Let the subject move on

The conversation shifted to other topics, but Susan's mind kept returning to what she'd learned. The economics of it were undeniable – if she were truly trying to save money to leave a bad marriage, as her cover story claimed, private dances would be the logical next step.

But Susan wasn't really trying to escape her marriage. She was exploring a side of herself that had no place in her life as Susan Storm-Richards. The question was: how far was she willing to take that exploration?

As the night progressed and the **** flowed, the women grew increasingly tactile. Destiny draped an arm around Jade during a fit of laughter. Ebony's hand found its way to Susan's back, rubbing small circles between her shoulder blades. Alexis leaned in close whenever she spoke to Susan, her breath warm against her ear.

It was during one such moment, with Alexis whispering some sarcastic comment about a group of fratboys who'd just entered the bar, that Susan felt the redhead's lips brush against her earlobe. The contact was brief but deliberate, sending a jolt of electricity down Susan's spine.

She turned her head slightly, finding Alexis's face mere inches from her own, the dancer's green eyes challenging her to respond. For a heart-stopping moment, Susan considered closing the distance between them, tasting those full lips that smirked at her so knowingly.

The impulse terrified her. It was one thing to allow these women to touch her under the pretense of helping her with her costume. It was quite another to actively reciprocate, to cross that final line into physical infidelity.

Susan pulled back slightly, breaking the moment. Alexis's smile turned knowing, but she didn't seem offended.

"Just checking," she murmured, sitting back. "For future reference."

The tension was broken by Destiny announcing another round of shots, and Susan gratefully accepted the distraction. She was already drunker than she'd intended to be, her head swimming pleasantly, her inhibitions dangerously lowered.

It was after 2 AM when they finally left the bar, all of them slightly unsteady on their feet. They stood in a loose circle on the sidewalk, making plans for their next outing.

"Next Friday, same time?" Destiny suggested. "We could try that new place on 7th."

"I'm in," Jade agreed.

"Me too," Ebony nodded. "Suzanne?"

Susan hesitated. Another night like this would be pushing her luck. Reed might be distracted, but even he would eventually notice if she made late nights a regular occurrence.

"I'll try," she hedged. "Can't promise though."

"Fair enough," Alexis said, stepping closer to give Susan a hug goodbye. Her embrace lingered, her body pressing fully against Susan's in a way that couldn't be misinterpreted. "Don't be a stranger, housewife," she whispered, her lips once again brushing Susan's ear.

When Alexis pulled back, her expression was openly hungry, a silent promise of what could happen if Susan were willing. It sent a fresh wave of heat through her, despite her earlier resolution.

Ebony was next, her hug equally intimate but somehow less overtly sexual. "Get home safe," she said warmly. "Text me when you're in."