Chapter Three

"So what's her deal?"

Benji looked up at Jesse who was sitting next to him at the bar. They were having a beer, catching up right after work. The place was a popular hangout for H&H staff and was filling up fast but Benji could see where Jesse's eyes were. They were right across the bar, focussed on a group of girls, who were merrily laughing and drinking away.

Benji clocked the familiar faces; looking at each in turn. There was Amy (Fat Amy to most) and Stacie Conrad. And there was Beca Mitchell. A moment later, another girl with a shock of pink hair joined them and both Jesse and Benji could hear the girls squealing "CR!" before falling on top of the newcomer in a group hug.

Benji watched as Jesse's gaze did not waver from the group

Hmm. Unusual. From his track record, he would have thought Jesse would be more interested in the gaggle of blonde models on the other side.

"Which one?" Benji finally asked.

"That brunette."

"Tall or short?"

"I know Stacie. It's that little firecracker."

Jesse took a sip of his beer, still watching the tiny brunette from across the bar. She was laughing at something that Amy was saying. He had only seen her angry and scowling, which frankly turned him on a little but he couldn't help thinking how different she looked laughing - eyes sparkling, head thrown back , face wreathed with the biggest smile. He wished he was the one making her laugh like that. That would be amazing.

He had never met anyone like her.

Jesse did not like to brag but girls were usually not that immune to his charms. A half smile, a friendly voice, a little flattery followed by a lingering look and they were usually putty in his hands. But this girl was impenetrable. Ok, he did met her in the worst possible way - spilling coffee over her not once, but twice, then stupidly mixing up her post. He did try in that elevator but she was just so... just so... stubborn.

"So what's her deal?" Jesse asked again, finishing up his beer. Jesse caught the bartender's eye and ordered two more; one for him and another for Benji.

Benji was silent, thinking how best to say it.

Beca Mitchell.

How can he say it?

Of course, Benji knew about that scandal a year back. He heard what happened between Beca and Daniel Meade, editor-in-chief of MODE no less, whilst she was still working at rival RUNWAY. It should't be that scandalous actually. H&H was such a hotbed of dangerous liaisons and affairs something like what happened between them would be normal. The tragedy was perhaps to Daniel, Beca was just another notch on the bed post. To her, it would have meant so much more; especially if the rumours of a hushed abortion was true. Benji did like Beca and he was sorry that it had to happen to her. And he admired that despite that setback she still came fighting back.

"Dude, that's Beca Mitchell, " Benji finally said. "You don't want to go there."

"What? Why?" Jesse asked, brows knitting together. God, even her name was unusual. "Is she a bunny boiler or something?"

"No, she's sweet, really," Benji said, his face looking just a little sad. "Just don't go there."

Jesse went back to his beer, mulling over what Benji said. Benji looked serious and obviously Benji would know the score, right? Jesse should really heed his warning. His life was complicated enough already as it was. He did not really need another problem to add onto the pile. He should really just behave, do his job and steer clear from any sort of hook ups, casual or not.

Except he just could not stop staring at her.


"Dude, don't look now. But 408 man at the bar staring at you." Amy was speaking from the corner of her mouth.

"What? Where?" Beca said, immediately looking around.

"I said don't look!" Amy said, exasperated. Beca squinted towards the bar. It was just too crowded and dim; she could not quite make out whom Amy was referring too. She also had quite a few drinks by now.

Beca just shrugged her shoulders. "Eh. He's probably checking out Stacie."

"Who?" Stacie chimed in.

"Dude at the bar. Checking you out." Beca said.

"Ooooohhhh. That's Jesse," Stacie replied, now craning her neck to look. "He's so hot but not my type at all. And he's totally checking you out, Becs. Come on! Maybe he's the one to break the seal."

"Seal? Where?" Amy said, looking round. "Man, they should have said it's Bring A Pet night! I could have brought my wallaby."

"No. No." Stacie said, waving her hands about before landing a heavy arm on Beca's shoulders "The B-Meister here had not been laid for a year! Yes, for a whole year! It's about time my girl here get some!"

She said it a bit too loud. Amy and CR were gasping out loud whilst Beca cringed in embarrassment. Fortunately, the bar was far too noisy and Stacie's declaration was swallowed up in all that noise.

"Dude, a whole year?" CR was staring at her in disbelief. "Are you sure it all still works?"

"I know a girl who didn't have sex for a year and her hymen grew back. Twice as thick," Amy whispered seriously. "True story."

