Is It Cheating If...?

I changed into my plaid pajama pants and slipped into bed next to my girlfriend of six years, Kylie. Her bedside light dimly illuminated her side of the bed. We had settled into a routine. She usually reads an eBook on her phone while I fall asleep next to her. Tonight was no different, except she spoke just before sleep overtook me.

“Is it cheating if someone flirts with someone else?”

I opened my eyes, suddenly curious what was behind the question. “Just flirting, no, I don’t think so. Why?”

“Just this book I’m reading. It says many men get turned on when their mate cheats. Can you believe that? Would you get turned on?”

My heart fluttered with a rising anxiety, unsure of where this conversation would lead.

“Well, what do you think?” I inquired, trying to seem nonchalant despite my jitters.

“I think I need to know more about what you consider cheating first,” she laughed. But, she continued, “So is it cheating if someone kisses someone else?”

“How do you mean?”

“Like this,” Kylie said before leaning over and gently kissing me on the cheek. I felt her breath against me as she pulled away and giggled.

“No, that’s not cheating.” I laughed with her.

“OK, what about like this?” She turned towards me again and gave me a long, sensual kiss. Her soft lips met mine, and I eagerly accepted their familiar touch. My heartbeat quickened, and my skin felt flush and warm. Was it the...