Lookwhatpeoplearesayingaboutthistalentedauthor…

“Super-wonderful”and“smokin’hot.”

—PAL“MORWABooks”onUnderHisSpell

“UnderHisSpellisaquirkystoryofromanceandcircumstance.Afun,shortread.”

—FreshFictionreviews

“[A]prettyintensestoryattimeswiththerightamountofhumorandtendernesstobalanceitout.”

—ReviewofUnderHisSpellbyQueenB,www.royallybitchy.blogspot.com

“JadeLeewroteTheDragonEarlwithgentlehumorandhersignaturepassionateinterludes.Herengagingcharactersrapidlydrewmein

totheirdilemma,andIwastickledthatIwasenjoyingthislovelyhistoricalromancenovelsomuch.”

—PublishersWeekly

“Ienjoyedthesensualandhotlovescenesandboyweretheyhot.WOW!”

—NightOwlRomanceonDragonborn

“Awonderfullystrong-willedheroineengagesinaseductivebattleofwitswithadecidedlyunconventionalherointhisrefreshingly

different,sexyRegencyromance.”

—ChicagoTribuneonTheDragonEarl

DearReader,

Onenight,myfiancéhadahugeprojectdueatworkthatrequiredatonofdataentry.BecauseIloved
him,Iagreedtohelp.Wefinallygotitdoneat2:00a.m.when,flushedwithelation,werealizedthat
wewerealoneinahugeofficebuilding.Andgiventhatheworkedinanelectronicsfirm,mymind
quicklydancedthroughazilliongadgetandgizmofantasies.

Iwillnevertellwhatexactlyhappenedthatnight,butsufficeittosaythatIhadmuchmore
imaginationthanstamina.Iwillalsoconfessthatwedidnotresorttoraidingthelab.Turnsoutthere’s
alotyoucandoinanofficethathasnothingtodowithhigh-endelectronics!

Sothereyouhaveit.Mydeep,darksecret:Ihaveofficefantasies.Thankfully,Iwasabletoputsome
ofthemtopaperinTakingCareofBusiness.IthelpsthatImodeledmyheroaftermyownspecial
geekofahusband,amanwithmoreintegritythansense,moreheartthanhunkiness.Hopefullyyou’ll
fallinlovewithhimasquicklyasIdid.

Sincerely,

KathyLyons

KathyLyons

TAKINGCAREOFBUSINESS

ABOUTTHEAUTHOR

USATODAY bestselling author Kathy Lyons loves writing light, funny, sexy stories for Harlequin Blaze and leaves the dark, tortured
lovestoriestoheralterego,JadeLee.Inhersparetime,Kathyloveskickingbuttonaracquetballcourt.Jade,ontheotherhand,loves
kicking back and watching the SyFy channel with her husband. Visit them both on the web at www.kathylyons.com or
www.jadeleeauthor.com!

BooksbyKathyLyons

HARLEQUINBLAZE

535—UNDERHISSPELL

Contents

Chapter1

Chapter2

Chapter3

Chapter4

Chapter5

Chapter6

Chapter7

Chapter8

Chapter9

Chapter10

Chapter11

Chapter12

Chapter13

Chapter14

Chapter15

Chapter16

Chapter17

Chapter18

Epilogue

Copyright

1

T

HANK

G

ODFORCOFFEE,

JamesSamuelFinnthoughtashereachedforhistripleventilatte.

“Imadeitextrasweet,”saidthebaristawithasmile.“Youlooklikeyoucoulduseitthis

morning.”

Samgaveheraruefulsmileashedroppedageneroustipinthejar.“AtleastIgottheproject

done.”

“Goodforyou,”shequippedassheturnedtothenextcustomer.
Yes,Samthoughtashetookthatfirstglorioussip.Goodforhim,butmoreimportantly,good

forhiscompany.He’dstayedupallnightputtingtogethertheprototype,hencethecelebratorylatte.
Hejusthadtimetopolishupthepresentation,changeoutofhislabcoveralls,andmakeittothe
boardmeetingatten.Anddidn’thejustfeellikethegeniusinventorthateveryonethoughthewas.

“Getoutoftheway,youoldbat!”bellowedacabbie.“You’reblockingtheroad!”
Samstarted,lookingupfromhisdrinkandblinkingrapidlyagainstthebrightsunlight.Itwasn’t

hardtofindthesourceoftheproblem.Anolderwoman,probablyinherseventies,wastryingto
parallelparkanoldCrownVictoria.ThethingwastoobigfordowntownChicagoparkingspaces,
andthewomanwastooshorttoseewelloverthedashassheinchedherwayintothespot.Meanwhile,
trafficwasbackingupbehindher,ledbyoneextremelyiratecabdriver.

“Comeon,lady.Youshouldn’tbedriving,andyouknowit!”
“That’senough!”Samsnappedashesteppedforward.Thewomanneededhelp,notinsults.He

steppedoutintotraffic,completelyblockingthecabwhowasnowtryingtosqueezehiscararound
hers.Thebastardstartedcursingupabluestreak,butSamignoredhim.Instead,hegesturedforthe
womantorolldownherwindow.

Shedid,andhegentlybegandirectingherintotheparkingspot.Itwasn’tthathard.Onceshehad

someoneelse’seyestorelyon,sherelaxedandthecarslideasilyintoplace.

“Oh,thankyou!”shebreathedgratefully.“Theparkinggaragewasfull,andIdidn’tknowwhat

elsetodo!Inevercomeoutintothecity,butmygrandsonfellandbrokehisteeth,andthiswasthe
onlytimethedentisthadavailable.Usuallymydaughter…”

Sherambledon,obviouslystillupset.Meanwhile,thecabbiefinallystreakedpast,throwing

moreinsultsasheleft.

“Don’tworryaboutit,”Samsaidashewavedtotheeight-year-oldinthebackseat.“Thoseguys

giveChicagoabadname.”

“No,no,”thewomansaidasshefinallykilledtheengine.“He’sright.Ishouldgetasmallercar,

butwecan’taffordit.Andthisoldmonstrosityhasbeenwithmefortwentyyears.”

Sam’stiredbrainkickedintogearasshegothergrandsonoutofthecarandheadedtowardthe

dentist.Shewasaperfectcandidateforhisprototype.He’ddesignedastripofsensorsthatattachedto
anything—robot,wheelchair,massivelyoldcar—andgaveabeautifuldisplaythatanyonecouldread.
Therewasevenastate-of-the-artverbalinterface.Makingasuddendecision,Sampoppedopenhis
cellphoneandcalledRoger,hisbestfriendandCFO.

Anhourlater,thegrandson’steethweredone,Sam’scoverallswerestreakedwithstreetgrime

andenginegrease,andtheCrownVictoriahadhisbrand-newprototypeattachedtoitsbody.He’d
evenriggedadashboardattachmentforthedisplay.

“See,”heexplainedtoMrs.Evans.“Youwon’thaveanyproblemsmaneuveringoutofthe

parkingspotnow.Youcanseerightonthedisplayexactlyhowfaryoucanmove.”

“Why,it’sjustlikeonthosefancynewcars!”
Samnodded.Thesystemwasactuallyagreatdealmorepowerfulthanwhatwasinnew-model

vehicles,butthatwasn’timportanttoMrs.Evans.Allshecaredaboutwasthatshe’dbeabletopark
withconfidencenow,eveninherhugeCrownVic.

“We’llbeincontactinafewweekstofindouthowit’sworkingoutforyou,”hesaidasshe

starteduphercar.Thenhesteppedbackandwatchedhermaneuveroutofherparkingspotlikea
champ.ShewashalfwaydownthestreetwhenRogerfinallyspokeup.

“Yourealizethatequipmentisworthfarmorethanhercar.”
“Weneedreal-worldtesting,”heansweredashetookasipofhislatte.Damn,ithadgonecold.

He’dbeensohurriedtryingtogettheprototypeinstalledbeforeKevin’steethweredonethathe
hadn’tdrunkhislatte.Nowitwasicecold.

“Yes,”Rogerconcurred,“butweneedtotestitinharshenvironmentslikeaNASAtestcenteror

adeepoceanoilrig.”

“Chicagocitystreetsareaharshenvironment,”Samshotback.
“Yeah?Andwhatareyougoingtoshowtotheboardin…”Rogerglancedathiswatch.“Inless

thananhour?”

Samgrimacedashethrewawayhislatteandheadedintotheofficebuilding,Rogertrailing

behind.“Idon’tknow,”hesaid.“I’llthinkofsomething.”

“Thisisn’tthetimetobetakingbigrisks,youknow.DidyoulookatthelastspreadsheetsIsent

you?Notjustopenedtheemail,butactuallyreadit?”

Samnoddedabsentlyastheyenteredthebuilding.Usually,he’dgotothebackserviceelevator,

especiallysincehiscoverallswerecoveredingrime.Butavisioninyellowsweptpasthim,and
Sam’slibidotookcontrol.Insteadofturningleft,heswungrighttofollowthewoman.Ormaybehe
wasjusttryingtoditchRoger.

Unfortunately,hisright-handmanwasnotsoeasilydistracted.“I’veputtogetheraslickpackage

todistracttheboard,”hewassaying,“buttheycertainlyhavereadthespreadsheets,evenifyou
haven’t.Pleasetellme—”

“Who’sthatwoman?”Samasked,tiltinghisheadtowardthevisioninaflowingyellow

sundress.Itwasn’tjustthedressthatmadeherstandout.Itwashersmileandthewayshewalked—all
confidenceandpositiveoutlook.Giventhatshewassurroundedbydarksuitedofficestiffs,shestood
outlikethesunonadrearyday.

“What?”Rogerfrownedathisfriend.“Aren’tyoudatingCindy?”
Samshookhishead.“Brokeupsix…er,sevenmonthsago.”
“Really?Why?”
Samshrugged.Thesamereasonhe’dstoppedseeingMartyandJosieandTammy.“Shewanted

JamesS.Finn,multimillionaire,notplainoldSam.”

Rogersnorted.“That’sbecauseSamdressesincoverallsandsmellslikeenginegrease.”
Samdidn’tanswer.Hewastoobusymaneuveringsothathecouldgetintothesameelevatoras

thewomaninyellow.

J

ULIE

T

HOMPSONWASDRESSED

forbattle.Notinarmororanything,butinabrightyellowsundressand

sandalsthatmadeherfeelsexy,beautifulandbeyondbrilliant.Inthisoutfit,nothingcouldstopher.

Notanadcampaignthatrefusedtocometogether.Notrentcomingdueonbothherminuscule
apartmentandherofficespaceontheseventeenthfloor.AndcertainlynotpoorHarry,ayoung
lawyeronherfloor,whowasburiedunderthreehugeboxesoffolders.

“Goodness,Harry,doesn’tthelawfirmhaveadollyforstufflikethis?”
Harrygaveherasadlaugh.“Whyhavethatwhenyoucanforcethefirst-yearstolugthecrap?”
Theywerestandingintheelevatoralcove,waitingtheirturn.Shecouldtellbythebagsunderhis

eyesthattheguyhadn’tgottenmuchsleep.Andifhisrumpledsuitwasanythingtojudgeby,what
littleresthe’dgottenhadbeenintheseclothes.

“Comeon.Howheavycanitbe?”sheaskedasshereachedforwardandliftedoffthetopbox.

“Umph!”Heavydidn’tevencoverit.Apparently,thelawfirmmadethefirst-yearslugfilesweighted
withlead.

“Don’tdothat—”criedHarry,butJuliewasalreadyshakingherhead.
“I’vecarriedmuchheavierstuff.Trustme.”
Hegaveheragratefulsmileastheelevatordinged.“You’rethebest.”Thentheybothwaitedas

thepeopleinfrontofthemmaneuveredintothecrampedlift.

Asthiswasahugedowntownhigh-rise,thatwasatonofpeople.Amidthesuitedprofessionals

fromonefirmoranother,shealsocaughtsightofoneofthebigwigsfromtheroboticsfirmonthe
topfloor.Hewasstandingnexttoajanitororsomething.Theguyworedirtycoverallsandhada
deadleafcaughtinhishair.Whateverhe’djustbeendoing,ithadn’tbeeneasy.Still,helookedcute
evenwiththegreasestainacrosshisforehead.Andwithhissleevesrolleduplikethat,shecouldsee
hismuscularforearms.Itwassillytonoticeaguy’sforearms,butshedid.Andshelikedthewayhe
smiledather.

“Excuseme,excuseme,”murmuredHarryashepushedhiswayintotheelevator.
“Maybeweshouldwait,”Juliesuggested.Therereallywasn’troomforeveryoneplustheboxes.
Harryflashedheralookofapology.“I’mkindalate.Letmejusttakethebox—”
“No,no,”Juliereturned.“You’vealreadygottheothertwo.We’llallfit,”shesaidhopefully.
Itwashardmaneuveringherselfandthehugeboxoffilesin.Sheturnedaroundtofacethefront,

apologizingtoanaccountantfromthefifthfloorasshejostledhim.Harryhadmanagedtosomehow
pushtheirfloorbutton,soJulietriedtobackupenoughtoallowthedoorstoclose.