"Amy! That's ridiculous. CR, of course it still works!" Beca said to each of her friend in turn. "And Stacie? Don't."

"Aww Beca, I think you should give him a chance," Stacie cooed. "He's practically undressing you with his eyes from over there..."

"Hey girls!"

They all swivelled round to see Amanda Tannen, MODE receptionist tottering up to them in her gravity defying heels.

"Hey Amanda" they all chorused in greeting. It was rather hot in the bar but Amanda was still wearing a thick knee length fur coat in that heat."Not staying long?" Stacie said, gesturing to the coat. "The talent's quite good tonight, if you're on the prowl."

"Umm no," the doozy girl giggled, sipping on her pink Cosmo. "Just a quick drink and I'll be off. I've gotta do a surprise call." She winked at the girls and quickly opened her coat a fraction before pulling it close. She was only wearing racy lingerie underneath.

"Who's the lucky guy?" Amy asked.

Stacie's warning look came a little too late.

"Who else but Daniel Meade?" Amanda giggled with a wink. "I'm doing a charity fuck tonight, girls. The poor boy has needs after all. And that new PA, Betty Suarez, is a train wreck; no way he's going to screw her."

Amanda sipped at her cocktail, oblivious to the drop in temperature within the circle. Her phone buzzed and she checked the message, smiling. "Alright, sweeties! My booty's been called. I'm off to get fucked; don't wait up!"

She tottered off and an uneasy silence fell on the group.

Beca downed her drink in one, wiped her mouth with the back of her hand and said, "I want to get drunk. I want to dance. And I want to get laid. In that order. See to it, bitches."


"Wow! Is it always this busy?" Jesse was trying to speak to Benji over the din.

"What?"

"Is it always this busy?" Jesse shouted.

Benji shook his head.

"Nah. Only on karaoke nights!" he hollered back, pointing to the little stage. "Oh look! It's Bumper singing. You've met Bumper."

But Jesse was not paying attention to Benji anymore.

He was looking at where Benji was pointing at but his eyes were caught by the crotch-grabbing sight of Beca Mitchell dancing. Hair swinging, hips swaying, arms thrown up high. Her eyes were closed as if in ecstasy as she danced with wild abandon. They say you could always tell how good a girl is in bed by the way she dances. And seeing Beca Mitchell danced made Jesse Swanson feel many things. Like how he really wanted to get her alone somewhere.

He was not the only one thinking the same because another guy just danced up to her, now holding her on the waist. She looked up at him, smiling but shook her head before putting some distance between them. That pervert was persistent, trying to pull her close by grabbing her ass and grinding closer. Jesse could feel his blood rushing to his ears. He was ready to stride in and haul that creepy fucker off her but then, something comical happened.

Both CR and Amy were dancing closer to that pervert, bumping and grinding into him. He was trapped between the two girls, bouncing in between. The poor guy had the look of abject terror on his face as he was swallowed in the mass of dancers with Amy and CR still grinding into him. And Beca Mitchell walked off the dance floor, laughing.

She was heading towards the bar.

"Umm... I gotta take a leak," Jesse lied to Benji. It was a little unnecessary because Benji was being chatted up at that moment. Jesse slipped away unnoticed and hurried over to the bar. She was trying to catch the bartender's attention but she was so tiny there was no way she could be spotted. So Jesse thought.

"Hey, you need help?" he said, flashing his trademark grin.

Beca Mitchell swung round and met his chocolate eyes. For a moment, he thought she was going to hit him but miraculously, Beca Mitchell didn't.

"No, I got this."

The corner of Jesse's mouth turned up in an exasperated half smile. "Seriously, do you have a problem accepting help?"

She was trying not to smile. "No, I really got this. Watch."

Beca Mitchell tossed her hair back and leant forward onto the bar. And within seconds, the bartender was in front of them.

"Hey Becs, what can I get you?"

"The usual for me, Bill, " Beca said smiling. "And for my gal pal here (she jerked her head towards Jesse) an Appletini?" Bill nearly laughed out loud as Jesse hurriedly said, "Umm...no. A Corona please, with lime."

Bill nodded and went off to make their drinks.

"How did you do that?" Jesse said. "I didn't catch it. How did you get him over so fast?"

Beca just shrugged. "Oh. You know..." She gestured at her chest and Jesse's eyes fell on her impressive rack. And lingered a little too long. She caught him staring.

