard. “I can’t get both, silly,” she said with a soft laugh, her eyes flicking nervously toward Matt and Reagan.

Evan shrugged. “Why not? We’re here to have a good time,” he said smoothly, turning toward their friends as if daring them to object.

Matt, a bit taken aback, cleared his throat. “Uh, yeah, sure. No harm in trying a couple things. We won’t be back here anytime soon,” he said, nodding.

“Exactly,” Evan agreed, giving Sydney an encouraging smile.

She looked at him for a moment, clearly debating, before she caved with a smile. “Okay... I’ll have the alfredo and the prawns,” she told the waitress, her voice soft but filled with excitement.

Evan ordered a steak with mashed potatoes and asparagus, and then Matt and Reagan made their choices. As the conversation picked up again, Evan leaned back in his seat, watching Sydney from the corner of his eye when the food finally arrived. She seemed shy at first, offering, “If anyone wants some, feel free to share,” as her two plates were set in front of her.

But as she picked up her fork, Sydney's focus shifted. Slowly, she tucked into her alfredo, twirling the pasta around her fork before taking a bite. The creamy sauce clung to the noodles, and he saw her close her eyes slightly, savoring the rich flavors. She was tentative at first, picking at the dish while listening to Matt talk about his latest work project. But soon enough, Sydney's appetite took over.

The conversation swirled around them, but Evan’s attention kept drifting back to her. Each time she cut through the garlic bread, dipping it into the alfredo sauce, he noticed her eating a little faster, a little more eagerly. The creamy sauce clung to her lips, and she wiped at it absentmindedly with her napkin as she chatted away with Reagan.

She hasn’t even noticed how much they’re staring, Evan thought, amused, catching the subtle looks Reagan gave Sydney as she worked through her meal. Matt wasn’t much better, his eyes occasionally flicking toward Sydney’s plate before he quickly looked away.

As Sydney finished her first dish, she wiped her mouth with her napkin and leaned back slightly. Evan thought for a moment, glancing at Sydney and then their friends before deciding to do what he had in mind. He casually cut a piece of his steak. “Here, try this,” he said, holding it out to his wife.

Sydney hesitated, then leaned forward, taking the bite directly from his fork. She chewed thoughtfully and nodded with approval. “That’s good,” she mumbled, her eyes flicking toward Reagan, who was watching them with a confused look.

Evan smiled to himself, feeling a strange thrill at their reactions. It wasn’t like him to be so...whatever he was at the moment. But watching Sydney eat, seeing her enjoy herself so freely in front of others, stirred something inside him. His eyes wandered, taking in the way her dress clung to her body, especially around her middle. It had gotten noticeably tighter since they’d arrived, the fabric straining as her belly pressed against it.

Without thinking, his hand found its way to the small of her back, rubbing softly, offering her a comforting touch. Sydney either didn’t notice or didn’t seem to mind. She was too focused on her second plate now—the prawns, butter-drenched and garlicky. Her pace slowed as she ate, but Evan knew she would finish. He’d seen her put away much more than this before.

As she ate, he let his hand drift lower, settling on the curve of her backside. He squeezed it gently, feeling the soft flesh fill his palm. Sydney shifted, giving him a curious look, but Evan kept his face neutral, continuing to chat with Matt as though nothing was out of the ordinary. His hand roamed casually, tracing slow, sensual circles along her back, hips, and even her thighs. He felt a wave of heat rush through him as his fingers brushed the underside of her belly, resting in her lap.

That’s new, he thought, surprised by his own reaction. He’d never felt quite this way toward her weight before, had never found himself particularly aroused by it. But here he was, feeling a strange thrill at the sight of her softening body, the way it filled the booth, the way she ate.

By the time Sydney finished her second plate, she leaned back with a soft sigh, her rounded belly pressing forward against the tight dress. Evan felt another surge of arousal as he glanced down at her, watching how her body had filled out over the course of the meal.