Itwasatightfit.Itwasareally,reallytightfit,andsheendedupbackingintotheguyin

coveralls.Sheknewbecauseshecouldfeeltheheavycottonagainstherbackside.Thentheaccountant
elbowedher,shovingherevenfartherback.Shestumbled.Notbadly.Hell,bothofherlegscouldbe
brokenandshewouldbestillstandinguprightinthiscrampedspace.Butitdidforceherbottomto
bumphardagainst…

Ohmy!Thatwasn’tazippershefeltpressedhotandhardagainstherrear.Thatwascoveralls-

guygettingaveryhumanreactiontoherpressedagainsthim.Sheoughttofeelmortified.Sheought
tofeelembarrassedforthemboth.Especiallysincetherewasnothingeitherofthemcoulddo,
crammedtogetherthewaytheywere.Allshecoulddowasstandtherepressedagainsthiserection.

Whattodo?Whattodo?Shedidn’tknow,butforthefirsttimeinmonths,shestoppedthinking

abouthercompanyslowlygoingbelly-up.Shestoppedworryingabouthowshewouldpayhernext
billordrumuphernextcontract.Herentiremindwasabsorbedwithfeelingastrangemanagainst
herbackside.Awell-endowedstrangeman.

Andinthatmoment,abizarresenseofdaringhither.Afterall,noonecouldseewhatwas

happening.Theywereshovedintothebackcorner,completelyanonymousandyetcompletely
intimate.Withoutherevenplanningit,biologytookover.Sheallowedherselftodropalittlefarther
backontoMr.Coverall,andthenshesqueezed.Yup.Rightthere.Shesqueezedhimforallshewas
worth.

Sheheardhisgaspofshockandhadtoworktocoverhersmile.Goodlord,hadshejust

molestedaperfectstranger?Apparentlysobecauseasthedoorspulledopen,shefeltananswering
pressurefromhim.Washethrustingagainsther?Oh.My.God!Shewasbothexcitedandappalledby
thesituation.Andturnedonlikeshehadn’tbeeninmonths.

Andthen,damnit,theridewasover.Theyhadarrivedattheseventeenthfloor.Juliestepped

forwardbecauseshehadto.Shedidn’tevendarelookbehindhertoseehisface.Washisasredas
hers?Waswhatthey’djustdonewrittenontheblushthatsheknewwasstaininghercheeks?

ShefollowedHarrytothelawoffice,handedofftheboxtoanotherfirst-year,andthenheadedto

herownsuite.WebWitandWonderwasherveryownadvertisingfirm,startedwithbestfriendand
brilliantgraphicartist,KarenWilson.Unfortunately,itwasgoingunder.Thatwaswhyshe’dworn
thisdresstoday.Soshecouldbolsterherconfidenceasshetackledonelastbidforacontract.Except
now,allshecouldthinkaboutwasElevatorManandhowshe’d…

“Goodmorning!”calledKarenasJulieenteredtheirofficesuite.“Ibroughtmuffins…”Her

voicetrailedawayasshelookedatherfriend.“Andmy,don’tyoulookflushedtoday.”

Hell.TherewasnofoolingKaren’seagleeye.“Um.Yeah.IthinkIneedsomecoffee.”Julieset

downherpurseandwentstraightforthecappuccinomachine.Everythingelseintheirofficewas
strippeddowntothebareessentials.Butthislovelythingwasanoffice-warmingpresentfromher
parents.Sadly,thathadn’tbeenallthey’dgivenher.They’dalsoloanedhermoneytostartthe
business.AndifWebWitandWonderdidn’tgetanewcontractsoon,thatdebtwasgoingtogo
unpaid.

“Comeon,Julie.Whathappened?”
Juliesighed.Sheknewshe’dnevergettoworkifshedidn’ttellherfriendthetruth.“It’snobig

deal,”shesaid.“Just,well,somethinghappenedintheelevator.”

ShetoldKarenitall.Everythingingloriousdetailsoshecouldrelivethethrillofit.She’dnever

beensomeonetogoforanonymoussex,muchlesstoday’sweirdelevatorfondle,buttherewas
somethingsothrillinginwhatshe’ddone.Asifsheweresuddenlyscandalousorincrediblydaring.It
hadjustbeenabuttsqueezeinafullelevator,butrightthen,shefeltlikeshe’dwalkedonthedark
side.AndKaren,blessher,founditjustasexciting.

“Youhavetodoitagain!”Karenpressed.
“No!”Juliecountered.“Besides,howcouldI?”
“Don’tberidiculous.Igetcrammedintoelevatorsallthetime.Youjusthavetokeepaneyeout

foryourguyandmakesureto—”

“WhatI’mgoingtodoisfocusonthiscampaign.Ourproposalhastobeperfect.”
Karenpausedamoment,thenhuffedindisgust.“Fine,fine.Allworkandnoplaymakesyoua

dullgirl.”

Juliebitherlip,wonderingjusthowmuchofthedollarandcentsherartisticpartnerunderstood

abouttheircompany.“Um,youknow,Iwasgoingoverourbookslastnightandthepicture—”

“Iknow,”Kareninterrupted,holdingupherhandtosilenceherfriend.“Well,Idon’tknowthe

exactfigures,butI’vegotaprettygoodidea.”

Julienodded.Therewasnothingmoretosaytothat.Except,perhaps,thattheywouldget

throughthis.“We’regoingtoputtogetherakick-assproposal.We’regoingtobebrilliant.”

“Andwe’regoingtowinthiscontract,”Karenechoedwithconfidence.“Ijustknowit.”

2

Sevenweekslater…

“W

EDIDN’TGETTHE

contract.”Juliestaredatherlaptop,hermindgoingnumb.“Wedidn’tgetit.”

Acrossthedesk,Karensighedandsetdownhersketchbook.Neitheroneofthemhadtosaywhat

theywerethinking.Theywerebothfarfromhome,buriedindebt,andasoffiveminutesago,their
companywasdead.Bankrupt.Belly-up.Finito.

“Thisshouldhaveworked,”Juliesaidasshefellbackinherchairandstaredattheceilingtiles.

“Ithinkandbreatheadvertising.You’rethebestgraphicdesignerthereis.Andtogetherweknowthe
internetlikethebackofourhands.Weshouldbeburiedinaccounts,not…”Deadbroke.

Karenreleasedanotherheavysigh.“Yeah,okay,sothiscampaigndidn’twork.Itwasbrilliant,

they’reidiotsfornothiringus,butnowwehavetomoveon.So,what’snext?”

Juliedidn’tanswer.Shedidn’thavethehearttotellherbestfriendthataftertwoyearsof

scrimpingandsweatingandbleeding,shejustdidn’thaveitinhertotryagain.She’dputeverything
intothislastpitch:heart,soul,andherlastborroweddime.They’dfailedanyway.Theyhadn’tgotten
theaccount.

“Mydad’sstartedanewbowlingleague,”shesaid,stilltalkingtotheceilingtiles.
“InNebraska?”Karensnorted.“YouhateNebraska!”
Shehatedstarving,too.Andbeinghomeless.Whichshewouldsoonbesinceshecouldn’tpay

anymorerentonhertinyapartmentoronthiscrampedofficespace.

“Comeon,Julie.Usuallyyou’retheonewithsixmorepossibilitieslinedup,justincase.So

what’snext?Whathaveyougotupyoursleeve?”

“Nothing,”shewhispered.“Absolutelynothing.We’redone.”
Karenwassilentforalongtime,clearlyabsorbingthefinalityofthatwhileJulietriedhardto

notthinkofreturningtoNebraska,suitcaseinhand.Howdidshetellherfamilythatherplantomake
itbig—theoneshe’dtalkedaboutsinceshewastwelveyearsold—hadendedupinahugepileof
debt?

“Okay,I’vegotanewplan,”Karensaidfirmly.“Ithinkyoushouldgetlaid.”
Julieliftedherheadtostareatherfriend.“What?”
“I’mserious.You’vebeenworkingnonstopformonths.Years,even.Toomuchtensionstopsthe

flowofqi.”

“What?”
“Yourenergy,yourpower.Andnothingelseopensuptheqilikeagood—”
“Karen!Youcan’tpossiblythinkthatsexisananswertobankruptcy.”There.She’dsaidtheword

aloud.

Herfriendshookherhead.“We’renotclosedyet.We’vegotalmostamonthleftforyoutothink

ofsomethingbrilliant.Butyouwon’tthinkofanythingwithyourqiallclogged.”

Juliedidn’tanswer.Herfriendwasbeingsillyasawaytolightenthemood.Itwassweetreally,

butsomethingscouldn’tbechangedregardlessofherstateofqi.

Karenleanedforward,droppingherelbowsontoJulie’sdesk.“Whenwasthelasttimeyousaw

ElevatorMan?”

Julienearlychoked.Gawd,sheshouldneverhavetoldherfriendabouthim.Especiallysincethe

elevatorsevenweeksagohadonlybeenthefirstincident.They’dhadapproximatelyoneanonymous
encounteraweeksincethen.Andthatwasnothingcomparedtohernighttimefantasies.Who’dhave
thoughtthatshewouldbecomeobsessedwithelevatorsex?Butshehad.Shedidn’tknowwhetherher
fantasieswerefuelingherforaysintothescandalousorthereverse,butwhateverthereason,she’d
beenunabletostopherselffromorchestratingincreasinglysexualencounterswiththehunkyjanitor.

Theirsecondtimehadbeeninanotherjam-packedelevator,butthistimeshe’dgotteninfirst.

Shehadn’tevenbeensureitwashimexceptthathisgeneralheightandbuildwerethesame.Hewas
aboutsixfootandleaninthosebluedenimcoveralls.Hishairwasrichbrown,allcurlyandshaggy,
andhisshouldersbroad.Asshe’dstaredathisdark,darkbrowneyes,she’dwondered:areyouhim?
Areyouthefirstmantotouchmeinforever?

Hehadn’tanswered,ofcourse.Buthe’dinhaleddeeply,andshe’dthoughtaboutherperfume.

Washesmellingthesandalwoodshelikedtodabonherwrists?Orthemintyherbofhershampoo?
Didheknowwhatshewasthinking?

She’dsmiledathim,then.Somethinginherhadtakenoverandshe’dflashedherbestcome-

hithersmile.He’dseenit.Hisgazezeroedinonherlips.Buthedidn’tdoanything,didn’tsay
anything.Ifanything,hiseyeshadgoneimpersonalandvague.

Heregohadcrashed.Thiswasn’therelevatorman.Orifitwas,hewasn’tinterestedinher.She

hadbeenstunnedbythepainofthat.Thedisappointmenthadcutdeep,probablybecauseshe’dbuiltso
manyeroticdaydreamsabouthim.She’djustbeenbitingbackasighwhenhereachedforwardto
pressthebuttonforhisfloor.

Topfloor.Nobiggie.Exceptonhiswaytothepanel,he’dbrushedacrossherrightbreast.It

couldhavebeenanaccident.Afterall,therewereadozenpeoplecrammedintotheelevator.There
washardlyspacetobreathe,muchlessreachforabutton.Buthehadbrushedherbreastandher
nipplereactedwithanearlypainfulpoint.

Andonthewaybackfrompressingthebutton,he’ddoneitagain.Orperhapsshehad

“accidentally”pushedforwardsothathehadnochoicebuttocaressherhardnipple.Thatwasitfor
Encounter2.

Encounter3camethenextweek,thistimeonthewaydowntothegarage.Half-packedelevator,

closequarters,butshe’dbeenwearingasuitjacketsotherewasnoaccidentalnipplebrushing.But
ElevatorManwasnothingifnotinnovative.

He’dmurmured,“Excuseme,excuseme,”ashemaneuveredtostandrightinfrontofher.Then

hekneltdowntoopenanaccesspanelbeneaththefloorbuttons.Everyonehadshiftedto
accommodatehim.Everyone,thatis,exceptherbecausehispositiononthefloorlefthiselbow
pressedtohermons.

Oh,God,ithadfeltsogood.Pressure.Acircularrub.Thegaragefloorhadcometoosoon,and

she’dbeentoochickentostay.Thatnight’sfantasy,however,hadinvolvedanemptyelevatorstuck
betweenfloors.Itwasonlyafterencountersfiveandsixthatshemigratedtoaglassoneatthetopof
theEiffelTower.Shewaspressedupagainsttheglasswhilehedidherhotandhardinfrontofthe
wholeofParis.

Yes,shewasdepraved,butperhapsthatwasthethrillofit.Hewasalwayspolite,alwaysgentle,

andhestoppedthemomenttheelevatordid.Buthemadeherfeellikeshewasthehottestwomanon
theplanet,likehecouldn’tstophimselffromtouchingher.Sheknewtheshapeofhisbody,thescent
ofhishairandthefeelofhiscockthroughathousandencountersbothrealandimagined.Andshe
couldn’twaituntilithappenedagain.

Andnow,herewasKarenaskingforthedetails.“Thislastonewas,um,thebest,”shesaid,her

faceheatingtocrimson.“Hesteppedupbehindme,pulledmyhipsbackagainsthis,andthen…”

“Yes?What?”
Juliebitherlip.“Hishandslidforwardto,um,cupme.God,hehasthebesthands—bigand

strong.”

