Clearly these searches were her passion and he found her passion fascinating. As fascinating as he found watching her, her excitable movements drove home the fact that he had a long way to go before he could even contemplate seduction. Her nerves were making her downright dangerous, he decided while watching her sweep a hand around to illustrate a point, only to miss wiping out a table lamp by a bare inch.
“You’re knowledgeable,” he said hoping to keep April in her comfort zone, now that she’d finally stopped talking long enough to draw air. “I imagine the people with the adoption society consider themselves lucky to have you around.”
She shrugged, looked slightly embarrassed. “I’m sure that’s more than you ever wanted to know about adoption searches.”
“Not at all. Turns out that I’m very interested in things that interest you.”
“Oh.”
“Did you bring your cords?” he asked, deciding his best bet was to keep her off balance and reacting so she didn’t have time to analyze what was happening between them. “If not, I should have something that’ll work.”
She circled the table to unzip her laptop case and whipped out a tangle of electrical cords. “Here you go.”
The instant their fingers met sparks flew. April gasped and said, “Oops, sorry,” before spilling the cords into his hand, careful to avoid touching him again.
She bolted toward the sitting room and leaned against the sofa, her nerves clearly back in force. Rex watched her retreat, glancing at her sneakers with rubber soles that should have grounded her from creating static electricity on the carpet.
He had the vague thought that this woman conducted more voltage than a lightning bolt and made a mental note to call the front desk to have the hotel provide a mat for the floor of their work area. An extra precaution since April would be networked to his system and might inadvertently share her electromagnetic gifts.
“Great, you’ve got everything you need here. Give me a minute and we’ll be all set.” He connected her system to the switch box. “I’ve got cable access to the Internet. Do you need anything else?”
“Oh no. That’s perfect. But what about virus protection, Rex? I’ll be searching all sorts of databases. Are you protected? I’d feel horrible if I gave you anything.”
“I’m a responsible adult. I make sure I have protection.”
There was a beat of silence before April laughed, a ripple of sound that made him smile. “Good, then we won’t be in for any unexpected surprises.”
“Oh, I don’t know. Not all surprises are unwelcome. You’ve been full of them since we met and each one is proving more interesting than the last.”
“Me? You mean because of my adoption searches?”
No, he hadn’t meant her adoption searches but he wouldn’t elaborate. Not that he would have minded knowing how she felt about abandoning the search for her birth parents. As a man with four sisters, working-class parents and a genealogy dating back several generations, Rex had no frame of reference for how she might feel about not knowing her heritage.
But he wouldn’t ask. Not when he had more important mysteries to solve.
“Your adoption searches are interesting,” he said, switching seats at the table and booting his system. “But I was referring to what a pleasant travel companion you are. My assistants are always a roll of the dice since I don’t get to choose them.”
“I’ll bet.”
Forcing his attention to the screen, he enabled the settings that would allow April access to his system then asked, “Want to see the agenda for tomorrow?”
“Yes, please.”
He clicked open his time management program. “I’ll download the schedule to your desktop.”
In one energetic move, she covered the distance between them and stood hovering above his right shoulder to view the screen. Though she held her hair back so it didn’t brush his cheek, Rex could still smell the faint floral fragrance that had embedded itself deep in his psyche during the flight to Atlanta.
“Direct observations and depth interviews?”
He nodded, inhaling deeply and enjoying the way her scent filtered through his senses. “The marketing researchers will have respondents scheduled for shopping experiments. I’ll conduct one-on-one interviews after each one.”
“What will you want me to do?”
“You’ll start cleaning the data, check the sequencing of the questions and the consistency of the answers. I’ll examine the results at night. The key here will be to keep up. We’ve got a busy few weeks ahead.”
April nodded. “Tell me about the marketing research company we’ll be dealing with.”
“My first choice is always Yodzis and Associates. They have offices in most of the major cities, but I work with a few others when need dictates.”
“Why do you like this company?”
“They streamline my work process by being professional and organized. They also have a large participant base, which lets them pull together studies on a dime if something comes up that I need to investigate quickly.”
Standing up, April made a move to back away, so Rex pulled a chair out and said, “Sit. Let’s go over the game plan as long as we’re here.”
She slipped into the seat, propped her elbows on the table and rested her chin on her clasped hands. “Are these the same researchers you dealt with when you conducted the research for America Sleeps?”
Her question distracted him from the way the purple lights in her eyes flickered beneath thick black lashes. “You know about my work with America Sleeps?”
“My boss mentioned it. I think he was trying to convince me of the merits of going on the road with you.”
“Needed convincing, did you?”
“Some,” she admitted. “Nothing personal. I just haven’t ventured away from home base that much.”
“Some people enjoy working on the road.”
“You’re one of them?”
He nodded and she gifted him with a smile that said she’d guessed as much. That smile did amazing things to her face, and his pulse rate. Full pink lips parted just enough for him to see the straight white teeth below. That smile also sparkled in the depths of her eyes and dispelled some of the nervous energy that seemed to be so much a part of her.