He shifted in his seat, feeling the tension building inside him, and shook his head slightly, trying to refocus on the conversation. Matt was mid-story, talking about a difficult client at work, and Evan nodded along, though his mind was elsewhere.

The waitress returned, her smile bright. “Everything good here?” she asked.

“Perfect,” Evan said, glancing at Sydney with a smile. “Can we get the dessert menu, please?”

Reagan raised her eyebrows, looking at him with a hint of shock. “Are you sure? I mean... are we sure we want dessert?” she asked, looking to Sydney as if she needed her agreement.

Evan didn’t miss the way Sydney opened her mouth to respond, but before she could speak, he jumped in. “Yeah, I’m sure,” he said, his voice firm as he turned back to the waitress. “Dessert menu, please.”

The waitress pulled a small menu from her apron and set it down on the table with a nod.

Reagan, looking slightly flustered, stood. “I’m gonna pop to the restroom. Sydney, come with?”

Sydney, who had just started to relax, blinked and nodded. “Sure,” she said, scooting out of the booth, her dress shimmying up as she stood. She gave Evan a quick smile before following Reagan.

Chapter Five

Sydney tugged at her dress as she followed Reagan toward the restroom, her fingers fiddling with the hem. The fabric stretched uncomfortably across her middle, hugging her belly in a way that made her feel even more aware of how full she was. She instinctively sucked in, trying to ease the pressure, but she was so full it hardly made a difference. The tightness in her dress only seemed to intensify.

Why did I get those two entrees? she thought, biting her lip. But Evan and Matt had said it was fine, even encouraged it. She was just having a good time, wasn’t she? It wasn’t that much food.

As she and Reagan entered the restroom, Sydney’s thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the door clicking shut behind them. Reagan set her purse down on the sink counter and turned toward the mirror, adjusting her hair, but Sydney could feel her friend’s eyes on her, watching and analyzing.

Sydney shifted her weight, trying to make herself seem smaller, but there was no denying how bloated and round she felt. Her reflection in the mirror confirmed it. Maybe I shouldn’t have worn this dress, she thought, feeling a sudden wave of self-consciousness. It had fit well enough at home, maybe a little snug, but now it was practically straining across her stomach and hips. She tugged at it again, trying to smooth it out, but nothing seemed to help.

“Hey, Syd,” Reagan’s voice broke through the silence, her tone unusually serious. “How are you? Like… really?”

Sydney blinked, taken aback by her friend’s tone. She glanced at her through the mirror. “I’m fine,” she said, her voice coming out a bit too quickly. “I’m doing great, actually. Why?”

Reagan didn’t seem convinced. She turned to face Sydney fully now, her expression soft but concerned. “I don’t know… you just seem… different.”

Sydney forced a smile, worried about where this was going. “Different? What do you mean?”

There was a pause. Reagan’s eyes flicked down toward her midsection, and Sydney felt her face heat up. “It’s just... you’ve gained some weight, haven’t you?”

The question hung in the air, and Sydney’s cheeks flushed brighter. She forced a casual laugh. “I haven’t gained that much,” she said, waving it off. “I mean, maybe a little, but it’s not a big deal.” She turned toward the mirror and busied herself with fixing her bangs.

Reagan hesitated, her gaze still fixed on Sydney’s figure. “What size are you wearing now?” she asked, her tone gentle but probing.

Sydney swallowed. “I’m a 14,” she replied confidently. “I only had to size up like... a month ago? If that.”

Reagan’s brow furrowed in confusion. “A 14?” she echoed, her voice tinged with disbelief. “Syd, there’s no way you’re a size 14.”

Sydney’s stomach flipped. She hadn’t expected to be confronted in this way. She knew she was likely different from when Reagan last saw her, but she didn't think the changes were significant enough to comment on.  “Yes, I am,” she protested with a slight scoff. Reagan stared at her skeptically. Sydney turned around to prove her point. “Look, check the tag if you don’t believe me.”

