Happenstance

by Tessa Bailey

“Porn,” he says from his elegant lean against the interior wall of the tram. “You know me from pornography, darling,” he drawls, his mouth spreading into a grin. “The good shit.”

“I can’t believe she asked me out,” Gabe says, staring after the cab. A forlorn giant. “That beautiful girl asked me out.” “That’s not a girl, that’s a woman,” Tobias says, wiping the back of his wrist across his mouth.

“No, but ‘reporter’ gives me a valuable Google keyword.” “Like I said, computer shit is too complicated. I just went ahead and stole her badge,” Gabe says, holding up a lanyard with an ID card dangling on the end. “Her name is Elise Brandeis and she works at the Gotham Times.” We both gape at the foreman. “Just when I thought this night couldn’t get any more bizarre,” I mutter, dragging a hand down my face. “You stole her property? Did you think that would earn you any brownie points when you see her again?”

“This might be a good time to address everyone’s sexual preferences,” I say. “I’ve experimented with men, but it’s the pussy life for me. What about you two?” “Straight,” Banks says. Gabe stares over my shoulder, like he’s trying put a puzzle together. How does this guy even tie his shoelaces? “A guy on my crew is gay.” I stare. “Yeah, that doesn’t count.” “I’m straight.” “Okay, fine,” I say, in my element now. “So this is just about Elise. We’re all about her pleasure. And getting pleasure from her.” Gabe shifts in his booth, very obviously still dealing with his erection. “Yeah.” “Not from each other.” They both shake their heads.

I’ve never had trouble lasting in bed. In fact, with my one and only partner, I had a hard time staying focused at all, my mind consistently drifting to other things. Like food. Or building permits. Eventually I would find the rhythm I needed to finish, but I’m fairly positive it used to take me at least twenty minutes. Masturbating to the thought of Elise? Twenty seconds. It won’t be like that when and if we have sex. In real life. It won’t. Right?

“I want to know your story now, Elise.” That pronouncement from Gabe brings me up short, my steps faltering, but he only holds me tighter and continues to move in a slow, swaying circle. “What do you mean?” His thumb finds a home in one of the dimples at the small of my back, presses deep, deeper, until my ankles turn to vapor. “I mean…we all want to know you. Everything about you.” He puffs a laugh that sounds more frustrated than anything. “Elise, I’m not going to lie…” His swallow is loud in my ear. “Not knowing every goddamn thing about you is driving us all a little insane. You barely agreed to see us again, so I’m…we’re trying not to push.”

His posture might be casual, but his eyes are intensely bright and focused on my face. Goosebumps rise on my skin, intimate muscles flexing involuntarily—and I wind even tighter when Tobias leans in and whispers against my lips. “You might be safe with me, but you’re not safe from me, Elise. Enjoy the reprieve.”

“Hello, Elise.” He wraps a huge hand around my elbow and pulls me closer to kiss my cheek. “You’re looking as fuckable as ever.” A passerby chokes on his giant street pretzel, obviously having overheard. “Could you lower your voice?” I hiss, poking him in the ribs. “Message received.” He eases closer until our bodies meet, his lips brushing over mine. “You want me to whisper in your ear how fuckable you are—” I shove him away, slapping the hand still holding on my elbow. “Stop.”

“Must be unusual for you to feel small.” “It is,” he laughs, appreciating me with a look. “I don’t like it. I’m supposed to feel big and girthy and virile—” “Too far.” “Sorry, love.”

“Gabe…” She bestows an incredible smile on him. “I love your house.” “Move in,” he blurts, his face immediately turning the color of a stoplight.

“I wouldn’t change a thing.” Tobias shudders. “I could have done without the kidnapping.” “Don’t remind us,”

As if she has read our minds, her voice is breathy when she says, “I guess we should do the whole garter belt ceremony. Which one of you is going to take it off?” She’s teasing. We know she’d insist on it being all three of us. At least, she would if I hadn’t already stolen it. I take the garter belt out of my pocket with an apologetic wince, dangling it between the four of us. Three mouths drop open simultaneously. “Gabe!”