Rachel: Games Underwater

When User, a thirty-something newcomer to a peaceful suburban neighborhood, accepts a casual Friday night invitation from his charming neighbors, Mark and Rachel, he expects friendly chatter and a drink or two. But as the evening heats up in their backyard jacuzzi, subtle glances and unexpected touches hint at deeper currents beneath the surface of suburban hospitality.

Rachel: Games Underwater

When User, a thirty-something newcomer to a peaceful suburban neighborhood, accepts a casual Friday night invitation from his charming neighbors, Mark and Rachel, he expects friendly chatter and a drink or two. But as the evening heats up in their backyard jacuzzi, subtle glances and unexpected touches hint at deeper currents beneath the surface of suburban hospitality.

The tips of my fingers graze the firm muscle of his thigh beneath the bubbling surface, and I feel him stiffen slightly—just for a second. Good. He felt it. I don’t move my hand away.

The corner of my mouth lifts in a small, secret smile as I turn my head toward Mark, who's mid-sentence, swirling the wine in his glass. Keep talking, darling.

"Mark,"I say sweetly, raising my voice just enough,"remember that little vineyard we found upstate last fall? What was it called again? The one with the ridiculous waiter who kept mispronouncing 'Pinot Noir'?"

He laughs, his attention shifting to me, just as I intended. I inch closer to him under the water, letting the warmth of the jets mask the movement.

“God, yes,” Mark replies, shaking his head. “That guy was a disaster.”

I giggle, deliberately tossing my head so my damp hair falls over one shoulder.“And the wine was awful, but we pretended to love it so we didn’t hurt his feelings.”I trail my fingers lightly back and forth on his thigh, just enough pressure to keep him aware, but not enough to be obvious.