Reagan hesitated, then stepped closer, gently lifting the fabric at the back of Sydney’s dress to find the tag. Her fingers brushed against the tight fabric, and Sydney felt a pang of embarrassment. After a moment, Reagan’s hand dropped, and Sydney spun back around, crossing her arms over her chest.

“See?” she said, trying to sound confident.

But Reagan’s expression didn’t change. She still looked confused. “Syd...” she began carefully, “I don’t think you’re really seeing yourself. That dress looks way bigger than a 14, and... I don’t know. Are you sure?”

Sydney felt a lump forming in her throat. Why did she keep pushing this? “I told you, I’m a 14,” she said, her voice sharper than she intended.

Reagan frowned, her eyes softening. “How much do you weigh?”

Sydney’s heart raced. She forced an exasperated laugh, but it came out shaky. “Why do you even want to know?” she deflected, avoiding her friend’s gaze.

Reagan pressed on, her tone gentle but insistent. “I’m just... I’m worried about you, Syd. That’s all.”

Sydney’s hands clenched at her sides. “I weighed myself last week,” she muttered, her voice quiet. “I’m like… 185, maybe 190.”

But as the words left her mouth, she felt a knot of uncertainty tighten in her chest. She couldn’t place her finger on it, but she had always thought her weight read a little low for how she felt. Reagan was picking at a particular insecurity she herself barely understood.

Reagan’s face shifted, a look of shock flashing across her features when she revealed her weight. After a few moments, she masked it with concern. She stepped closer, her voice softening. “Syd, babe, that can’t be right.”

Sydney felt something snap inside her. “Would you stop?” she burst out, her voice louder than she intended. “I literally weighed myself last week, Reagan. I know what I weigh, okay? Why are you being so weird about this?”

Reagan stepped back, her expression a mix of surprise and worry. “I’m not trying to upset you,” she said gently. “I just... Syd, I noticed how much you ate tonight. And Evan…he’s been acting a little strange too, don’t you think?”

Sydney’s face flushed hot. “What does Evan have to do with anything?,” she snapped. “If my weight was a problem, he would’ve said something. He’s fine with it.”

Chapter Six

“Why would I say anything?” Evan asked, his tone casual but firm as he leaned back in his seat. He glanced at Matt, who looked at him with an eyebrow raised, clearly taken aback by Evan's nonchalance.

Matt shrugged, shaking his head slightly. “I don’t know, man. It just seems like... a short amount of time for someone to change that much, you know? Maybe you should bring it up.”

Evan felt a small twist in his gut. Bring it up? It had never crossed his mind to talk about that with Sydney. Covering up her weight gain just seemed like the right move to him. He didn’t even know how to acknowledge what Matt was implying, let alone navigate a conversation about it. And truth be told, the way Matt was phrasing things, it rubbed him the wrong way.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Evan replied, though the lie felt weak on his tongue.

Matt chuckled, a bit incredulous. “Come on, dude. She’s like... heavier or whatever.” His hand hovered as if lifting something substantial, his brows furrowed as he struggled to find the right words. “I mean, it’s noticeable.”

Evan gave him a strange look, caught between irritation and something else he couldn’t quite place. He didn’t want to acknowledge Sydney’s weight gain. Especially not after the way he’d been feeling tonight—the rush of heat he’d felt watching her eat, noticing her fullness, the way her dress had hugged her in all the right places. It wasn’t just her appetite that had stirred something new in him. He couldn’t shake the image of her, full and satisfied, the way her body took up space in their booth.

And yet, a small part of him enjoyed hearing someone else mention it. As if it validated what he had been quietly observing over the past year. Sydney had changed. Her body had softened, filled out in ways that were undeniable. But she was still her, still his wife. And she looked...well, amazing to him.

“She looks great to me,” Evan said, his voice pointed as he stared at Matt, daring him to disagree.

Matt’s expression shifted, his eyes widening as he backpedaled. “I mean, yeah, for sure,” he said quickly, holding up his hands as if to diffuse the tension. “I didn’t mean to imply she didn’t. I just mean... you know... like... whatever.”