"Umm..ok" Jesse said, trying to cover up his embarrassment. He looked down sorrowfully at his non-existent boobs. "That move is no good for me then."

She laughed.

A low, throaty sexy laugh.

"No, Not that. Bill plays in a band," she continued. "I review their gigs sometimes. So he wants to stay on my good side."

"Ok." was all he could say. They stood in silence waiting for their drinks and Jesse was now staring at her profile.

"What? Do I have ketchup on my cheek again?"

Beca turned to look at him and he had to laugh.

"No," Jesse said. "It's just...I've never met someone like you."

"You must go out more often," Beca replied, looking amused.

"Trust me. I've been around the block."

"Yeah? Which block? Upper East side?"

It was a jibe but he didn't mind. Just as long as she kept smiling like that. She was looking at him like she was thinking and then she smiled, like she made up her mind.

"I'm Beca, by the way," she said.

Jesse could hardly keep the grin off his face. "I know."

He knew she wanted to laugh but she scoffed lightly instead. Bill came with their drinks and Jesse quickly handed the money over, together with a fat tip. "Let me get this." He picked up her Brave Bull to hand it to her but someone jostled into his back and the drink sloshed a little. This time her reflexes were like a cat and Beca quickly jumped back before he could threw more of the drink onto her.

"Oh my god! I am so sorry!" Jesse was more than a little mortified now. Seriously? Three times? He tried grabbing more napkins off the bar whilst still holding the drink but she closed her hand over his and took the glass away first.

"Ok. Let's put that drink down, shall we?" Beca said, placing the glass back onto the counter before grabbing some tissues and wiping her front. It was only a few drops and she was relatively dry.

"I am usually not this clumsy, I promise," Jesse bleated out. This could not be happening. He was making progress and now he chucked another drink down her? He sure he had blew any chance he had with her. "I swear I don't mean to ruin your clothes every time we meet."

There was a naughty twinkle in her eye. "Well, maybe I should just stop wearing clothes around you then."

Wait. What? - Jesse did not have a come back. He was too surprised - Is she flirting with me? Any attempt to answer back was quickly squashed when Amy and CR came barreling into them. "Beca, there you are!" Amy squealed. She gave Jesse a look and smiled appreciatively, "Hey there, hottie." Between what Beca said just now and the accompanying mental image and Amy's suggestive look, Jesse found himself blushing. And he had not blushed for a long time.

"Your turn on the mic, dude," CR was saying now.

"What? Already?" Beca groaned.

"Yep, Amy chose the song."

"Oh god, I need some liquid courage," Beca declared. She gulped as much of her drink as she could before striding towards the small stage. The girls followed suit together with Jesse.

"What's happening?" Jesse asked.

"Roulette K-ok. A thing we used to play at college," Amy replied with a huge grin. "We choose the song. She'll only knows what song it is when she's up there."

Jesse was grinning, looking at that badass rock and roll girl striding up the stage and taking the mic. "Please tell me you chose something like One Direction. Or Barry Manilow," he begged.

"Eh. Too late for that," Amy said. "Come. You have to stand here." Amy was pulling him forward through the crowd, towards the front of the stage.

"Ladies and gents, we now have Beca singing..." the MC was now saying. "...oh, we have a karaoke roulette here. Good luck, Beca." Loud whoops and cheers were coming up from the crowd. CR and Stacie was already there in front when Amy barrelled through with Jesse in tow; all of them squashed up by the front of the stage now.

Beca was making a face at her friends.

There was an expectant hush as the first notes of the song came through the speakers and the words came into the screen. Amy, Stacie and CR were laughing hard now. Harder still when Beca's face slid into horror as she silently mouthed "No!" But Beca had to quickly recover and launched into the song.

I threw a wish in the well
(Amy, I'm going to kill you) ...never tell
I look to you as I fell
And now you're in my way

The crowd was now jumping and cheering. Jesse was staring up at Beca, looking mutinous as she sang the second verse. The girls were laughing so hard in between singing snatches of the song. He had to laugh. She was looking a little resigned to the song choice now.

I'd trade my soul for a wish,
(Amy!) - for a kiss
I wasn't looking for this,
But now you're in my way

But then she stared straight down at him with a half smile and a knowing look.

Your stare was holdin',
Ripped jeans, skin was showin'
Hot night, wind was blowin'
Where do you think you're going, baby?

And she belted it out.

