“Because why?” Zack asked bitterly. “Because I’ve been having phenomenal phone sex with him for weeks now? Because I can’t stop thinking about him? Because I’ve spent hours telling myself that he couldn’t possibly be attractive and my age and available, because that sort of thing doesn’t happen in real life? And then, just as I knew I was getting in too deep, he somehow, in a city of millions of people, wandered into my life and was more gorgeous than I could have even hoped for?”

Zack sucked in a deep breath.

“Well,” Alexa said, “I was going to say ‘because it was dark in the club,’ but yeah, that works too.”

“Wait a second.” Kira’s eyes widened. “Zack, are you thinking about pursuing this guy?”

“Of course I am.” Zack waved her off. “I’d have to be crazy not to. He’s sexy and smart and interesting, and did I mention he’s really hot? Plus, he’s never asked me to role-play anything weird with him, so I’m pretty sure he’s not into, like, bestiality or whatever.”

Kira made a face. “I didn’t need to know that last part.”

“Well, it’s one of the harsh realities of the sex industry.” Zack took a long drag on his cigarette and then said, “I try my best not to judge people for their kinks, so long as it’s all safe, sane, and consensual. But some of our clients are into dark stuff, and it can be degrading.”

“And you don’t think John is like that?” Kira asked.

“I hoped he wasn’t, of course, but I also thought I was being naive. If he really isn’t a creep, then I’ve struck gold. I mean, I saw John with my own two eyes tonight, and I’m still having trouble believing he’s not a troll.”

“Zack’s right, the chances are astronomical,” Alexa tacked on. “Back when I did cam work, I had to watch a lot of guys masturbate, and let me tell you, even the few that weren’t pigs were still demanding jerks. That’s why I switched to phone sex. I was already pretty gay before I started, but dealing with men in the sex industry was threatening to push me into full-on lesbianism.”

“I’d be cool with that,” Kira said with a sly grin. Alexa blushed.

“C’mon, guys, focus,” Zack said. “I have to figure out what I’m going to do.”

“Do?” Kira asked. “What can you do? Did you get his number?”

“No, I was too busy running away.”

“Then the ball’s out of your court. The only contact you have with him is at work. If you can’t call him, you’re just going to have to wait and see if he calls you.”