Evan rolled his eyes slightly and took a sip of his water, letting the subject die between them. He didn’t want to talk about Sydney like this. Not with Matt, and definitely not like it was something that needed fixing. He couldn’t deny it anymore though: the thought of Sydney’s weight, of her growing appetite, of her filling out the way she had, it stirred something deep in him, something new. He wasn’t sure he fully understood it, but he liked it. More than he wanted to admit.

A few minutes later, both women returned to the table. Sydney followed Reagan back, adjusting her dress again as she squeezed into the booth beside Evan. He caught a glimpse of her flushed face, and for a second, he wondered what kind of conversation had just taken place between them. There was tension in the air, he could feel it. Reagan’s smile didn’t quite reach her eyes, and Sydney fidgeted in her seat, avoiding everyone’s gaze for a moment.

Evan exchanged a glance with Matt, and they both seemed to pick up on the change in mood. Whatever had been said in the bathroom clearly hadn’t gone over well, but Evan wasn’t going to push it.

Before he could think of what to say to break the silence, the waitress returned with a miniature skillet. Inside was a thick, molten brownie, its edges crisp and its center gooey, a dollop of vanilla ice cream melting on top. Evan had ordered it when the women left the table, a small indulgence to finish off the evening.

But now, something told him dessert wasn’t happening.

“Actually,” Evan said, holding up a hand to stop the waitress before she could leave, “can I get a box for this? And the check too?”

Chapter Seven

“I just can’t believe she’d say that!” Sydney exclaimed, her voice echoing slightly in the car as she and Evan made their way back home. She shifted in her seat, her dress still uncomfortably tight against her middle, but her frustration drowned out the discomfort. “I mean, seriously, who asks someone how much they weigh? That’s so rude!”

Evan made a small sound in agreement, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the steering wheel. “Yeah, definitely not cool,” he said, though his voice was calm.

Sydney continued, her hands gesturing wildly as she recounted the bathroom conversation. “And then, she doesn’t believe me when I say I’m a size 14! Like, she literally made me turn around so she could check the tag. Like I’m lying about what size I wear. Who does that?” Her voice was rising, the disbelief turning into anger. “Can you even believe that?”

Evan shifted again, glancing over at her. “That’s... pretty crazy,” he muttered, sounding a little distracted.

Sydney’s eyes narrowed for a second, her frustration searching for an outlet. “I just... I don’t get it! I’ve maybe gained a little bit of weight, but not enough for her to act like that. It’s like she’s making a big deal out of nothing. Right?” She turned toward Evan, her voice softening, almost pleading. “You don’t think I’ve gained that much, do you?”

Evan’s grip on the wheel tightened slightly, but his face remained neutral. “No, babe, you look great. Just like you always have,” he said. He forced a light smile her way, trying to stay reassuring. “I haven’t noticed anything significant.”

Sydney let out a small huff, but her emotions were all over the place—anger, confusion, embarrassment. She wasn’t sure what she wanted him to say, but she knew she needed him on her side. “Exactly! That’s what I’ve been saying. Reagan’s just being... weird. Like, she’s trying to make it a bigger issue than it is. I’m not even that much bigger! Maybe a few pounds, but not that much.”

“Yeah, definitely,” Evan echoed, his eyes focused on the road ahead. “We don’t have to see them again if you don’t want to.”

Sydney crossed her arms and sank deeper into her seat, her mind racing. How dare Reagan question her like that? She was being so judgmental. Sydney tried to push away the creeping thoughts that maybe Reagan wasn’t entirely wrong. But no, she was overreacting, right? If Evan didn’t notice, then there’s nothing to notice, she reassured herself, repeating the words in her head like a mantra. Evan’s words meant everything in this moment, soothing her insecurities like balm over a wound.

