Sometimes caring and compassion make the best foreplay.
Ana Ng is a college intern working as a tour guide at Seattle's Aquarium. Isabella “Izzy” Rossi is an electrical contractor working on the Aquarium's expansion project. On any given day, their paths would never cross. But a chance encounter introduces Ana firsthand to Izzy's kindhearted personality.
After realizing they both play for the same team, their differing backgrounds take a backseat to mutual attraction and their relationship blooms.
“I like this,” said Izzy, reaching out to brush the back of her hand over Ana’s cheek and tuck an errant strand of hair behind Ana’s ear.
“Me too,” said Ana. “Sorry if I made you feel like I was rushing you earlier.”
“No biggie. We’ll get in sync. If, um, if this becomes a regular thing.”
“Why wouldn’t it?” said Ana.
Izzy shrugged. “I get the feeling maybe you crave more … variety than I do.”
“Don’t worry, baby,” said Ana. “It’s not a one night stand.”
Izzy smirked.
“Shit, I just called you baby,” said Ana, turning her face away.
“It’s okay. Hey, you want some music on or something?”
Ana shook her head.
“Then can I ask you something?” asked Izzy.
Ana nodded.
“It’s about work. Is that okay?”
Ana snickered. “That’s random,” she said, “but sure.”
“Tell me about manta rays,” said Izzy.
“Oddly specific, too.”
“I caught a glimpse of you explaining it to a little girl a while back. You looked so … I don’t know … serene. Is that the right word? You were really into it when you explained things to her.”
“Sure,” said Ana, reaching to weave her fingers in with Izzy’s. “The reef mantas we have are endangered. I’m told they came to the aquarium as babies, after their mother was killed in a boating encounter.”
Izzy stiffened. “Killed, like hunted?”
Ana shook her head. “More like getting hit by the prop.”
“Oh,” said Izzy. “Oh, that’s kind of a downer. We don’t have to talk about your work.”
“No, no,” said Ana. “Tragic origin story, yes, but the rest is really nice. They’re such gentle creatures.”
“And they give high fives? Is that what you said to the little girl?”
“Yeah,” said Ana. “Have you never been to the exhibit?”
“I’m usually working,” said Izzy.
Ana nodded. “Tell you what,” she said. “The aquarium is having a grand opening gala. It’s on the --”
“Twenty-fifth,” said Izzy. “End of next month. I know. That’s why I’ve been putting in overtime. So the aquarium soiree won’t have to be held in the dark.”
Ana peered into Izzy’s eyes. “Come with me,” she said.
“To the gala?”
Ana nodded. “As my date.”
“Do I have to dress up?”
“Oh, come on. I bet you look stunning in a suit.” Ana drew a line down the center of Izzy’s chest with the tip of her finger as she said this.
“I’ll wear a slinky dress,” offered Ana. “The low-cut kind you can’t wear a bra with. Then you can think about my boobies all night.”
Izzy chuckled. “Maybe I’m still thinking about your boobies right now,” she said.
“I hope so,” said Ana, doing her best to shimmy in the small space between Izzy and the back of the sofa.
Izzy laughed.
“You still want to hear about manta rays?”
“Yeah, but maybe save some for the gala,” said Izzy. “When there’s visuals.”
“You’ll be my date, then?”
Izzy nodded. “Wouldn’t miss it,” she said.
“It’s nice you’re interested in my work,” said Ana. “In case you’re still in doubt as to my intentions, the one-nighters never really ask much about me.”
Izzy turned her gaze to Ana’s eyes.
“So maybe tell me a little about you?” suggested Ana.
Izzy shrugged. “Not nearly as exciting as manta rays.”
“Well, I’d still like to know. Maybe later? I don’t want you to think I’m just after you for your body. I mean, I am, but ...” Ana smiled as she scooted around to lie flat on the sofa.