One glimpse of a relaxed April so completely undermined his focus that Rex forgot what he’d been about to say. Which didn’t really matter, as she seemed happy to lead the conversation.
“So what’s the attraction of the open road?”
He’d been asked variations of this question many times—especially from his sisters, all of whom believed he should find a bride and settle down in Chicago to raise little Holts to entertain his nieces and nephews. He kept a stock answer handy.
“Keeps me fresh. The work is always changing and providing new challenges.”
“Being challenged is important to you?”
“Some wise person once said, ‘Variety is the spice of life.’ And as we only get one go-around, I figure I might as well make the most of it.”
“True enough, but it’s interesting how your focus is work.”
There was something so wistful about her expression that the question popped out of his mouth despite his intention to keep the conversation on business. “Are you making the most of your life, April?”
“That’s purely a matter of opinion.”
“So what’s your position? Do you or don’t you?”
“I do,” she said quickly.
Too quickly.
Leaning back, Rex smiled as another piece of the puzzle fell into place. There was something so vulnerable about her right now he was reminded of his youngest sister Betsy—the only one of the Holt clan besides himself still unmarried, which had created a bond between them in recent years.
Rex got the sense that April didn’t often open up and share her feelings. Perhaps she didn’t have many people to talk with. Or maybe she simply wasn’t comfortable sharing her thoughts. Whatever the reason, Apr
il reminded him of Betsy whenever she had something weighing on her mind.
“So who doesn’t think you’re making the most of your life?”
“My boss,” she said, shaking her head. “He’s on this quest to force me out of the office.”
“So your boss is more than a boss. He’s someone who cares about you. A friend?”
“He’s sort of like a father. He worries too much.”
“Sort of like a father?” Rex asked. “I assume that means he isn’t your adoptive father.”
“John and his family took me in after my adoptive parents died when I was fourteen. Sort of like a stray.”
“Sort of like a father. Sort of like a stray.” He couldn’t help but chuckle. With her chin tilted proudly and her shoulders held back, April seemed about as straylike as a thoroughbred. “You don’t deal much in absolutes, do you?”
Her eyes widened and he got the sense that he’d surprised her with his question. But her smile made another appearance, curving her mouth upward, and Rex liked that she had the ability to look at herself with amusement.
“No, I guess not. Not the best of qualities for your marketing assistant, I’m afraid.”
“Not necessarily. The work isn’t all about statistics. It’s about the ability to read people and interpret their reactions. Not an absolute science.”
“I don’t know. From what I hear, you’re very gifted at interpreting people’s reactions and translating them into statistics businesses can bank on.”
He inclined his head in acknowledgment of her compliment, not missing the way she attempted to turn the conversation around to him again. “Accuracy does count for a lot in my work.”
“And you aim to please?”
“I do. My reputation, and consequently my success, depends on how well I advise my clients.” Folding his arms across his chest, he directed the conversation back to her, much more interested in watching her relax and open up. “I assume your job operates in a similar fashion, otherwise you wouldn’t be so concerned about making sure you get it right.”
“That’s the second time you mentioned my job performance, Rex. Have I given you the impression I’m worried?”
“You said you haven’t had much experience in the field.”
“True enough. But I’m still competent at what I do.”
He bit back a smile. She put on a good show, but she was up against a man who made his living by observing people. Her bravado didn’t fool him for an instant. Given her comments about her boss, he suspected she wasn’t quite as confident as she presented herself. “You must be competent or Wilhemina wouldn’t have sent you. She’s top-notch and we both know how important this launch is to her company.”
“Also true. I’m a hard worker. If I’m not sure of something, I’ll ask, and I trust you’ll make it clear what you want me to do.”
“I will.”
“There we are. We’ll get along fine. I’ll learn lots from you and you’ll report good things about me to my superiors.”
“Which will reassure that boss who worries too much.”
“Here’s hoping.” She exhaled heavily, sending wisps of silky hair flying off her forehead. “He needs to find something else to worry about because he’s making me—” She stopped in midsentence and eyed him accusingly. “How do you do that?”
“What?”
“Keep steering the conversation back to me.”
“I thought you were doing the same thing to me.”
Something about this seemed to disturb her, judging by the tiny frown that wedged itself between her brows. “Naturally, I’m interested in you. You’ve got quite the reputation.”
Now it was his turn to eye her dubiously, because he recognized evasive maneuvers when he saw them. This lovely lady didn’t want to talk about herself. Being the curious person he was, Rex couldn’t help but wonder why.
“A reputation I won’t enjoy for long if I don’t get to work.” He shoved his chair away from the table, deciding a little distance was in order right now. Not only to get April off her guard, but to give him a break from inhaling her delicate fragrance that was throwing his senses into high gear. “I’ll get our model together. We’ll hit the ground running tomorrow with the Fetish Collection.”
“You just jump right in with the tough stuff, don’t you?”
“The gaming and adventure sheets present the biggest challenges. I scheduled them first so I’ll have time to study whatever comes up.”
“Makes sense,” she said. “Do you mind if I set up my equipment.”