She sighed, her anger dissipating slightly, but she still felt tense, wound up, needing something to take the edge off. Just as she was about to continue venting, her eyes flicked to the window and something caught her attention—a Raising Cane's sign glowing softly against the evening sky. She stopped mid-sentence, staring at it for a moment.

“Is that a Cane’s?” she blurted, pointing toward it. “It’s been forever since we’ve been to one.”

Evan glanced in the direction she was pointing and nodded. “Yeah, it has,” he agreed.

Sydney bit her lip, suddenly feeling a reignited hunger gnawing at her again, brought on by the smell of fried chicken that drifted through her cracked window. She could almost taste the crispy tenders. Her stomach gave a small grumble, reminding her that she still had room.

Her mind wavered for a second. Should I? Her eyes dropped to her body, the weight of everything she had eaten tonight settling in her stomach. She adjusted her seatbelt, feeling the way it dug into her soft form, Reagan’s words still ringing in her ears.

I ate a lot tonight, she thought, but almost immediately, she started justifying herself. But I didn’t eat that much more than the others. Matt and Evan had a lot of food too... It’s not like I was the only one eating. Besides, who cares what Reagan thinks?

The scent of fried food crept into her thoughts again, more persuasive this time, tugging at her resolve.

“You wanna get some?” she asked quietly, her voice laced with a bit of hesitation but also craving. She glanced at Evan, her stomach doing flips at the thought of satisfying her remaining hunger.

Evan looked at her, his eyebrow raised slightly. “You sure?”

Sydney paused, her fingers fidgeting in her lap as she thought it over. She was full—she could feel it in how snug her dress was, how bloated she felt—but the hunger was still there, buzzing under the surface. Her emotions were getting the best of her, making her feel empty in a way that wasn’t just about food.

She shrugged, giving in to the pull of temptation. “I’m still kind of hungry,” she admitted shyly. “It’s been a rough night.”

Evan smiled slightly, turning the wheel without hesitation. “We can’t have that, can we?”

Chapter Eight

Evan couldn’t turn into the drive-thru fast enough. Something about Sydney saying she was hungry, even after everything she’d already eaten, was incredibly attractive to him. It made him feel a rush of excitement mixed with an undercurrent of something deeper, something he couldn’t quite put his finger on. He was also relieved to be done with the conversation they’d been having.

Reagan’s probing questions about Sydney’s changes had left him unsettled. She had clearly picked up on something, on the idea that something else might be going on, and her inquiries made him feel defensive. He wasn’t too happy with Matt’s comments either, but he decided it was best not to mention them to Sydney. She was already pretty emotional, and he didn’t want to add fuel to that fire.

“Hey, hey, hey! Want some chicken today?” a cheerful voice came through the intercom as Evan pulled up to the speaker.

“Yeah,” he said, leaning in a bit closer. “I’ll take a Caniac Combo with no slaw, extra toast, extra Cane’s sauce, and a Coke.”

“Would that be it?” the employee asked.

After a moment’s hesitation, Evan added, “Actually, can you throw in four extra tenders?”

Sydney, sitting beside him, tapped his arm and whispered, “That’s too much.”

He turned to her, a grin spreading across his face. “We’ll share,” he assured her as he pulled forward to the window, reaching for his wallet.

He handed his card to the employee, who swiftly handed over his food. Evan blinked in surprise at how quickly they’d moved, then took his card back, smiling at the employee. “Thanks!”

“Do you want any ketchup or hot sauce?” she asked.

Evan turned to Sydney to ask, but she was already diving into the bag, her excitement palpable. “No thanks,” he replied quickly, a little distracted by her enthusiasm.

Sydney wasted no time. She pulled out a tender, dipped it into the sauce, and took a massive bite. “Oh my god, I’ve missed this,” she exclaimed as her shoulders sagged in contentment, her voice muffled by the food in her mouth.

Evan chuckled, feeling warmth spread through him as he reached for a fry. He dipped it into the sauce and took a bite, exaggerating his reaction. “Holy fuck…” he exclaimed dramatically, as if tasting some heavenly gourmet meal.