“Oh,myGod!Whatdidyoudo?”
Julieclosedhereyes,unabletolookatherfriendinthefaceassheconfessedthis.“Nothing,”

shewhispered.“Ijust,well,enjoyedit.”Butshe’dthoughtaboutmore.She’dthoughtaboutspreading
herlegsandgivingin.Shewantedto.She’dwantedtoforweeksnow,butshewastoochicken.What
ifhetoldsomeone?Whatifhetoldaclient?Ofcourse,thatwasn’taproblemnow.Therewereno
moreclients—potentialorotherwise.Meanwhile,shecouldstillfeeltheimprintofhishandonher.
God,itmadehertwistinhungerjustthinkingaboutit.Itwasawondershedidn’tcombustrighthere.

“Soo,”drawledKarenwithaknowinglook.“Soundslikeyoushouldenjoythingssomemore.

Justdoit,Julie.Letyourselfgoforonceinyourlife.It’llresetyourqi.”

“Stop!Ican’tjustdosomeoneintheelevator.”
“Ofcourseyoucan.Yougotcondoms?”
Julienodded.She’dboughtthemweeksago,andthey’dbeenburningaholeinherpurseever

since.Shewantedtousethem.Itwasinsane,butshe’dbeenthinkingaboutitfortwomonthsnow.She
wantedtostoptheelevator,handhimthecondomandletherselfdowhatshe’dbeenfantasizingabout.

“Meanwhile,”Karensaidwithaheavysigh.“I’vegottogethome.Tomorrow’slectureawaits.”

Thankfully,KarenalsotaughtattheChicagoSchoolofDesign.Thecollapseoftheircompanywould
requireaboxofKleenexandanotherofchocolates,butshewouldn’tbeoutonthestreet.Julie,onthe
otherhand,wouldhavetosellherlaptoptopayforthebusridehome.

“Hey!”KarencriedassheplayfullyswipedatJulie’slegwithherportfolio.“Don’tstayhereall

nightstewing.GofindElevatorMan.Orsomeoneelse.”

“Karen—”
“Seriously.Somethingwillcomeup.Justhavefaith.”
Wouldit?Juliewondered.Andifitdid,didshestillhavethehearttopursueit?Insteadof

answering,shegaveherfriendawarmsmile.“You’rethebest,”shesaid.“I’mgladIpickedyoutogo
belly-upwith.”

“Threemoreweeks,”Karenreturned.“We’renotdoneuntiltherentexpiresinthreeweeks.”

Thenshewasgone,headingoutintothedarkenedexpanseofthedowntownofficebuilding.

Juliedidn’tspeakastheirsuitedoorclickedshut.Shecouldn’t.Herthroathadcloggedupand

hereyeswerewatering.Threeweeksorthreeyears,itdidn’tmatter.Shejustdidn’tthinkshehadthe
hearttokeeptrying.Besides,shetoldherselfsternly,shewantedtogohome.Shemissedherfamily.
Whatshecouldn’tgetpastwasthatshe’dbereturninghomeafailure.Abankruptfailure.

Itwasonhertwelfthbirthdaythatshe’dstartedtalkingaboutmakingitbiginthebigcity.Her

twoyoungerbrothershadlaughed.Hersister,too,rightaftershe’dsaid,“Juliealwaystellsstories.”
Evenhermomhadpattedherheadasiftosay,isn’tshecute,dreamingtheimpossibledream.Only
herfatherhadtakenherside.He’dtoldherthenshecoulddoanythingshewanted,evenmoveto
Chicagoandmakeherfortune.

Ithadtakenfifteenyearstomakeherdreamareality—orsoshe’dthought.Butnowsherealized

thathersisterwasright.WebWitandWonderwasjustanotherstorythatnevercametrue.Pushing
awaythatmorosethought,sheturnedtoherlaptopandstartedtyping.Shestayedatherdeskforhours
more,searchingforsomething,anything,totidethemoverforanothermonth.Shedidn’tfindit.No
jobsforanadagency.Nothingevenforatalentedcopywriter.Shewasoutofoptionsandoutof
money.Itwastimetogohome.

Glancingatherclock,shewasstartledtoseethatitwasnearlyten.WaytoolateforElevator

Man.Shewouldhavetocountonherownfantasiesforrelieftonight.Justaswell.Shewasfeeling
muchtoovulnerablerightthen.Shedidn’tevenhaveaplanttogohometo.Nothingbuttheever-
presentcertaintythatshe’dfailed.

Sheclosedupherlaptopwithadefinitiveclick.Shedidn’thaveacoattodaydespitetheearlyfall

coldsnap.She’dchoseninsteadawrapsweatertopoverdresspants.Itwassoftandwarm,agiftfrom
heryoungersisterforherbirthday.Wearingitfeltlikebeingwrappedincashmerelove,thoughit
wassimplecotton.AndexceptforElevatorMan,itwastheonlythingthathadcaressedherinavery
longtime.Shemusthaveknownthismorningthatshe’dneedahugbynight.

Herthoughtsweregettingtoomorose.“Tomorrow,Icanbeginagain,”shesaidoutloudasa

waytobolsterherspirits.Shesteppedintothedarkcorridor,lockingtheofficedoorbehindher.The
buildingwasdesignedlikeabigrectanglearoundacentralcourtyardcompletewithtreesandawater
fountain.Wayuphigh,theglass-paneledroofletinsunlightbyday.Tonight,abigbrilliantmoon
piercedthedarkness.Onlytheroboticsfirmonthetopfloorhadlightson.Robotics,apparently,
weren’taffectedbythesluggisheconomy,unlikesmalladvertisingfirms.

Shewalkedtotheelevatorbankandpressedabutton.HerthoughtsreturnedtoElevatorMan,

andshesternlyremindedherselfnottohope.Atthishour,hehadsurelygonehomealready.Thatleft
herfreetoimagineallsortsofwildlyeroticscenarios.Theelevatortookalongtimecoming,soshe
wasabletofullysteepherselfinherfantasies.ShepicturedhimbehindherandallofParisspreadout
beforethem.Sheimaginedthethrustofhiserection,thecaressofhishandsonherbody.Shewasa
wildwoman,desiredbyahotguyandcompletelyfreetoenjoyherbody.Nowork,nocares,justa
mantakinghertotheultimatesexualpeak.God,itwasheaven!

Shewassmilingasthemetaldoorsparted,thenshegaspedinsurprise.There,leaningback

againsttheglassrearpanelwasElevatorMan.Hisusualcoverallsweregone.Instead,hewore
sneakers,darkjeansandawellworncottontee.Thecolorwasindigofadingtogray.Whateverimage
hadoncebeentherewasnowlonggone,leavinglittletodistractherfromtherippledshadows
createdbyhissculptedtorso.God,hisforearmswerenothingcomparedtothemusclesacrosshis
chest.

Liftinghergazealittlehigher,shesawhischiseledjaw,slightlydarkenedbyfiveo’clock

shadow.Hiseyeswereathalfmastashisnostrilsflared.Hewasinhaling,hischestexpandingashe
clearlytookinthescentofher.She’dstarteddabbingheavyamountsofsandalwoodonherwrists
eversinceshe’dnoticedhetookadeepbreathwheneverhewasnearher.

Shedidn’tspeak.Shecouldn’t.Hewasloungingagainstthebackpanelwatchingherwitha

predatoryexpression.Asifhe’dbeenwaitingforher.Asifhe’dknownshewasgettingonthe
elevatorrightthenandwasdaringhertostepintohislair.

Karen’swordsechoedinhermind.Justdoit.Letyourselfgoforonceinyourlife.Juliebither

lip.Couldshe?ShehadthreeweeksbeforesheleftChicagoforgood.Inthreeweeks,shewould
returntoruralNebraskaandawhollydifferentlife.Suddenly,threeweeksfeltliketheperfectamount
oftime.Justenoughtimetorevelinallherfantasiesoftheurbanjungle.Threeweekstoindulge
howevershewanted—passionately,frivolously,sexually—whatevershedesired.Threeweeksoftime
tobethewildwomanshealwayspretendedshewas.Afterthat,shewouldgohomeandstartagain.

AllshehadtodotobeginwasstepthroughthedoorandletElevatorMandowhateverhe

wanted.Hell,shedidn’tevenneedtowaitforhim.Shecouldstoptheelevatorherselfandlethim
knowshewaswilling.Thatshe’dwantedthisforthelasttwomonths.Couldshedoit?

Yes.Tonightshewasgoingtoresetherqibecausewhythehellnot?Tonight,shewasgoingto

dowhatshe’dbeenfantasizingaboutformonths.

Withthatthoughtinmind,shecrossedthethreshold.Thenshedidwhatshealwaysdidatthe

beginningofoneoftheirencounters.Sheturnedaroundtofacetheelevatordoors,thoughherback
prickledwithawarenessofhimrightbehindher.Sheextendedherhandandpushedthegaragefloor
button.

Theelevatorhummedtolife,thedoorsshuttingslowly.ButJuliedidn’tletherhanddropaway

fromthepanel.Instead,herfingershoveredovertheStopbutton.Now,shetoldherself.PulltheStop
buttonnow!

3

S

AM

F

INN’SHEART

—anddick—leapedforward,buthedidn’tmoveofftheelevatorwall.Hefearedif

heshiftedatall,nothingwouldstophimfromgrabbingMissJulieThompsonanddraggingherback
tohiscave,sotospeak.Soheheldhimselfstillandgrippedtherailinguntilhishandshurt.

Shehadpausedbeforestruttingintotheelevator,herpertchinliftedinchallengeandherhips

swayingslightlyinanticipation.Wastonightthenight?Finally?Aftermonthsofforeplay,wouldhe
finallygetupthenervetopushthemtothenextlevel?

Nearlytwomonthsago,Samhadalsostoodatthebackofanelevatorwhileshesaunteredin.

Later,helearnedwhathernamewas.Later,hefiguredoutthatshewastheownerandcreativeforce
behindWebWitandWonder.Later,herealizedthatshe’dbeeninher“creative”mode,dressingand
walkingwithaflairthathefoundespeciallysexy.

Atthetime,allhenoticedwasthatshewasabrightflashofyellowsundress,bouncyhairand

strappysandalattitude.Allwoman,veryperkyinallthebestways,andanight-and-daydifference
fromthecorporatestiffshewasabouttofaceinhisownboardroom.Thenshehadstuffedher
delectablebodyclose,he’dcaughttheexoticscentofsandalwood,andhisdickhadthenormal,
predictablereaction.He’dgottenabonerthesizeoftheSearsTower.

Nothingunusualthere.Everymaleabovetheageofelevenhadsufferedthroughan

embarrassingerection.Butthenshe’ddonetheunthinkable.She’dpressedbackwardagainsthim.Far
frombeingshockedandrepelled,she’dactually,sweartoGod,squeezedhim.Well,that’swhathis
lowerhalfbelieved.Andthen,whilehisbrainwasscramblingdesperatelytoholdontosanity,she
hadsteppedaway.Secondslater,shewasofftheelevatorwhilehewasharderthangranite.He’d
neededtwentyminutesbeforehecouldfacehisemployees.

Itcouldhavebeenanisolatedincident,thekindofrandomthingthatsometimeshappenedina

citythesizeofChicago.Itprobablywouldhaveremainedanisolatedeventifheweren’townerofthe
officebuildinginwhichtheybothworked.

Buthedidownthebuildingandhehadaccesstoallsortsofinterestingsecuritydevices.Nothing

intrusive,butittooklessthanaminutetolearneverythingofficialaboutMissThompsonandherad
agency.Andgiventhatthiswasabuildingoutfittedwiththelatestandgreatesttechnologyofthetime,
hecouldeasilytieitssecurityfeedtohisownlaptop.Therewasnosurveillancewithinheroffice
suite.Thatwouldbeabreachofprivacy.Butinthehallwayoutsideherdoor?Absolutely.Heknew
whenshecameandwentfromheroffice,heknewwhatshewore,andmostimportantly,whenshe
wouldbeheadingfortheelevatorbanks.

Sothestalkingbegan.Hecouldn’tgetheroutofhismind.Hadhercaressbeenaproductofhis

feveredimagination?Orwouldshewelcomemore?Couldsuchabeautifulwomanreallywanthis
touch?Hehadtoknowifhewasimaginingherresponseorifshewasjustintokinky,anonymoussex
play.

Ittooknearlyaweek,buthe’dmanagedtoarrangetobeinanotherpackedelevatorwithher.His

hearthadbeenbeatingtripletime,butafteraweekoffruitlessspeculation,he’dhadtoputthe
questiontothetest.He’dreachedfortheelevatorbuttonbywayofherbreast.

He’dtriedtobesubtle.Ifshestartedscreaming,hecouldpretendhe’dstumbled,itwasan

accident…Hehadanentirelitanyofexcusesready.He’dextendedhishand,brushedacrossherbreast
andthenpushedthebutton.Anddamnifonthewayback,shedidn’t“accidentally”fallforward
enoughthathewasnearlycuppingher.