Since he’d already networked her system, he wasn’t exactly sure what she had to set up, but he told her to have at it. Maybe she wanted to check out the software he worked with or view their schedule for the remainder of the week, either way, he took advantage of the opportunity to catch his breath.
After sorting through the stack of boxes he’d had Luxurious Bedding ship to the hotel, he’d located the box containing the sheet sets and unfolded the queen-size sleeper sofa that would serve as his display.
As he’d explained to April, the Fetish Collection would be his toughest placement in the launch. Sexual fetishes had the ability to arouse or offend a consumer, as he’d experienced firsthand back at corporate headquarters in the employees’ reactions to the suggestive posts.
Finding a balance between these extremes would be tricky and to tell the truth, he was glad he’d scheduled this sheet set to kick off the analysis after witnessing the responses of the people in the airport earlier. Looked like he’d need all the time he could get to pull together an accurate assessment.
Digging through the box, Rex pulled the sheets from the bottom, stripped away the plastic packaging and arranged the fitted sheet over the mattress. Made of a blend of fibers that the Luxurious Bedding Company held the patent on, the Fetish Collection sheets were more supple than vinyl, but just as water-repellent.
The sheets came in various colors with sexy names like Blushing Pink, Tempting Tan and Red-Hot Red. He hadn’t requested any specific color for his inventory and noticed that operations had shipped him Brazen Black, the same color April had in her luggage today.
Of all the Fetish shades, Brazen Black was the gaudiest, a shiny color that brought to mind whips and chains. Considering this would be the focal point of their suite, he’d have preferred something a little more tasteful. But he wasn’t surprised that delivery and shipping had dispatched this color. Brazen Black suited the mood of the corporate office employees of late.
He set the dual-temperature vibrator aside—he’d seen enough of it in the airport today—and turned his attention instead to the other items in the collection, which upon closer examination could have been packaged under the heading of 101 Things To Do With Leather….
Fit to be Tied Restraints—Indulge in consensual, playful bondage with these comfortable, faux fur-lined bonds. Buckle closures fasten securely yet allow for easy release and long tethers accommodate restraint in many locales.
He wished the airport security guards hadn’t spared them the joy of unwrapping these restraints earlier. The reactions of the crowd would have been telling to say the least.
The long leather tethers conjured an image of a lovely bare body spread over the shiny black sheets. Funny, but that body looked like it might belong to a lady who’d been divested of a woolly pink sweater and a pair of bun-hugging jeans….
Who’s There? Blindfold—Add mystery and suspense to any sexy encounter or simply enhance the other four senses by wearing this comfortable leather blindfold lined with faux fur.
Boy, wouldn’t that lady be surprised to know what was on his mind right now?
Power Play Paddle—Whether on the giving or receiving end of this palm-size leather slapper, the Power Play Paddle delivers a variety of sexy sensations from a tickle to a sting.
The idea of marring her creamy skin with a paddle didn’t do much for him, but the tickle part raised possibilities. The sound of her laughter, her long, pale legs scramblin
g to get away…of course he wouldn’t let her. On second thought, the stinging part might not be so bad if a few gentle strokes warmed up her bottom, made her ache for him….
Take Control Cock Ring—Add pleasure and pressure with this adjustable cock ring that ensures a snug and secure fit and provides a snap for instant release.
Rex damn sure wouldn’t mind one of these if his thoughts kept traveling along this path, or if April proved as lovely divested of that woolly pink sweater and those bun-hugging jeans as he imagined.
“Ouch!”
Startled from his sexy musings, he glanced around to find the woman currently fueling his imagination on her knees beneath the table, massaging the top of her head.
“You okay?” he asked.
She glanced his way scowling, her gaze dropping to the Take Control Cock Ring he still held, then lower to the bed with its array of sexy apparatus. She quickly busied herself with rerouting the wiring from his system to hers.
“What are you doing?” he asked.
“Trying to get the cords to reach so I can set my laptop on the bar.”
Rex set the cock ring beside the Pleasure Pearls, which promised to drive any woman to orgasm, and headed toward her. “I don’t mind sharing the table. There’s enough room for us both.”
“Thanks, but the table’s too low.”
He watched her thread the cable around a chair before standing, a fast, fluid motion that drew his gaze back to the woolly pink sweater. “Too low for what?”
“For me to work.”
He eyed the bar skeptically, clearly missing some integral piece of her logic. “Those chairs don’t look very comfortable.”
“I won’t be using one.”
He wasn’t sure what to make of this revelation, but as he watched her lay the cord across the only walkway to the kitchen, he made a mental note to tape down that cord, too, before her system wound up in pieces on the floor. “You stand?”
“Yes.”
“Back trouble?”
“No, I just don’t sit very well. As I’ll be spending a good bit of time on the computer, I want to be comfortable.”
April clearly had this all worked out so Rex kept his mouth shut. What interested him even more at the moment was why she was working so hard not to look into the sitting room, where the Fetish Collection sat front and center in all its suggestive glory. Was the array of sex toys making her uncomfortable?
Between The Sheets Page 6