Sydney laughed, and Evan felt a swell of happiness at seeing her so cheerful again. He turned on the radio softly, letting the music fill the space between them as they chatted. Sydney did most of the talking, and Evan listened, content, occasionally taking a fry to make it seem like they were sharing.

But as Sydney devoured the tenders one by one, her pace began to slow. Evan’s gaze drifted, and he found himself once again distracted by the way her curves pushed outwards, especially around her midsection. He moved his hand to Sydney’s thigh, feeling the warmth radiating from her body. He let it slide up discreetly so that it rubbed up against her belly, just as he had done in the restaurant, and he felt a thrill wash over him. It was like he was lost in a trance, taken by thoughts of feeling her belly fully, more directly. Sydney didn’t seem to notice.

Evan decided to take the longer route home, wanting to give Sydney the time to finish all ten tenders. The smell of fried chicken filled the car, and with every bump in the road, he watched her belly and breasts jiggle. He couldn’t shake the thought that this might be the real reason he’d been trying to keep Sydney from noticing her weight gain. Because he was into it.

He wondered just how round and tight her belly looked under that dress. The more she ate, the more his desire grew. Sydney exhaled deeply, placing her hand on her stomach, clearly stuffed, but she was relentless. She picked up another tender and popped it into her mouth.

Evan’s mind drifted to thoughts of feeding her again—not just a simple bite of steak like last time, but an entire meal. His heart raced with anticipation at the idea, imagining her enjoying every bite while he indulged in the sight of her growing fullness.

When Sydney finally finished the last of her food, she groaned slightly, leaning back in her seat. “That was so good,” she said, taking a sip from her Coke, her other hand resting comfortably on her belly.

Evan watched as she let out a small burp, muttering a soft “Excuse me,” before returning to sip her drink. The sight sent a wave of arousal through him, and he shifted in his seat, feeling an undeniable tug of desire as they pulled into their driveway. The garage door opened, and Evan guided the car inside, still captivated by the moment.

Chapter Nine

As Sydney stepped out of the car, a wave of heaviness washed over her. She felt sluggish, like the weight of her body was dragging her down. The Cane’s had been exactly what she needed; the salty, crispy tenders were a comfort that wrapped around her like a warm blanket. But now, she could feel the onset of a food coma creeping in, and all she wanted was to shed the uncomfortable dress that clung to her after all she had eaten.

With a half-empty Coke in hand, she lumbered through the house, her belly bouncing slightly with every step. She couldn’t help but have slight guilty thoughts about how much she’d indulged. Just how many tenders had she eaten? Six? No, wait, she thought, maybe eight? Along with the sides too… Each bite had been delicious, but now that fullness felt heavy, sitting squarely in her stomach. She tried to ignore the sensation, but it was hard to dismiss the way her dress strained against her midsection as she walked.

As she passed the bathroom, a fleeting thought crossed her mind. Should she weigh herself? What would it say? She hesitated but found her feet moving toward the ensuite anyway. The door creaked as she stepped inside, the faint scent of their body wash lingering in the air. She stepped onto the scale in the corner, her heart beating a little faster as the digital numbers blinked to life.

The screen settled on 194. More or less what she had assumed. She felt a mix of relief and anxiety at the number. I just ate, she thought, so some of that is just food weight. Plus, there was all the bloating she’d been experiencing lately, right? She smiled to herself, the thought of showing Reagan just how wrong she was about her weight bouncing through her mind. 

Just as she was lost in her thoughts, Evan walked into the bathroom, and Sydney’s heart skipped a beat. He came up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist as he looked down at the scale over her shoulder.

“Hey, what’s the number?” he asked playfully, but there was an undercurrent of seriousness in his tone.

Sydney felt a surge of embarrassment at letting Evan see her weight. She stepped back and off the scale, pressing herself into him. It was then that she noticed his erection pressing against her from behind.