He’dalmostcollapsed.Hehadnearlyconvincedhimselfthatshewouldscreambloodymurder.

Thathe’dbefacingasexualharassmentlawsuit.Butwhennoneofthathappened,hismindhadsimply
shutdownwithshock.That,unfortunately,gavefreereintohisinnerstalker.

He’dnevergoneforemotionlesssexbefore.Neverhadaninterestincasualhook-ups.Hislife

washisroboticscompany,andhiswomenhadbeenrelationships.Heneverguessedthathewould
spendtwomonthstryingtofindawaytohavesexwithastrangerinanelevator.

Butmaybethatwasthepoint.Maybehewasreadyforsexwithoutpretense.Forgetameetingof

mindsandlifegoals.JulieThompsonwasabrightsplashofcolorinhisverygray,veryrobotic
world.Whycouldn’thewalkonthewildsideforawhile?Aslongasshewaswilling,hewasgame.

Andbestofall,hemadesureheonlyconnectedwithherwhenhewasinhiscoveralls.He’dbe

damnedifheletanotherwomanhave“sexwiththebillionaire.”Hehadn’tthoughttherewerethat
manymoney-hungrygroupiesintheworld.Certainlynotthosewhowouldgoforaboring,
nearsighted,roboticsgeek.Butexperiencehadtaughthimtobeextracautiousabouthisidentity.So,if
MissJulieThompsonwantedhotelevatorsex,shewasgoingtogetitwithamaintenanceguy,nota
CEO.

Sothestalkingbeganinearnest.Hewatchedwhenshecameandleftherwork.Ithelpedthatshe

wasasmuchaworkaholicashewas.Theirhoursmatchedupnicely.Morningelevatormash-ups
allowedfordiscreetfondling.Andatnight,whenhewasallaloneinhisbed,heplayedoutscenarios
thatappalledhisrationalbrain.

Butthatwasfantasy,andhewasbeyondtiredofplayingbyhimself.Tonight,shewasherealone

andhewasmorethanreadytotakeittothenextlevel.

Shehadturnedherbackonhimwithasexywiggletoherhips.Thescentofsandalwoodhithim

andhisbloodwentstraightsouth.Ifhewerestickingtohisusualpattern,thiswaswhenhewould
comeupbehindherandbeginfondling.Herass,herhips,herbreasts—didn’tmatter.Shewas
fantasticallaround.Curvy,athleticwithoutbeingobsessive,andjusttherightheightforhim,
especiallywhensheworeheels.

Butthiswasn’tgoingtobeausualelevatorencounter.Itwaslateatnight,theywerethelastones

inthebuilding,andhehadcontroloftheelevatorthankstoanewapphe’djustinstalledonhisphone.

Theelevatorstartedmovingandhecouldseeherbodychange.Herpursesliddownher

shouldertolandbyherfeetonthefloor.Hershouldersopenedupandherchinliftedslightly.And
bestofall,herhandhoveredovertheStopbutton.Righttherewastheinvitationheneeded.She
wantedmore,justlikehedid.Wasshegoingtodoit?Wasshegoingtopullthebutton?

Yes!Shepoppeditoutandasplitsecondlater,heinitiatedtheapponhisphone.Rightoncue,the

elevatorjerkedtoastopbetweenfloors,itssecuritycameraturningoffatthesametime.Shegasped
andstumbled,clearlysurprisedbythelurch.Hecaughtherbeforeshefellbackward.Histhighs
bracedherlegs,andhisarmswentaroundherbody,oneoverherrightshoulder,theothercurving
aroundherlowerribs.Sheworeasoftsweatertopthattiedononeside.Ifheslidhishandacrossher
belly,hecouldhavehertopundonewithaflickofhiswrist.

“Areyouallright?”hesaid,hisvoicelow.
“Y-yes,”shestammered,turningherhead.Theywerenearlynosetonose.Hecouldsmellthe

herbalscenttoherhairandevenhisbadeyescouldseethedarkrichblackofhereyelashes.“I,um,
musthavemissedandhitthewrongbutton.”

“Nah.We’vebeenworkingontheelevators,”helied.“It’sbeenactingwonkyallday.”

“Oh,”shesaidsoftly,assheliftedherfacetohis.“That’stoobad.”
Nowwasthetime,hetoldhimself,andwithoutthinkingtwice,hesimplywentforit.

S

HE’DDONEIT

.She’dstoppedtheelevatorandnowshehadtofollowthrough.Shewastrembling,her

bellyshiveringwherehishandheldhersosolidly.Andhiseyeswerethemostwonderfulcolorof
brown.Arich,darkchocolatethattemptedhertodiverightinandlapupallthegoodnessthathe
alonecouldgiveher.

Hismouthtouchedhers,allwarmandseductive.Hebrushedhislipsacrosshers,teasedherwith

histongue.

“We’reinnodanger,”hesaid,hisvoiceadeepshiveracrossherskin.“IthinkIcanstartitup

again,”hecontinued.Andwhilehismouthcontinuedtoteasehers,hishandskatedoverherbellyand
tuggedatthetieofhertop.

Shegasped.Herlipsfeltincrediblysensitive,butnothingcouldtoptheknowledgethathewas

startingtoundressher.Wasshereallygoingtodothis?Hiskissdeepened,histonguethrustinginto
hermouthassheopenedtohim.Andshefeltthetieofhersweaterpullloose.

Shebrokethekiss.Notbecauseshewantedittoend,butbecausesheneededair.
Hepulledbackenoughtolookintohereyes.Shesawhisquestionclearasday.Wouldsheallow

himtotakeitfurther?Didshewantthis?Karen’s“justgoforit”wordsechoedinhermind.

Ratherthananswer,shestayedwiththenonsensicalchitchat.“Iwasworkinglate.Bigcontract

justfellthrough,”shesaid.Thenshegaspedashishandworkedbetweentheloosefoldsofhertopto
touchherbareskin.Hisfingerswerecalloused,thetextureaseroticashisslowslideacrossherbelly.

“I’msorry,”hemurmured.
“SoamI.”Shewasstillhalfreclinedinhisarms,andthepositionwasabitawkward.Soshe

straightened,andhesupportedher,takingtheopportunitytoslidehisotherhanddownfromher
shouldertoslipunderneaththebackofhertop.

“Icouldcallsomeone,ifyoulike,”hesaid,hisvoiceaheatedbrushagainstherear.Hewas

givinghertheopportunitytosayno,toendthingsrightnow.Butshedidn’t,firmlyshakingherhead.

“There’snoneedtobotheranyoneelse.”
Asshemoved,hishandonherbellyflowedwithher,rubbingacrossherabdomen,makingher

musclestremble.Andallthewhile,hisotherhandcontinuedtowhisperupherbacktotheclaspofher
bra.Sheclosedhereyes,herbodytighteningandherbreathshallow.

“I’llfixtheelevatorassoonasyouwant,”hesaidashethumbedthecatchonherbra.Thatwas

hiswayoftellinghertheycouldstopatanytime.

“Notyet,”shewhispered,stunnedbyherownaudacity.Shehadjustsaidit.Shehadjusttoldhim

thatshewantedmorefromhim.Andsureenough,hetooktheinvitation,movingbothhandsaround
heruntilhecuppedherbreasts.

God,yes!Hishandsweresolarge,heeasilysurroundedher,andhiscallousesprovidedjustthe

rightfrictionastheyslidacrossherskin.Shefeltherbackarchandherheaddropback.Hisbody
pressedupagainsther,hisheatwarmingherback.Sheleanedintohim,lettingherheadfallontohis
shoulder.Shewantedtotouchhim,tofeelhismuscularstrength.Herhandsweredownbyhersides,
soshereachedbehindhertostrokehisthighs.God,hefeltgood.Histhighswerecorded,powerful
withalmostnogive.

“I’mSam,”hesaid,hismouthagainstherear.
Finally,sheknewhisname.“Julie,”shegasped,andthemovementthrustherbreastsdeeperinto

hispalms.Hewaskneadingherflesh,rollinghernipplesslowlybetweenhisfingers.Shemoaned
softly,thesoundrumblingthroughherbodyintohis.Hebrushedhisjawacrosshertemple.

“Ilovethewayyousmell,”hemurmured.Thenheshiftedandnippedthecurveofherear.She

shiveredatthetouch,surprisedbytheintensityofherreaction.Sexhadneverfeltthiswaybefore,
neverthisthrilling.Evenmoresurprisingwasthewayshereactedwhenhebegantoexplore.Itwasas
ifherbodyhadawholenewsetofresponsestohistouch,andshewaslearningthematthesametime
hewas.

Whenhesqueezedherbreasts,herbreatheasedandherskinheated.Whenherolledhernipples,

shemoanedlowanddeep.Butwhenhepinchedthem,especiallywhenheaccompaniedthatwithanip
onherear,shegaspedandthrustbackwardagainsthim.Shedidn’tcontrolherreactions,didn’tknow
whatwascomingnext.Shejustletherselffeelwhileherbody’shungergrewandgrew.

“Youaresohot,”hesaidagainstherear.Shewhimperedinresponse.Oneofhishandslefther

breasttobrushdownherbelly.Hepausedwithhisfingersonthecatchofherdresspants.“Onelook,
andIcan’tthinkofanythingbutthis.You’vebeendrivingmeinsanefortwomonths.”

Herbreathshutteredtoastop,hermindmakingadesperatebidforsanity.Hewasgoingtoopen

herpants,hewasgoingtoslidehisfingers…Beforeshecouldfinishthethought,hepoppedthe
buttononherpantsandsliddownthezipper.Shefelttherrrrrofthemetalteethashertrousersfell
openandhisfingerssliddownoverherthinpanties.

Shewassohotthereandwet.Andshecouldn’tthinkbeyondthepressureofhisfingersandthe

desiretofinallyfeelhiminsideher.Thiswasjustlikeherfantasies.Bettereven,becausetheheat
betweenthemwassomuchlarger,somuchmorepowerfulthanevenshehaddreamed.

Thenhedidit.Heslidoverhermonsandthrusthisfingerbetweenherfolds.Asecondlaterhe

waspushingeversoslowlyinsideher.Shefeltsurroundedbyhim,heldinplaceandcaressedinthe
mostintimateways.

Hewassupportingmostofherweightasherbodyarchedintohiscaress.Hethrustdeep,

impalingherwithprecision,beforeslowlypullingout,thelengthofhisfingerrollingoverherclit.
Herlegstrembledandweakened.Shehadnothingtoholdonto.Herhandskeptslidingoverhis
thighs,buthewastoolargeforhertogripwithanystrength.Shefeltsuspendedinpleasure,adriftin
sensationashepinchedhernipplewhilethrustingbackinsideher.

Hermusclesgrippedhim,andherbreathcameinshortgasps.Herbodyshuddered,hermindtoo

splinteredfromthesensationstodomorethanexperience.Hewastoyingwithhernipple,
lengthening,squeezing,eventwisting.Whilebelow,histempobegantoincrease.

Herbellybegantotighten,andherheartwaspoundinginherears.“Oh!Oh!”Shewaskeening

softly,herwordmorelikeahighgasp.Heplayedhermasterfully,bringinghertotheedgethen
holdingheroff.God,shewassoclose!Justalittlemore,alittlemore,andyetshewantedittolast
forever.Andthenshecouldn’tstop.Hethrustintoheragainandshemethim,archingintohishand.
And…

Yes!

4

J

ULIEFLOATEDBACKFROMBLISS

withareluctantsigh.Whichwasrapidlyfollowedbyaburningflush

ofembarrassment.Wasshereallystillstanding?AndhadshereallyjustletElevatorMan—Sam—
fingerhertoorgasm?

Hisbreathingwasdeepandevenagainstherback.Hewassupportingherstill,onehandonher

hip,theotherarmwrappedgentlyaroundher.God,hewassosolid!Shegottheimpressionhecould
holdherlikethisallnightifneedbe.

“Wow…”shebegan,unsurewhattosay.“Whatagreatendtoasuckyday.”
Shefelthischucklerumblethroughherspine.“Buildingmaintenanceisaservice-oriented

field.”

Shelaughed,reallylaughedatthat.Buttherewasonlysomuchhumorshecouldclingtobefore

shebecameexcruciatinglyawareofherposition.Shiftingawkwardly,shereacheddownandpulled
upherpants.Helethergo,steppingbacktoapolitedistance.Shefeltherfaceheat.Wasthereapolite
distanceafterwhatthey’djustdone?

Heclearedhisthroatawkwardly.“It,um,doesn’thavetoendrightnow.Wecouldgooutfora

drink.Havedinner—”

Sheabruptlyspunaroundandpressedherfingerstohislips.“Ican’t,”shesaid.“Imean…”What

shouldshesay?Thatshewasleavingthestateinthreeweeks?Thattherewasn’ttimetobuilda
relationship,sowhystart?“Oh,God,I’mhorrible,”shemurmuredtoherself.

Hegentlypulledherhandfromhismouth.“Service-orientedindustry,remember?Whateveryou

wantisfine.”