Hey, I just met you, and this is crazy,
But here's my number, so call me, maybe
It's hard to look right at you, baby
But here's my number so call me, maybe

She was giving all she's got. The crowd responded, singing out the song, jumping in time to the music and despite himself, Jesse found himself singing and dancing along. It was infectious.

Before you came into my life
I missed you so bad, I missed you so bad
I missed you so, so bad

The applause that came when she finally finished was deafening. Beca placed the mic back and jumped off the stage, straight into her friends who squealed as they caught her.

"You! I am going to kill you, Amy," Beca bellowed, holding the blonde's face in between her hands.

"Eh. You love me really," said the blonde. "CR, it's Stacie's turn next. Come on, I need your help to choose an appropriately embarrassing song."

"Where's Stacie?" Beca asked, noticing the statuesque brunette was nowhere near.

"Ummm... She was here just now." Amy said. "Ok. See you later."

The girls hastily made their exit and Beca was suddenly aware she was now alone with Jesse, who was looking at her with something akin to awe.

"That was amazing," Jesse piped up, eyes twinkling. "You were amazing! I didn't know you could sing."

"There's plenty you don't know about me." Beca said, smiling.

"What?"

The noise had picked up again when someone else took the mic and the next song started. Beca tiptoed, bringing her mouth nearer to his ear. He leant down a little.

"I said there's plenty you don't know about me."

The crowd was getting ridiculous and she nearly toppled over when someone bumped into her. Jesse's arm shot out to steady her but even after she found her balance, his hand did not move from her waist.

"Yeah?" Jesse replied. "Maybe I can find out? Over coffee? I owe you two already."

He could feel her body shaking with laughter. His fingers felt the soft skin on her waist where her tshirt had ridden up. She was stretching up to speak into his ear again.

"No."

"No?"

"No."

"Ok," he said, not giving up. "I take that number then. Perhaps we can hang out sometime?"

"No. That was just a song."

"Just so you know, I won't take my time with the call. I'll call you, like straightaway."

She was still laughing, her breath puffing on his neck. She was flushed right against him now in that crowded space and when she stretched up to speak to him again, he could feel the softness of her breast brushing against him.

"Still no."

"What? Do you, like, say no to everything?" Jesse said, frowning down at her.

She was cracking up. "No."

He was shaking his head, trying to figure out this rather enchanting brunette he was holding in his arm. She was smiling up at him.

"It very much depends on the question," she spoke into his ear.

"Yeah?"

"Yeah," she whispered back. "Like if you asked me whether I want to get out of here, I'll say yes."


They were hardly out of the side door. He had asked and she said yes and minutes later, they were heading towards the exit, spilling out into the dark alley, arms already entangled, lips locked into messy kisses. She broke the kiss and pulled his hand down towards the exit but he pulled her back, trapping her in his arms again as he kissed her ferociously. She tasted of tequila and coffee and Jesse could not get enough. He was backing her up against the wall and she was moaning into the kiss.

"One for the road," he mumbled into her neck, biting into the sensitive skin. She was running her hands all over his sides, pulling his shirt out and slipping her hands in. Jesse groaned at the touch of her hot hands gliding on his skin, His hands was already underneath her shirt, questing for that creamy, soft breasts he had imagined earlier. His hands found them - so firm, yet soft. So heavy yet so pliant. Then he swiped the nubs of her hardened nipples and the moan coming out of her made his knees weak.

He pushed her up higher against that brick wall, wanting to taste that incredible soft flesh he held in his hands just now. Beca wrapped her legs round his waist, leaning back, gasping against the wall. Her tshirt was roughly pushed up and she looked down at the incredibly sexy sight of his dark head bent over her breasts, his mouth feasting on one hard nipple after another.

It must be because she had not done this for some time. It must have been the alcohol but the way his mouth was pulling mercilessly at her nipples, hands squeezing her breasts, the way he was pressing her against this wall, Beca suddenly felt herself building towards the peak.

"Don't stop," she gasped, her fingers threading through his brown locks.

He was biting now, small bites with a bit of teeth and Beca felt that urgent tugging in her loins. And when he swiped his soft tongue to soothe the bites on her nipples, Beca yelled out loud. Her eyes rolled back, her body shuddered and spasmed. She could only held on tight as she rode that short, sharp orgasm.

And when that petered out, Beca opened her eyes, a little flustered at her reaction. He was looking up at her in wonder. "Did you just came?" he said, his voice rough. When she nodded, he stared at her, eyes dilated. "That was so fucking hot." He went back to kissing her hard, mouth roving on her neck and chest. Beca wanted nothing more than to feel him now.