Chapter 10

Sydney turned around, her face flushed with surprise as her eyes drifted down to Evan’s erection. She raised an eyebrow innocently, her lips curling into a sweet smile. "What’s this?" she teased, looking back up at him with a playful glint in her eye.

Evan’s heart raced. His mind was spinning, scrambling to find the words. "You just… you looked really good tonight," he stammered, his voice cracking slightly under the weight of everything running through his head. He’d caught a glimpse of the number on the scale before Sydney had stepped off: 194. But Evan knew the truth. He recalled the small but steady adjustments he had made to the scale over the past year. He did the math in his head. Sydney wasn’t 194 pounds. She was 299.

The thought sent a wave of arousal crashing over him. 300? Is she really 300 pounds? The idea of it, layered on top of his growing realization of how much he enjoyed Sydney’s body and the changes she’d undergone, was overwhelming. He swallowed hard, trying to keep himself composed, but his body was betraying him, and he could feel himself growing harder by the second.

"Aww, that’s sweet," Sydney said softly, oblivious to the battle in Evan’s mind. She reached up, her arms circling around his neck, pulling him closer. When she pressed her body into his, he felt her full belly push against him, the sensation sending a jolt of desire through him. He let out a soft sigh of pleasure, barely able to contain himself.

His thoughts flashed back to all the adjustments he’d made. It had started so innocently—offsetting just 10 pounds here and there on the scale to give her a little confidence boost. But as Sydney's appetite grew and she began to gain more, the 10 pounds became 30, then 75, and now 105. The gradual shifts, so slow and careful, had kept her from noticing. But why? he thought. Was it because he wanted her to stay oblivious… or because he wanted more?

Before he could dive deeper into his own thoughts, Sydney pulled his face down to hers and kissed him, sweetly at first, then more urgently. His hands instinctively found their way to her hips, gripping them tightly. He marveled at how much there was to hold—the thick, soft rolls of her love handles, spilling over his hands. He groaned into the kiss, unable to stop himself as his hands slid from her hips to her rear, grabbing her cheeks with a firm squeeze and a desperation that surprised even him.

Sydney pulled away, breathless, and asked softly, "Can you help me out of this dress?"

Evan’s hands shook slightly as he reached for the zipper of her dress, slowly pulling it down. With each inch, more of her skin was exposed, and he felt like he was seeing her for the first time in this new light—full, soft, massive in a way he hadn’t truly acknowledged until now. The dress fell away from her shoulders, and she shimmied out of it, her body now fully revealed to him. His eyes roamed over her, taking in every inch of her bare form.

Sydney sighed in relief as the dress slipped off, leaving her in her underwear. Her belly, round and prominent, rested heavily against her thighs, a mound of flesh that seemed to sway with every movement. Her hips and thighs had grown thick, pressing together even when she stood, and the soft, dimpled skin along her rear and legs rippled as she shifted. Her breasts, nearly spilling out of her bra, were large and heavy, and her skin was soft and marred with the faint stretch marks that trailed along her hips and belly.

God, she’s incredible.

They kissed again, more fervently this time, and Evan gently guided her toward their bed. As they reached the edge, he couldn’t help but think back to their honeymoon, how easy it had been to pick her up and toss her playfully onto the bed. Now, he wasn’t so sure he could lift her at all. She was so much fuller, heavier. His eyes traced the way her underwear dug into her skin, creating deep creases along her waist, accentuating her rolls. She stripped them off quickly, her thighs spreading wide as she sat on the bed, waiting for him.

Evan undressed hurriedly, his hands fumbling with his buttons as his eyes stayed glued to her form. Her thighs, thick and heavy, spread across the mattress as if inviting him between them. He couldn’t wait to feel her wrapped around him, to be swallowed by her softness.