“Idoubtthiswasexactlywhatthejanitor ’sunionhadinmind,”shereturneddrily.
Heletgoofherhandtostrokeherface.Itwasasoftcaresswiththepadofhisthumbasheswept

pasthermouthupalonghercheekbone.Anddamnifshedidn’tleanintothecaressbecauseitwasjust
sowonderful.Shesearchedhisexpression,thewarmchocolateofhiseyeswerecompletelyopenand
non-judgmental.

“Itdoesn’thavetobedinner,”hesaid.“There’scoffeeupstairsintheroboticslab.Oricecream

sundaesdownthestreet.”

“I’mleaving,”sheabruptlyconfessed.“Thestate.Inthreeweeks.Idon’twanttolietoyou—”
Hekissedher.Itwasswift,itwasdeep,anditwasthrilling.Hishandsdelvedintoherhairto

cradleherhead,histonguethrustintohermouth.Shearchedintohisattack,tryingtoteasehimwith
hertongue,andlovingthathetookcontrol.Hewaspowerful,herElevatorMan,andshereveledinit.

Withinseconds,shewasashotasshe’dbeenbeforetheelevatordoorshaddingedopen.Good

God,shewasinsatiable!“Thisisnuts,”shesaidagainsthismouth.

“Iknow,”heagreed,asheobviouslyforcedhimselftoslowdown.Amomentlater,theywere

lookingateachother,theirmouthsapart,buteverythingelseen-twined.

“Thethingis,”shesaid,strugglingtoputwordstothefeelingscollidingwithinher,“I’vebeen

workingsohardforareallylongtime.Notonlyatmybusiness,butbeforethat,justtomakeitto
Chicagotostart.”

“Youdon’thavetoexplainanything,”hebegan,butsheshookherhead.
“Ineedto.Youneedtounderstand.It’sbeengoingbadlyforawhilenow.We’vefoughthard,but

itdidn’twork.We’regoingtohavetoclose.”

Shesawsympathywarmhiseyes.“That’swhyyou’releaving,”hesaid.
Shenodded.“Butthen,wham,there’syoutwomonthsago.Notalking.Nowork.Justdesire.And

suddenlyIfeelgood,youknow?I’mnotthinkingaboutworkorbankruptcyoranything.Justyouand
me.”

“Bodieswithoutpressure.”Hereleasedaruefullaugh.“Iunderstand.Believeme,Igetit.”
“Idon’twanttolietoyou,”shesaid.“Ijustwanttofeelgoodforawhile.LikeI’montopofthe

world.”

Heletoneofhishandsslidedown.Withinamoment,hewasgrippingherhips,pullingher

gentlyforwardtopressagainsthim.God,hewasjustashotandhardasshe’dremembered.Asshe’d
livedandbreathedinherfantasiesfortwomonthsnow.

“I’mokaywithfeelinggood,”hesaid.“Noconnections,norelationship.Infact,that’sexactly

whatIwantrightnow.”

Shetookadeepbreath,amazedatherownboldness.“Ihavecondomsinmypurse.”
“I’vegotsome,too,”hesaid.Thenheslowlytouchedherchin,tiltingherfaceuptowardhim.

“I’vegotacleanbillofhealth,andincaseyou’rewondering,I’veneverdonethisbeforeeither.”

Relieffloodedthroughher.Hecouldbelying,butshedidn’tthinkso.“I’mclean,too.”She

didn’tsaymore.Justlookedintohiseyeswhileherheartbeatfasterandfaster.Shesawhisnostrils
flareandfelthisbodytightenasheslidhishandintoherhairtocupthebackofherhead.Shedidn’t
thinkitwaspossible,buthesuddenlyfeltbiggertoher,stronger,moredemanding.Itwasexactly
whatshewantedfromhimandshewillinglygaveherselfovertoit.

Theirkisswasexplosive.Hethrusthistongueintoher,exploringeveryinchofhermouth.She

surrenderedtohim,openingherselfupasneverbefore.Withothermen,shewasalwaysthinking.
Whatdidthatkissmean?Whatdidshewant?Wherewastheirrelationshipgoing—didhefitintoher
lifeplans?

Buttherewasnothinkingthistime.Sheknewtherewasnofuturebetweenthem.Andwiththat

worrygone,hermindsurrenderedtothejoyoftheexperience.Sam’skisswasallaboutpleasure,and
shewantedtoliveeverymoment.

Theytoyedwitheachotherforawhile,theirtonguestangling,theirmouthsfusedtogether.

Beforelong,Juliefoundherselfimpatienttotouchhim.ShepulledathisT-shirt,tryingtoworkher
handsbeneaththesoftcotton.Helether,andherfingerssoonslidacrosstheripplingplanesofhis
abs.Andwhileshewasgloryingintheexquisitefeelofhisbody,hegentlybackedheragainstthe
wall.

Shehitthepanelingwithasoftthud,madeallthebetterbecausehewaspushingbetweenher

thighs,hispenisrubbingherjusthowshelikedit.Thenhekisseddownherneck,andopenedher
sweateragain.Hernipplesweretight,herskinsosensitivetotheslightestbrushofhisthumbsorlave
ofhistongue.

Heteasedherleftbreastwithhistongue,suckingitintohismouthwherehenippedatit.She

buckedattheincrediblesensationandwasstartledtofindthathe’dalreadyundoneherpants.The
fabricwasdroopingoffherhips,andshepushedthemtherestofthewaydown.Nowthattherules
wereestablished,shewasnotgoingtoholdback.Shewantedhiminsideher.Sosheliftedhisface,
herbreathtooshorttosaymuch.

“Condom,”shegaspedout.
Hegrinnedandhookedhishandsbehindherthighs.Ashestraightenedup,heliftedheraswell.

Notfar,justenoughtoperchherbottomontherailingashewrappedherlegsaroundhiships.

Perfect!Shegottowatchtheplayofmusclesacrosshischestashetwistedslightlytopullafoil
packetoutofhisbackpocket.Amomentlater,he’dpoppedthebuttononhisflyandhiserection
sprangfree.

Hewasbig,justlikesheknewhewouldbe.Andwhilehefumbledwithshakinghandstoopen

thefoil,shewasabletotouchhim.Shemeasuredthelengthofhim,strokedthevelvethead,even
rolledherthumbacrossthebeadofmoistureandwonderedwhatitwouldbeliketotastehim.

Shedidn’tgetthechance.Hetouchedherwrist,stoppinghermotion.“Youwantedpleasure,”he

rasped.“That’sgoingtoshortenitforbothofus.”

Shenoddedandletherhanddropaway,enjoyingthesightofhimsuitingup.Andagain,she

marveledathoweasythiswas.Herbloodwashumming,herheartwasbeatingsofast,anda
gorgeousmanwasmomentsawayfromfulfillingafantasyshe’ddreamedathousandtimes.Itdidn’t
matterwhathadgoneonearlierintheday.Failingbusinessornot,thismomentwasperfect.
Absolutelyperfect.Shesmiledandwasstartledtofindhimlookingather,hiseyesadarkchocolate
mystery.

“Whatareyouthinking?”heasked.
“Nothing,”sheanswered.“That’sthewholepoint.”
Heseemedtotakethatatfacevalueasheslowlyleanedintokissheragain.Shemethim

halfway,enjoyingthefeelofhislips,theplayofhistongueagainsthersandthewayhishandslid
downherbellytothecottonofherpanties.Thenshebrokethekiss,gaspingattheshockofsensation
ashisthumbrolledoverthefabrictostrokeherclit.

“I’vealwayswantedtodothis,”hesaid.
“Doawomaninanelevator?”sheasked.
“Nope,”hesaidwithagrin.“This.”Hebroughthisotherhanduptotheedgeofherpanties.She

watchedinsurpriseashisforearmsbunchedandtheelasticsnapped.Asecondlaterherunderwear
wasinshredsandhetosseditaside.Juliebitbackagaspwhileasilentthrillshotdownherspine.So,
okaytheclothinghadbeenoldandprobablyeasytotear,butitdidn’tmatter.Thesightofhis
musculararmsrippingawayherclothingsentherlibidointooverdrive.

“Youaresohot,”shemurmured.
“Iwasjustabouttosaythesamething,”hesaid.Thistime,nothingbarredhimfromstrokinghis

thumboverherclit.

Herlegstightenedandherbackarched.Andsoon,ohGod,pleaseletitbesoon,shewasgoing

tofeelmorethanjusthisfingers.Shewassoenthralledwiththeideathatshebegantomoveagainst
histhumb,rhythmicallycirclingaroundhishand.

“There’ssomanythingsIcoulddotoyourightnow,”hemurmured.
Yes!Shethought.Anything.Everything!
“Threeweeks,”hesaidinanalmostconversationaltone.“Nodates.Norelationship.”
“Yes,”shesaid.Thosewereherterms.
Henoddedasheshiftedhiships,positioninghimself.“I’mgoodwiththat,”hesaid.Thenhe

finally,wonderfully,thrustdeepinsideher.

Shegroanedindelightashefilledher.Shewasimpaled,heldpinned—andhalflifted—onhis

cock,anditwasperfect.Infact,shehadtoliftherkneesupalonghishipstoaccommodatehim.
Neverhadshefeltmorethoroughlypossessed.

Thenhebegantothrust.Powerful,deep,masterfulpenetrations.Therhythmwasslowatfirst,

butstrongenoughtofeelallthewaytoherspine.Shegaspedateveryslide.Shearchedherback,
lettinghimgodeeper,wantingtofeelasifhecompletelyfilledherbody.

Andthenthepaceincreased.
Herbellytightened.Herorgasmburstthrough.Shecameinawaveofpleasure.Andstillhe

thrustintoher,pushingherevenhigher.Harder.Stronger.

Then,suddenly,heslammedforwardasheconvulsedinsideher.Shudderswrackedhisbody,

addingtoherpleasure.Shegrippedhimtight,wantingtofeeleverypulseofhisorgasm.

Oh,God!Yes!

S

AMSLUMPEDTOTHESIDE

withagroan.Hedidn’tsomuchintendtomoveassimplynotfallover.

Howhadthismiraclehappenedtohim?hewonderedvaguely.Noties.Noawkwardrelationship
issues.Justthehottestsexever.Forthreemoreweeks.

Thankyou,God!
Juliewasstirringbyhisside.Heopenedhiseyestoseeherstretchlanguidlyassheslidoffthe

handrailandstood.Shewasstillwearingherblackheels,andwasn’tthatthegreatestsightever?Then
shesmiledathim,hereyesallvagueandmisty,andherapidlychangedhismind.Thatwasthemost
gorgeoussightever.

“You’resodamnbeautiful,”hemurmured.
Shedimpledprettilyathim.“IfeellikeIjustswaminalakeafteralong,longdrought.”
“IfeellikeIdrownedinthatlake,”hecountered.
Shearchedabrowandtheexpressionwasmischievous.“Well,perhapsIcangiveyoualittle

CPR.”

Hereleasedalaughwhichwasreallymoreofagulpforair.“Givemeaminute.I’mprettysure

thatthedeadwillriseagain.”

“Ithink…”shesaidasshestrokedherhandacrosshischest,“…thatI’llwearadresstomorrow.

Somethingwithaswirling,flowingskirt.Andreallyhighredheels.”

“It’salive!”hecried.Andyes,thethoughtofJulieinaflirtydresswithredstilettoshadhimfully

resurrected.

Shelaughedassheglanceddownathim.Therewascoyflirtationinhergaze,buthealsocaught

aflashofanxiety.Thensheturnedawaytopullupherpants.

Worried,hestraightenedupfromthewall.“Julie…”hebegan,tryingtothinkofsomethingto

easetheawkwardness.“Iknowthisisunusualforbothofus,butthatdoesn’thavetomakeitweird.”

“Iknow,”sheagreed.“Anditwasgreat.Really,reallygreat.”
“Yeah,”heechoed.Butthenhedidn’tknowwhattosayandsheflushedandlookedaway.He

wentbacktoputtinghimselftorights,whileshereadjustedhersweater.Withinamoment,shehad
everythingtucked,hookedandtiedbackinplace.Exceptfortheslightlyflyawaylifttoherhair,she
lookedeveryinchthebusinessprofessional.Ifitweren’tforhertornpantiesonthefloor,hemight
wonderifhe’dimaginedthewholething.

Shemusthaveseenhimglanceattheplaincotton.“Oh,”shegaspedasshereacheddown.
“Igotit,”hesaid.Andhedid.Hegrabbedthembeforeher,ballingthemtightthenstuffingthem

intoapocket.Hedidn’tallowhimselftothinkabouthowdepravedthatwas,grabbingandkeepingher
tornunderwear.“So,”hemurmured.“You’releavinginthreeweeks.”

“That’swhenmyleasehereisup,”shesaid.
Heswallowed,atightnessforminginhisbelly.Itmighthavebeenanticipation,buthedidn’t

reallythinkso.Threeweeksdidn’tseemlikelongenough.He’dbuiltupsevenweeks’worthof
fantasiesaboutthisamazingwoman.Butthatwasallthetimeshehad.Shewasleavingthestate.