"Your turn. Let me down."

He nodded, settling her onto the ground. It was his turn to be pressed against the wall as she kissed and bit his neck. Her supple fingers found his belt buckle and within seconds, his belt and fly was undone, her hand slipping in, closing around his hardness.

Her hand was soft yet glided with some firmness over the head of his dick, teasing that sensitive spot along his shaft. She was stroking along his entire shaft now, finger and thumb catching on the head at each downward stroke. Jesse closed his eyes, groaning, wondering how long he could last.

"Hey,'" she said softly. Jesse opened her eyes and then watched as she locked eyes with him and slowly licked the palm of her hand before stroking him again. And he shuddered under her hand, now slick with her saliva.

His mind was in a complete haze.

Then he heard it. His phone ringing. And rang. And rang.

Beca removed her hand but tried to move away but he grabbed her back. "No, ignore that." He rasped urgently, pulling her hand back. She nodded and continued the amazing thing she did with her hand, her mouth latching on his neck and Jesse groaned hard.

And his stupid phone had to ring again.

He reached for his phone, intending to shut it off until he saw the caller ID.

"I'm so sorry. I have to take this," Jesse said regretfully. He was fully expecting her to step away in a huff but she was smiling a little evil smile at him instead. And she knelt in front of him.

"Oh my god," he stuttered out as soon as her hands freed his hardness and her mouth closed over it. He closed his eyes in ecstasy, feeling the soft wetness of her mouth, sucking hard, moving up and down along his shaft, her hand twisting gently at the base. His hand on her cheek, fingers tangled in her hair. He was about to clutch at her head to guide her speed with his other hand when he realised he was still holding on to his phone and it was still ringing.

He answered the call. "Yeah?"

"Jesse, where are you?" Aubrey's voice came through.

"Umm..." He started before muttering "oh god, fuck!" under his breath because she was speeding up. He could feel the sensitive area underneath his shaft gliding along the soft bed of her tongue.

"Jesse! Are you still there?"

"Umm..yeah. I'm at the bar nearby."

"You were supposed to be here twenty minutes ago."

"What?" Jesse replied hazily. He could not think straight. Between feeling the rough wall behind him, in this dark alley, having his dick sucked off by the sexiest girl alive and trying to stay coherent on the phone, it was without a doubt, the most exciting sexual experience he had in a long time.

And fuck, he could himself hitting the back of her throat.

"Jesse! What's happening?"

"Umm..I'm.." He tried. God, he's not going to last much longer. "I'm coming... Gimme.. gimme ten minutes."

She was relentless on his dick. And he was trying to stifle this groan coming out.

"You'll be here in ten?" Aubrey demanded.

"Yes, I'll... I'll come up to RUNWAY," he breathed out with whatever control he had. "See you soon, Aubrey."

Jesse ended the call and dropped his phone, not caring where it landed. He couldn't stifle that groan anymore. Both his hands clutched desperately at her head. "Don't stop, baby. I'm so close."

But she stopped. And stood up.

Jesse blinked with confusion. Why did she stop? That was amazing and he was so close. She was standing apart, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand and staring at him.

"Baby, why did you stop?" he murmured huskily, trying to pull her back against him.

"Was that Aubrey?" she said, her eyes hard as flint. "Was that Aubrey Posen?"

Then it hit him like a tonne of bricks. Why the hell did he mentioned another girl's name when he was getting the most incredible blowjob of his life?

"No, Beca. It's not like that," he stammered.

"Sorry. I can't do this." She was backing and turning away now.

"Beca, wait."

She was walking away far too quickly. Jesse straightened up, intending to run after her.

"Beca, please wait."

He then realised his phone was somewhere on the ground and his goods were still hanging out. Jesse quickly tucked himself in as best as he could. She was already at the end of the alley onto the street.

"Beca!" He shouted after her, hastily zipping up without looking. The next moment, a piercing cry echoed in the alley. "OWWWWW!"


AN : Call me maybe by Carly Rae Jepsen. And I just noticed at 0.14 in the music video, it shows a book on a table and the title was "Skylar's..." Heeheehee.

Thank you for all your follows and reviews. I'm sorry I have not answered them yet -I was dying to get the two chapters out. High five to 99mimis for guessing HOT for 408 and VLEP is of course for voice like ear porn.