Once he was undressed, he moved toward her, hands impatient as he helped her undo her bra. Her breasts spilled free, large and pendulous, swaying slightly as she leaned back onto the bed. Her belly rounded out even more as she lay down, fat and full from her meal, stretching her skin taut in places. He lowered himself on top of her as his hands roamed across her body with a mix of tenderness and hunger. They glided from her full breasts down to her hips, tracing the curve of her waist and gripping her love handles, and finally to her thick, soft thighs. His fingers ached to feel her belly, but he controlled himself, saving that moment for later.

As Evan slid into her, the sensation was overwhelming. His heart pounded in his chest as he felt her large body beneath him, her skin yielding under his weight. He moved slowly at first, savoring every inch of her. The same, yet new. Sydney moaned his name, her fingers digging into his back, sending jolts of pleasure through him. Evan looked down at her, watching in awe as her flesh rippled with every thrust, driving him further into a haze of arousal. Her moans, soft and breathy, filled his ears, urging him to continue.

Evan’s pace quickened, his breath coming in ragged gasps. Sydney’s body responded to his movements, her hips rising to meet him, their skin slapping together in a rhythm that grew more urgent with each passing moment. He leaned down, his lips brushing against her neck, kissing her softly at first, then more hungrily as he felt her tighten around him.

“God, you feel so good,” Evan whispered against her ear, his voice thick with desire.

Sydney whimpered in response, her curves arching up, pressing her full body against his own. His hands trailed back to her hips, pulling her closer with each thrust, the sensation of her fatness wrapping around him becoming more intense with every passing second. His hips moved faster, driven by the intoxicating feeling of her jiggling with every motion, her body a living testament to everything he had tried to keep hidden from her. 

The bed creaked beneath them as Evan’s thrusts became more forceful. He couldn’t hold back any longer. His hands finally found their way to her belly, fingers splayed across its soft surface, relishing the way it rose and fell with her breathing. He massaged it gently, his fingers sinking into the pliant flesh, then more firmly, grasping at the fat that overflowed from her sides. He reached for one of her side rolls, gripping it tightly, feeling its weight in his hand as he gave it a vigorous shake. Sydney gasped, a sound that was part surprise, part pleasure, her hands clutching the sheets as her body trembled beneath him.

Evan groaned deeply, his movements growing erratic, the building tension inside him finally reaching its peak. His mind swirled with a mix of desire and guilt as he thought of how much she had grown without ever seeing the truth. And still, she was blissfully unaware.

The combination of her soft body beneath him, her gasps of pleasure, and the sheer weight of the secret he held was too much. His grip tightened on her waist, pulling her closer as he plunged into her again and again, the world around them narrowing to the sensations of their bodies moving together. Sydney’s moans became louder, her legs wrapping around him, pulling him deeper into her warmth as their rhythm built to a crescendo.

Evan’s climax was powerful, washing over him in waves as he continued to move within her. His body shuddered, and he let out a low, guttural sound as he finally released, his thrusts gradually slowing, but not stopping entirely. He felt Sydney’s body quiver beneath him, her breath coming in short, sharp gasps as her own pleasure peaked, her hands gripping his shoulders tightly as she rode out her orgasm.

They stayed like that for a moment, their bodies entwined, slick with sweat, both of them catching their breath as the intensity of the moment began to fade. Evan pulled out of her gently, collapsing beside her with a contented sigh, his heart still racing.

He lay there for a while, staring up at the ceiling. His mind wandered back to Matt’s comments earlier. That had been the trigger. Hearing someone else talk about Sydney’s weight, noticing what he had been noticing all along. Would she have gained so much if he hadn’t interfered? If she knew her real weight?

He knew deep down that he would never tell Sydney the truth about what he’d done. I can’t, he thought. But…what if he took it further? The idea tugged at him, sending one last pulse of arousal through his body. She couldn’t stay oblivious forever, but how much more could she gain without noticing? How far would she let her appetite take her, as long as he kept her blinders on?

Eventually, he turned his head toward Sydney, a lazy smile spreading across his face as his breathing returned to normal. “You know,” he said softly, his voice still thick with the remnants of desire, “we still have that skillet brownie.”

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