“Right,”hesaid,thoughinsidehebegrudgedtheveryidea.“Adresstomorrow.”
“Andredheels.”
Hearchedabrowandattemptedawink.“Icanworkwiththat.”
Shewinkedback.Itwasaquickmovement,almostunnoticedbecauseshewasturningawayfrom

him.Buthesawitandhelikedit.Awomanwhowinked.AndthenshepushedtheStopbuttonbackin.
Except,ofcourse,theelevatordidn’tmove.Hisphonewasincontrolofthelift.

Shepulledthebuttonoutagain,thenpusheditback.Nothinghappened.“So,”shesaid,“howdoI

starttheelevatorbackup?”

“Holdon.”He’dbeenscanningtheareaforhisphone,finallysightingitonthefloornexttothe

firstglasspanel.Hepickeditupandthumbedittolife.Afewtapslater,theelevatorhummedinto
motion.

“AndhereIthoughtitwastheStopbutton,”shesaid,hervoicelacedwithhumor.
“Youhavenoideahowhardthatwastoarrange,”hereturned.
Hermusicallaughwasthelastthingheheardbeforethedoorsdingedopenonthegaragefloor.

Shesteppedout.Hewouldhavefollowedbutshestoppedhim.

“Noneed,”shesaid,pointingtoherbeat-upCamry.“I’mrightoverthere.”
Shedidn’twanthimfollowingher.Hedippedhisheadinacknowledgment,buthestillthumbed

theapponhisphone.Theelevatorfrozeopen.

“I’lljustwaitheretomakesureyougetintoyourcarokay.”Heshrugged.“Iwanttobeyour

onlystalkertonight.”

Shenoddedagain,andhesawreliefinherexpression.“Thanks.”
Thensheturnedawayandcrossedtohercar.Hewatchedherthewholeway,waitinguntilher

carpulledoutofitsspotanddrovedowntheramp.

Threeweeks.Therewasalothecoulddointhattime.Butonlyifhegotbusyrightnow.

5

J

ULIEPIROUETTEDINHER

apartment.Therewasalmostnoroombetweenherbedandthewalls,butshe

diditnonetheless,lovingthefeelofherskirtswirlingoutfromherlegs.Intruth,thiswasaspring
dressmeantforbeingflirtyandfun.Boldwhite-and-redflowerscoveredthelightcottonmaterial.It
wasdefinitelynotintendedasaworkoutfitinthefall.Butshepaireditwithasevereredjacket—
whichmadeitwarmenough—anddo-meredpumpswhichmadeitperfectforherpromisetoSam.

Shestoppedherspin,andherskirttwistedbackdownaroundherlegs.Ittookonlyamomentfor

thefabrictosettle,butittookhermindalotlonger.

Wasshereallydoingthis?Wasshereallygoingtohavehotofficesexwithoutthoughttoa

relationship?Totheman?

Yes!Orrather…maybe.Afterall,shedidknowsomethingaboutSam,evenifshewastryingto

pretendthathewasanonymousElevatorMan.Besidetheobviousphysicalattributes—tall,strong,
pecsofsteelandextremelynimblefingers—sheknewhewasthoughtfulenoughtobringcondoms
andmakesureshegottohercarokay.Sheknewhewasemployedataregularjob,andthathehadthe
sexiestsmile—halfchallenge,halfpredator.Whenthey’dmetintheelevator—notjustlastnight,but
forthelastsevenweeks—he’dbeentherelookingforher.

Itwasn’tPC.Fromonelight,shecouldthinkofitascreepy.Exceptthatshehadinvitedhimto

stalkher.Shehadwiggledagainsthim,lethimtouchherbreasts,andthensharedagreatdealmore
longbeforelastnight’sevents.Andboywaslastnightanevent!God,she’dneverorgasmedso
intenselyorsolonginherlife!

Andthentherewasthatothermoment.Itwasbizarre,butshecouldn’tforgetwhenhe’dlooked

atherface,touchedhercheekandsaid,“You’resobeautiful.”Itsoundedlikealine,butithadn’tfelt
likeone.Hiseyeshadbeenwide,asifhewerelookingatherforthefirsttime,andtherehadbeen
surpriseandaweinhisvoice.Awe.Forher!

Ifonlyshehadthetimetogettoknowhimbetter,tofindoutiftheycouldhavemorethanjust

hottimesinthehallway.Buttheminuteshethoughtthat,shementallyshiedaway.Shewasn’tlooking
forarelationship.Infact,shewantedthepolaropposite.Shewantedadistractionfromherlife,from
thefactthathergloriousforayintobig-cityadvertisinghadendediningloriousdefeat.WebWitand
Wonderhadfailed.Allthatwasleftwastogatherupherbrokendreamsandgohome.

Underthosecircumstances,whowouldn’twantawild,meaninglessflingintheelevator?

Especiallyifitresultedinorgasmsthatwentonforever!Butshecouldn’tforgetthatitwasonlya
distraction.Thatasfunasitwastoweardo-meheelsandaflirtyskirt,shestillhadtocancelher
accounts,closeuptheofficeandpackupherthings.

Hereyestearedatthatthought.Shecouldn’tevenbringherselftolookathercellphone.Shehad

tocallherparents.Shehadtotellthemshewascomingbackhomeandaskifshecouldsleepinher
oldbedroom.ShehadtoconfesstoallandsundrythatlittleJuliewiththebigdreamswasreallyonly
suitedforwritinghardwarestoreadsandsaleannouncementsforthequiltingsociety.

Herstepwasalotlessjauntyasshelefthertinyapartment.Bythetimeshehadmadeittoher

Camry,though,shewasthinkingofotherwaystodrumupbusiness.Wastheremoremarketingwork

somewhere?Theircompanywaswebbased,specializingininternetadvertising.Butmaybethere
someprintworktodo.Maybesomeonewouldhirethemfornewspaperadvertising.Bythetimeshe
pulledintoherspotinthegarage,shehadtositfortenminutesjottingdownalistofplacestocheck
andthingstodo.Ifitweren’tfortheclickofherheelsonthegaragefloor,shemightevenhave
forgottenSam.

Sheglancedatherwatch.Shewasbehindherusualschedulebecauseoftheextratimeshe’d

takentodress.Theelevatordoorsswoopedopen,andshequicklyscannedtheinterior.Hewasn’t
there.Justthreemeninbusinesssuitsandonejeans-cladengineerfromtheroboticscompany.The
sightofhisfadeddenimandlooseteemadeherflashonSam’sattirelastnightandshesmiled.Then
shewassurprisedastheengineergaspedandcoloredallthewayuptohisears.

Oops.Apparently,thinkingsexythoughtshadmadeherintoawalkingsexkitten.She

consciouslytoneditdown,turnedablankfacetotheclosingelevatordoors,andtriedtothinkabout
herto-dolist.Ifnothingelse,thatwouldsoberherrightup.

Butshecouldn’tdoit.Instead,hermindwanderedoverwhatsheandSamhaddoneinthisvery

elevator.Weirdly,shedidn’tlingeronthewavesofecstasy,butonthemomentsleadinguptoorgasm.
Therewaspowerinhisvoice.Ormaybethebetterwordwasself-assurance.Asifhedaily
commandedpeopletodothings,andtheyautomaticallyobeyed.Shecertainlyhad.Surehe’dmade
jokesaboutbeingintheserviceindustry,andhecertainlydressedthepartofbuildingmaintenance,
buttruthfully,thejobdidn’tfitthefeeloftheman.

Samhadastrengthabouthim,aconfidenceinhisabilitytoarrangetheworldtohischoosing.

Sherespondedtothatpowerinhim.Shelikedthathewasmasterfulandthathehadchosentomaster
her.

Theelevatordoorsslidopenandshehadtowalkdownthelonghallwaytoherofficesuite.The

placewaswelllit,thesecuritycamerashungdiscreetlyhigh.Itwasoneofthereasonsshe’dpicked
thisbuilding.Thesecuritywasfirst-ratebutstillunobtrusive.Sounobtrusive,infact,thatsheusually
forgotallaboutthecameras.

Butshelookedatthemnowwithneweyes.WasSamusingthemtowatchher?Washesittingin

hiscoveralls,hislargehandwrappedaroundacoffeemug,whilehefollowedheronsomemonitor?
Theveryideagaveheralittlethrill.

Sheglancedupanddownthehallway.Atthemoment,therewasnoonehere.Verywellthen.He

hadleftherhighanddryintheelevatorthismorning,perhapsshe’dgetalittlerevenge.Shewalked
untilshewasinperfectalignmentwiththecameranearestherofficedoor.Thenshe“accidentally”
droppedherpurse.

Shetookhertimeleaningdowntopickitup.Shebentfromthewaist,keepingherlegsstraight

andherbutthigh.Thecamerawouldhaveanexcellentviewofherbottom,longlegsanddo-me
pumps.Andthen,whenshepickedupherpurse,shelettheedgeofitcatchthefabricofherskirt.As
sheliftedupthebag,herskirtwentwithit.

Shewaitedamoment,straighteningequallyslowlyasshepretendedtorootinherpurse.Inchby

inch,herfullthighwasexposedtothecamera.Itwentallthewayuptotheedgeofherthigh-high
hoseandtheredlacegarterthatmatchedherdo-meheels.Thenshepretendedtodiscoverher
mistake.Ashiftandawigglelater,andherskirtflutteredbackdowninplace.Showover.Exceptfor
onething.

Shetwistedtolookdirectlyupatthecameraandwinked.Thenshestrutted—yes,strutted—her

wayintoheroffice.Sure,shehadamountainofdetailstomowthrough.Sure,shehadadauntingpile
ofbillsandatinypileofpossibilities.Butforthismomentintime,shefeltsillysexy.Whoknew
flashingasecuritycameracouldbesomuchfun?

S

AMSTAREDATTHEMONITOR

,hismorningcoffeeforgottenamidstthepressofhissudden,rock-hard

erection.He’dmeanttojustglanceatthemonitors.He’dmeanttodrinkhiscoffee,waitforJulieto
gettoworkandthenpreparehisnotesforthismorning’smeeting.Nothingearthshattering.

Hehadn’tcountedonherdoingabendandwigglerightinfrontofthecamera.Howhadshe

knownhe’dbewatchingforher?He’dbeendoingsoforweeks.She’dneverbeforegivenany
indicationthatsheevenknewthecamerawasthere.

Well,shehadnow!Andhehadthebonertoproveit.Hepressedthebuttontorewindthe

recording.Heshouldn’ttorturehimself,buthecouldn’tstop.Insuper-speed,shebackedupoutofher
office,retrieved,thendroppedherpurse,thenbackedintotheelevator.Anotherbuttonpushandshe
wasmovingforwardagain,thistimeinslowmotion.

Step.Step.Pause.Aglanceatthecamera.Righttherewaswhenshe’dfiguredhimout.And

then…theshow.

Oh,God,shewasevenmoregloriousinslowmotion.Andwhatwasthatonhercreamythigh?

Hefrozetheimageandzoomedin.Redlace.Hismouthwentdryandhishandsclenchedwiththeneed
totouchher.Hewasgoingtodragthatlacedownherlegwithhisteeth!

“WelcometothedepressingThursdayreport,”Rogersaidashesaunteredintothelab.
Samslammedhishanddownonhiskeyboard,instantlyshiftingthescreenstoCNN.He’dtied

hispersonalbankofcomputerstothesecuritysystemafterhisveryfirstelevatorencounterwith
Julie.Butthatdidn’tmeanhewantedtobecaughtpeepingbyhisCFO.HisEverest-sizedhard-onwas
alittlemoredifficulttohide,butheswiveledinhischairandpulledintighttohisdesk.Letthepaper-
strewnmonstrositycoverhisownmonstrosity.

Pastingonafakebleary-eyedlook,hepeeredoverhiscoffeemugathisbestfriend.“Youreally

oughttofindabetterwaytogreetyourbossthisearlyinthemorning.”

Rogerwasundeterred.Dressedinagraysuit,redpowertieandItalianleathershoes,hegrabbed

alabstoolandhauleditover.Buthedidn’tsit.Instead,hesnaggedaragandwipedoffthemetal
spinningdiskbeforegingerlysettinghisbriefcasedownonit.

“I’vegotreports,morereports,andthenjustforfun,somepaperworkforyoutosign,”hesaid

ashepulledoutthickpacketsofstapledpapers.“Allofthemsayonething:Idonotlikethis
economy.”

Samsnorted.“Idon’tthinkyou’realoneinthat.”
“We’vegottodosomethingaboutit.”
“Thewholeeconomy?”
“Justourlittlesliceofit.”RogerpulledablackpenoutofhispocketandpassedittoSam.“Sign

hereandhereandhere.”

Samfrownedandreacheduptothehuge,lighted,magnifyingglassthatswungabovehisdesk.It

wasmeantforpeopletousewhendoingdetailedcircuitboardwork,butSamneededitformorethan
justthat.

“Whydon’tyougetglasseslikeanormalperson?”Rogerasked.
Samstartedscanningthroughthepages.“Ihavecontacts.”
“Thatneedreadingglassesinsteadofthathugemonstrosity.”
“Thisisbigger.Can’tlosethisorsitonit,”herespondedasheflippedapageinthecontract,

doinghisbesttoconcentrateasheread.

