<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/ixPeHzf.jpg)</div>There was an expression that passed over Gabriel's face that Monica noted, and dismissed as misgivings of the 'quiet one', still getting used to the fact that things had fallen into place so easily.  Brett's attitude and body language said that he expected success, but Gabe's said that he was more used to having to work for it.<br/><br/><em>"Better than best, as far as I'm concerned."</em><br/><br/>Once she'd put down her bag, and the ridiculous little jacket that she had no intention of wearing, she gave Brett and Lauren a little space and instead watched Gabriel pour the drinks with a generous, or nervous.  The furniture looked comfortable, and spacious, and If it had not been for the skirt she had chosen and the residue of uncertainty that Gabriel exuded, she might have curled up on the intersection of the 'L' settling in like a cat who had claimed its space, but there really wasn't enough give in the skirt to allow it, even if Gabriel were as comfortable with 'whatever' as Brett seemed to be.  No matter.  If she had her way, she wouldn't be wearing the skirt all that much longer, anyway.<br/><br/>She took the glass that Gabriel offered, and answered his toast, and took a small sip, watching with interest how deeply Gabriel drank.  Monica approved of a little dutch courage, but hoped that encouragement would provide its own without the wilting effects of too much rum ... and perhaps she could think of a fun way to incorporate both.  Well, she certainly could think of a fun way from her perspective that she hoped Gabriel might enjoy too.<br/><br/>There was no need to rush, however, as it seemed the liquid courage had done the trick, and Gabe moved in for another kiss.  Instead of remaining half a step removed, she closed the gap, and slid the fingers of her free hand down into his back pocket and drew them closer together, firmly rather than aggressively, if only for fear that he might otherwise spill his drink.  The mix seemed to be the right amount, because his free hand followed suit -- even if she wondered if he would have been so daring had not the tightness of her skirt provided some limits.  Nonetheless, she liked the way his fingers felt on her skin, and the movement of his lips against hers, and the increasing adventurousness of his tongue as her own demonstrated eager welcome.<br/><br/>Her head tilted for his whisper, her knees feeling just a little bit weak from heady anticipation.  Luckily her hand had a place  to hold to steady herself as the warmth of his breath tickled deliciously.  Monica laughed, and clinked the ice cube in her glass around a bit.<em>"Religiously, darling.  Cardio, strength training, endurance ... the whole package.  That's sweet of you to say.  I like the way you feel too, though I might come come up with a few better descriptors after I've felt a little more."</em><br/><br/>She glanced over at Lauren and Brett, debating for just a moment whether the other woman might have some last minute nerves step in when the illusion of safety in numbers disappeared.  A glance was enough to reassure that her friend seemed to have embraced the notion of getting very thoroughly laid with admirable enthusiasm and Brett seemed to be providing ample incentive and encouragement.<br/><br/><em>"Why don't you show me the view from out there?" </em>she suggested softly, giving his derriere a playful little swat, followed by an appreciative squeeze.<em> "Then I'll show you a view or two, and you can tell me if my workouts have been successful."</em><br/><br/>She gave another glance back toward Lauren, just to make sure, and then leaned in to catch Gabriel's ear lobe in her teeth for a moment before whispering, with a little soft press of her lips,<em>"Not that looking is all that's on the table."</em><br/>