“You’reamultimillionaire,”Rogergroused.“Youshouldgetstylishlensesthatmakeyou

appearsophisticatedand—”

“Geriatric.”
“Betterthanadoofus.”

Samdidn’tanswer.Hehadarareeyeconditionthatlefthimvisuallyimpaired.Fortunately,

technologyandmedicinehadadvancedenoughthathecouldreadamonitorandseedistanceobjects
withtheaidofhardcontactlensesthatreshapedhiseyeballsandmagicallyfilledintheripplesinhis
cornea.Close-upwork,however,requiredashiftinmagnificationoradifferentpairoflenses.That
wasoneofthereasonswhyhe’dfirststartedworkingoncircuitboardssolongago.Everyone
neededtousealightedmagnifyingglasstodothat,sohehadn’tfelthandicapped.

Rightnow,hehadonhisdistancelensessohecouldwatchJulieonthemonitor.Thatmeanthe

neededhelptoreadthecontract.Insteadofreadingglassesthatmadehimfeellikeanoldman,he
chosetousethemassivewall-mountedcontraptionthatmadehimlooklikeanengineer.

Samsighedandscrawledhissignatureontheappropriatelines,thenleanedbackinhischair.He

hadtogethismindoffofJulieandbackontohiscompany.“So,doyoureallyhaveThursday-
morningdepressiontoreport?MorethanageneralI-hate-this-economy?”

Rogerswoopedupthesignedcontractandpoppeditintohisbriefcase.“Sadly,yes.We’renot

sellingenoughrobots.”

Sampushedthemagnifierawaysothathecouldfocusonhisfriend’sface.“Wedon’tsell

robots.”

Rogergrimaced.“YouknowwhatImean.”
Theydidn’tsellrobotslikewhatpeopleimagined.R2-D2orC-3POweren’tintheircatalog.

RFEsoldroboticattachmentstootherthings—wheelchairs,prostheticlimbs,evenlow-endlaptops.
Thatwaswhyhe’dnamedthecompanyRoboticsforEveryone.Theproblemwasinsurancedidn’t
alwayspayforwhattheyprovidedandpotentialcustomerseithercouldn’taffordwhattheyofferedor
didn’tknowtheproductsexistedinthefirstplace.

He’dmadehisinitialmillionsonawheelchairattachmenttohelpcustomersgetinandoutof

customdesignedvans.Itwasstillhisbestsellerinpartbecausethevanmanufacturerdidallthe
marketingforhim.ButSam’srecentproductswerelesseasilymarketed.Theyneededtheirown
publicitytoreachpotentialcustomers.

“WhatdoesGinnythink?”Samasked,referringtotheirheadofmarketing.
“Thatsheneedshelp.”
Sam’sthoughtsimmediatelywenttoJulieandheradvertisingcompany.Hecouldhireher.He

couldkeepherintown.Hecould—

Butitwasn’tthateasy.Heneededbigdollaradvertisingincludingtelevisionandmajorprint.

Fromhisresearch,heknewshedidbrilliantworkininternetads,click-throughcampaigns,andsome
coolanimation,butwasverythinontelevisionexperience.Andhealreadyhadahugeadvertising
firmundercontract.Hecouldn’tjuststuffherintothemixbecauseshewinkedatacameraandmelted
hishigherbrainfunctions.

Whichmeanthiscompanystillhadaproblem.Hegrimacedashelookedathisbestfriend.“You

don’thaveadepressingThursdayreport.Youwantmetodoacorporatepowwowtofigureouthow
togeneratemorerevenue.”

Rogergavehimathumbs-up.“Yougotitinone!”
“ButI’vegotatonofworktodo.”Andawomaninredheelswaitingtobeseduced.
“Youcan’tworkifthecompanygoesbelly-up.”Rogerabruptlyleanedforward,flipping

throughoneofthereportstopointtoaspecifictable.“DoyouknowwhatyouspendonR&D?In
onemonthalone?”

“Researchtakesmoney.”
“NotcorporateR&D.You,Sam.Youaloneinthislab.”
“Iamthecorporation,Roger,”Samsaid,irritationlacinghistone.“Iamtheonewhodesignsthe

projects,hasthevision,makesallthishappen.IworkhowIwork.”

Rogersighedandpulledoveranotherstool.Itwasameasureofhowseriousthesituationwas

thathedidn’tbothertowipetheseatdownfirst.“Iknowthat,Sam.Wealldo.Andifyousayno
meeting,thenwe’llallhappilygobacktoourcubicles.”

“Youhaveahugeofficewithwindows,”Samgroused.
“Butweneedabreakthrough,”Rogercontinued.“Andnotofthegeniusengineeringkind.”
Samtoyedwithastackofextra-largecircuitboardprintsonhisdesk.Herubbedhisthumbover

thecorneredgesandpursedhislips.“Thatisnotmystrength,”hemuttered.

“Butyouareourfearlessleader.Sosuckitupandlead.”
Samsighed,knowinghisfriendwasright.“Fine.Gatherthetroops.I’llbethereinten.”
“Stopactinglikeit’safiringsquad.Weneedinspiration.”
Samshothisfriendadarklook.“Isaidfine.I’llbeinspirationalinten.”
“Good.”Rogerstoodandleft.Samdidn’tseeifhedidhisusualmocksalute.Hewastoobusy

flippinghismonitorsbacktothehallwayoutsideofJulie’ssuite.Rogerwantedinspiration?Sam
couldn’tthinkofanythingmoreinspirationalthanaviewofJulie.Unfortunately,shewassafely
insideherofficeandblockedfromhiscamera’spryingeyes.Sohetappedsomebuttonsandpulled
backuptherecordingofhermorningpursedrop.

Indulginghimself,heexpandedtheviewandslowedthedisplay.Thenheleanedincloseand

allowedhiswholevisiontobefilledwiththecreative,dynamicwomanhe’dbeenstalking.Damnshe
wasabeauty,andnotjustbecauseshewasphysicallypretty.Shewas,ofcourse,buthewasdrawnto
herenergyandherjoy.

Heknewthathercompanywasclosing.Thatshewasleavingbecauseherbusinesshadfailed.

Andyetshedidnotseemdefeatedordiminished.Farfromit.Thewomanonhismonitorwasalive,
andthatwasdamnsexy.

Well,hethought,ashereluctantlyshutofftheconnectiontothesecuritycameras.Hecertainly

hadhistaskscutoutfortoday.Task1:getabrilliantmarketingstrategytosavehiscompany.Task2:
createaseductionscenarioworthyofawomaningartersandredstilettos.

Fortunately,he’dspenthalfthenightworkingonTask2.Theprogramhe’dcreatedwasalready

upandrunning,buthe’dsetitforamorningscenario.Thismorningwasnowoccupied,sohewould
havetodelayuntilthisafternoon.Switchingtohislaptop,hepulleduptheprogram.Afewkeystrokes
laterandhe’dsetittodetonateat3:00p.m.Itwouldbehellwaitingthatlong,butJuliewasmorethan
worthit.

6

J

ULIEWASDOINGPAPERWORK

inasauna.That’swhatshewasthinkingasshewavedherhandinfrontof

herfacetocreateabreeze.Whattheheckwaswrongwiththeheatingvent?Ithadbeenpumpingout
roastingairbetterdesignedforanoventhananofficesuite.

Karenknockedthensaunteredinwithafewmorepiecesofpaperwhichsheaddedtothepileon

Julie’sdesk.“Foundafewmorereceipts.”

“Thanks.”
“Noproblem.I’mreallyherejusttoadmireyournewlook.”
Julieflushed.Withtheoutofwackthermostat,hercrispsundresshadbeenwilteddownuntilit

wasbarelythere.Nojacket.Nobraeitherbecauseithadbecometooconfiningafter2:00p.m.She
didn’ttellKarenthis,butshe’dalsopulledoffherthigh-highsandherunderwear.Itwastoohotto
wearhose.She’dleftthegarteron,though,mostlybecauseitmadeherfeelsexy.Andsexywasaway
betterfeelingthandepressed,giventhatshewasdoingaccounting.

“I’vecalleddowntomaintenance,”Julieanswered,duckingthequestionofherchangeinattire.

“Theyswearthey’reworkingontheproblem.”

Karenshrugged.“Itjustseemstobeyouroffice.Mineisfine.”AndKarendidindeedlookcrisp

andcoolinherdarkjeansandartisticallypatternedtop.“Youcouldcomejoinmeinmyroom.”

“Andbeburiedincharcoaldust?Thanks,butno.”Karenwasageniusatanimationandavariety

ofdigitalarts.Butshedidallherroughworkincharcoalfirst.Saiditgaveheramorehands-onfeel.
Whateverthereason,Karen’sofficehadcharcoalbitseverywhere,whichwouldnaturallyattachto
everyinchofJulie’sskin.“Yourartistspaceisyourown.Andmysaunaofhellgoesgreatwithdoing
accounting.”

“Anyleadsonnewjobs?”
Julieswiveledtotaphercomputertolife.“Nothingnew.Andsincetheinternetwentoutfifteen

minutesago,I’mstuckwithbalancingspreadsheetsfornow.”

Karengrinned.“Betteryouthanme!”
“Hey,doyoumind—”
Pop!Thepowerdied.
“Sonofa—”Julierapidlybegantappingkeys.Shehadbatterybackuponherlaptop,butshe’d

beenworkingallafternoononthesespreadsheets.Shedidn’twanttorisklosinganything.

Amomentlater,shereleasedasighofrelief.Noproblem.Everythingwassafeandsound.The

surgeprotectorhaddoneitsjob,thebatterywasworkingfine,andexceptforthefactthatheroffice
waslitpurelythroughthewindow,everythingwashunky-dory.Not.

Shegrabbedforhercellphonetoredialmaintenance,butstoppedwhensheheardKarengaspin

surprise.JulielookeduptoseeherfriendshifttothesideandrightbehindherstoodSam,hervery
ownElevatorMan.Hewaswearinghiscoveralls,whichlookedrelativelyclean.Butthatwasaboutall
ofhimthatappearedfresh.Hismink-brownhairwasshoteverywhichway,hiseyesappearedtired,
evenfromthisdistance,andtherewasageneralslumptohisshoulders.

“Wow,”Julieblurtedoutassheputdownthephone.“Youlooklikeyou’vehadadayandahalf.”

“Atleast,”hesaidtiredlyasheheftedhistoolbox.“Butit’sstartingtolookup.”
KarengesturedhimintoJulie’soffice.“Well,it’sagoodthingyou’reherebecauseIthinkshe’s

startingtomeltfromtheheat.”

“Internetdiedaboutfifteenminutesagoandnow…”Juliegesturedtothelights.“Well,youcan

seethatwejustlostpower.”

“Freaky,”hedrawled,anddamnifshedidn’tcatchanundertoneofsomething.Julienarrowed

hereyesathim,buthisexpressionremainedcompletelyneutral.Meanwhile,Karenhadstepped
behindtheman’sback,butremainedinviewasshepointedtoSamandmouthedthewords,Isthat
him?

Juliefeltherfaceheat.Shehadn’ttoldherfriendaboutlastnight’sexploitsortheirplanforthe

nextthreeweeks.ButKarenknewthatElevatorManworkedinthebuildingandworecoveralls.Itwas
agoodguess.And,ofcourse,shewasabsolutelycorrect.

JulienoddedasdiscreetlyaspossiblewhileSambentdownandbeganrootingthroughhis

toolbox.Karenarchedherbrow,obviouslyinspectingtheman’stush,thengaveJulieabigthumbs-
up.

“Findthosereceipts,”Juliechided.“Ifyouwantthebusinesstorefundyou,thenyougottaget

thosereceipts.”

Karenhuffed.“Okay,okay,I’llkeepsearching.Iknowthehotelbill’sintheresomewhere.”Then

sheshotJulieamischievousgrin.“Wantmetocloseyourdoor?”

“No,”Juliereturnedwithasternlook.“It’stoohotinhereforthat.”
Samliftedhishead.Heheldhiscellphoneinonehandandsomeelectronicgadgetintheother.

“MaybeIcouldre-routetheairvents.Givemeamoment.”

Unabletoresist,Juliearchedherhandsoverherheadandliftedherhairoffthebackofher

neck.Thataccentuatedhercleavageinthefrontofherdress,plumpingitnicely,asshegaveoffa
breathysigh.“Thatwouldbeheavenly.”

Thankfully,Karenwasbackinheroffice,soshedidn’tseethedisplay.Juliekepthereyes

crackedopenjustenoughtoseeifshe’dhadanyeffectonSam.

Sadly,theanswerappearedtobeno.Thoughhewaslookinginherdirection,hisgazeseemedto

betoovaguetobecenteredonhercleavage.Ifanything,shewouldguesshewaslisteninghard.To
her?

“It’lltakemeamomenttofindtheproblem,”hesaid.“I’mgoingtohavetocrawlaroundabit.”
Juliereleasedherhairwithadeflatedgrimace.“Noproblem,”shesaidinhernormalvoice.

“I’mjustsittingherepretendingI’manaccountant.”Shetappedafewkeys,bringingherlaptopback
tolife.“You’dthinkit’dbeeasytosay‘zerobalance,’butapparently,theIRSwantsthingsitemized.”

Samwasoverbythewall,carefullypullingasideabookcase.Hisforearmsbunchedwiththe

effort,butthatwasall.Otherwise,heappearedcompletelyateasewiththeweightofdozensofbooks.
Damn,shelikedastrongman.

“Isthemoneytheproblemortheaccounting?”heasked,hisattentionshiftingtoawallpanel

he’dnowexposed.

“Both,”sheansweredasshepulledupthespreadsheet.“Andit’sespeciallytediousifyouwait

monthstoenterallthiscrap.”

“Procrastinator,huh?”hesaidasheraisedhisgizmoandstartingpunchingkeys.
“Onlyforthingsinvolvingnumbers.Meandmathhaveneverbeenfriends.”
“Ialwayslikedgettingitright,”hesaid.“Somuchelseinlifeisvague…”Hewavedhishandin

theair.“There’sasolidityintwoplustwoalwaysequalingfour.”

“Ortwominuseightequalsdebt,”shesaid,moretoherselfthantohim.“Me,I’dprefersome

vaguenesstothatstatement.”

Hechuckledatthat.“Sohow’dyouendupinadvertising?IlookatyouandIthinkbeautiful

actressorworld-famousartist.Notsomethingasprosaicaswebmarketing.”

Sheleanedbackinherchair,unsurehowtorespond.“Idon’tknow.I’vejustalwaysknownwho

togotoandwhattosaytogetwhatIwanted.”

Hearchedhisbrow.“Somethingtellsmeyouwereanalphagirlinhighschool.”
Sheshookherhead.“Notreally.ButIknewwhattosaytogettheirattention.Iknewhowtoget

thembehindtheHumaneSocietygaragesale,forexample.Andwheretheywent,thefootballplayers
did,too.”

“Bettheeventwasahugesuccess.”
“Itwas.Fiveyearsrunning,”shesaid,rememberingtheflushofherfirstbigsuccess.“Itwasall

amatteroftherightpitchtotherightpeople.”

Helaughed.“Abornmarketer.”
“Maybe.Butrawtalentonlygetsyousofar.Itookatonofadvertisingclassesincollegeandgot

mybusinessdegreewithamarketingfocus.”Shegesturedtotheotheroffice.“Karen’sthegenius
designer.Giveherahalfhourandshecancreateakick-asswebpageforyou.Butsheneedsmetotell
herwhattosaytowhichaudience.Shecanmakeitlookincredible,butI’mtheonewhomakesithit
therightnotes.”

“Soundslikeyoutwomakeagoodteam.”
Shesighed.She’dthoughtso,too.Toobadtherealworldhadn’tbeenaskind.Stuckinher

morosethoughts,shedidn’tnoticeatfirstthathe’dfallensilent.Hewasn’teventappingonhisgadget.
Buteventuallysheforcedherselfoutofhergloomythoughtstolookathim.

“Somethingwrong?”sheasked.
“Hmm?Oh,no.Just,um,gonnahavetocrawlaroundabitmore.”Thenhehesitatedamoment.

“Youknow,theroboticsfirmonthetopfloorislookingformarketinghelp.Maybe,well,maybeyou
shouldlookintoit.Perhapsthere’ssomethingyoucoulddoforthem.”

Shefrownedathim,thinkinghard.“RFE?Themega-firmupstairsthatownsthebuilding?”
Henodded.“You’dhavetotalktotheheadofmarketing.Hername’sGinnySmithson.Maybe

youcanworksomethingout.”

Julieploppedherhandonherfist,thinkinghard.“I’mprobablytoosmall-timeforthem.”
“Yeah,”hesaidalittletooquickly.“Ishouldn’thavementionedit.Shouldn’thavegottenyour

hopesup.”

Sheflashedhimaquicksmile.“Iliveonhope,Sam.Andalead’salead,right?”
“Yeah,butdon’tputalotofeffortintoplanningapitch—”
Sheheldupherhandtostophim.“It’sfine,Sam.I’llfigureitout.Thanks.”Shegrabbedapen

andscribbledMissSmithson’snamedown.Sheneededtodosomeresearchintothecompany,geta
feelforwhattheydidandwhattheymightneed.Workingupaproposalwouldtakealotofhours,and
todoitrightshe’dneedgraphicsandagoodidea.Butshecouldtry,right?Shehadthreeweeks.

Shespuntowardherlaptop.“Anychanceyoucouldresurrecttheinternet?”
“I’llneedtocheckintoyourrouter,butatleastIcangetuslights.”Hetappedakey,andsure

enough,thelightscamebackon.

“Great,”shedrawledwithadisgustedsigh.“IcanreadmorebillswhileIwaitforinternet.”
Hechuckled.“And,youknow,itisreallyhotinhere.Iknowit’snotstandarduniform,butwould

youmindifI,um…”

“Unzippedyourcoveralls?”shefinishedforhim.“Feelfree.Takethemoff,infact.”
“Thanks.”Thenheflashedherasmilethatmadeherthinktwiceaboutwhatwasgoingon.He

lookedpartdevil,partcat-ate-the-canary.Hadshejustwalkedintooneofhisschemes?She’dbeenso
deepintoworkmodethatshehadn’treallybeenthinkingsex.Ofcourse,shehadn’tnotbeenthinking

iteither,whatwithElevatorManrighthere.Itwasjusthardtoswitchgears.

Butnowthatshe’dseenhissmile,andthewayhelookedatherasheplacedhishandonhis

zipper,herbellywasstartingtotightenwithanticipation.Ithadbeenahellofadepressingday
alreadyanditwasonlyalittleafterthree.Shedeservedadistraction,right?Anythingwasbetterthan
accounting.Andhotsexwasathousandtimesbetterthananything.Though,shewasn’texactlysure
whattheycoulddowithherdooropenandKarenintheofficerightbesidehers.

Meanwhile,Samstartedunzippinghiscoverall,takinghistimeashefacedher.“I,um,was

planningonworkingoutafterwork.It’sprettymuchallIdo.Workandworkout.”

Shearchedherbrow.Astheheavycoverallfellaside,shesawatightmuscleteebeneath.Simple

cotton,tornsleeves,butclingyenoughtorevealeveryrippedinchofhistorso.

“Areyousureyoudon’tmind?”heasked.Thenhepaused,shootingherasignificantlook.“I

cancomebacklaterifthisisabadtime.”

Andthereitwas.Themessagethatthiswasindeedsomethinghe’dcookedup,ormaybeitwas

simplyasituationhewantedtotakeadvantageof.Eitherway,hewasaskingherifshewantedtoplay.
Righthere,rightnow.

Theanswerwasyes.Athousandtimes,yes!She’dbeenworkinghard,andjustthesightofSam

standingtherewithadevilishgleaminhiseyesmadehergoliquidwithdesire.

“Um,no,”shesaid,tryingtokeephertonelight.“Thisistheperfecttime.”
“Good,”hesaidashisgazedroppedtohercleavage.Rightoncue,hernipplestightenedandher

skinheatedtoarosyflush.Thenhegrinned.“Don’ttellmybossI’mdoingthis,”hesaidashepushed
thecoverallsdownoffhisleanhips.

“Iwon’ttellasoul,”shemurmured.Andthatwasthelastcoherentthoughtshehadasshetookin

hisbody.Hewaswearingbikershorts.Long,lean,blackLycrathatoutlinedeverything,andshedid
meaneverything.Therehestoodinglorious,tight-assed,cordedthighdetail.Hergazeslidtohis
front,buttherewaspaddingthere,sohejustlookedhuge.Asingodlike.

“Youmustworkoutalot,”shesaidinathickvoice.
“IhaveastationarybikeIusewhenIcan’tsleep.”
Shearchedabrow.“Can’tsleepmuch?”
“Youhavenoidea,”hedrawled.
Butshedid.Shecouldn’tsleepmucheither,especiallywhenshelayinbedfantasizingabouthim.
“Well,”hesaid.“Let’sseewhatIcandoaboutyourinternetproblem.Where’syourrouter?”
Sheswallowed.“Undermydesk.Rightoverhere.”
Hissmilewasslowandsexy,andhiseyestoldherthathe’dknownexactlywheretherouterwas.

Andthatshewasgoingtoenjoyeverymomentofwhateverhehadplanned.“Great,”hesaid,his
voicelowandsexy.“Gobacktowork.Iwon’tbotheryouatall.”

Shesincerelydoubtedthat,butthatwaspartofthethrill.Hewaspretendingthiswasworklike

normal,thateverythingwasbusinesslikeandprofessional.Herheartstartedbeatingtripletime.

Meanwhile,shehadtoplayherpart.Shedutifullyturnedbacktoherspreadsheets.Shehada

largeL-shapeddesk.HerlaptopsatontheshortendoftheL,whilepilesandpilesofpaperworkwere
stackedalongtheextra-longside.Andbeneaththatstretchofdeskwasherrouter,atonofwiresand
Saminamuscleteeandtightshortsashecrawledbeneath.

“Hey,Julie,Ididn’tfindthehotelreceipt,butIunearthedthese.”Karenroundedthecorner,

wavingasketchbookandpapers.“Whateverhappenedtothiscampaign?”

Julietwistedbacktothelongerpartofherdesk.ShewasexcruciatinglyawareofSamdoing

who-knew-whattotheelectronicsrightbesideherfeet,butshedidherlevelbesttokeepher
expressionstraightassheheldoutherhandtoherfriend.

“Whichcampaign?”sheasked.

Karenhandedthesketchesover,buthereyeswerescanningtheroom.Shetiltedherheadtoward

Sam’stoolboxandmouthed,Whereishe?Thankgoodnesshiscoverallswerecrumpledbehindthe
bookcaseoutofsight,otherwisethequestionmightbealotmorespecific.Asitwas,Juliecouldonly
pointdowntothefloorandwriteonanearbypad.“Internetrouter.”

KarenwaggledhereyebrowswhichJuliedidherlevelbesttoignore.Thenshestartedtoopen

thesketchbook.Itwasagoodthingthatherhandswereoccupiedbecauseatthatverymoment,shefelt
ahandonhercalf.ItwasSam,ofcourse,strokingthebackofherlegwithhislargehand.Ittook
everythinginhernottogasp.Orpurrindelight.Asitwas,allshemanagedwastostareblanklyatthe
sketchbook.

“Julie?”Karenprompted.
“Hmm?”
“You’restaringatabadsketchofamonkey.”
Julieblinkedandrefocusedonthepageinherhands.“I’mjusttryingtorememberwhich

campaignthiswasfor.”

“Thezoo.”
“Oh,right.”Shemighthavesaidmore,butatthatmoment,shefeltSam’slipsonherankle.His

fingersweredoingwonderfulthingstohercalf,too,massagingawayachesshedidn’tevenknowshe
had.“Ohright.Ofcourse,”shebabbled,rapidlyscramblingforsomethingtosaytoKaren.“Weren’t
wegoingtouseitforsomethingelsealso?”

Samgentlycuppedthebackofhercalfandpulledherlegforward.Herheelleftthegroundand

hetuggedherfoottotheside,spreadingherlegsbeneaththedesk.

“Well,therewereatonofChunkyMonkeyjokes.”
“Right.Haha.”Sam’shandwasnowflowingupoverherkneetotouchtheinsideofherthigh.

Julie’sinternalmusclesclenchedinvoluntarilyandhertoescurled.Whatwouldhedowhenhe
discoveredhergarter?

“Waitamoment!”Karenabruptlycried.
Juliefroze.She’ddieifherfriendfiguredoutwhatwasgoingonbeneaththedesk.Sureshe’d

wantedtobeawildwoman,butonlyinprivate.

“Therewasanothercampaign,”Karencontinued.“Holdon.I’llberightback.”Shespunonher

heelanddashedoutoftheroom.

ThatgaveJulieamomenttoreadjust.ShewasabouttotellhimtocoolitwhileKarenwasstill

here,butshedidn’tgetthechance.Rightwhenshewasabouttopushawayfromthedesk,shefelt
somethingcoldcircleaboutherankleandclickintoplace.

Click?
Sureenough,anotherclickcloselyfollowedthefirst.Julietriedtopullbacktolook,buther

anklewasabruptlybroughtupshort.Whattheheck?

Shetwistedtolookdown.TherewasSam,hiseyesglitteringwithmischiefrightnexttothe

handcuffhe’dattachedtoherdeskleg.Theverysamecuffsthatalsosurroundedherankle.Theman
hadjusthandcuffedhertoherdesk!

Shestareddownathim,hermouthdroppingopenwithshock.
“Hereitis!”calledKarenfromtheotheroffice.
Samheldupafingertohislips,motioningforhertobesilent.Juliehadnochoicebuttoagree

asKarencamebackintotheroombrandishingastackofprinteddesigns.

“Monkeysforthedaycarebid.Remember?”
“Oh,yeah,”Juliesaidweakly.That’sallshecouldmanageasSamreturnedtostrokingherleg.

Higherandhigherhetraveledonherbody,hislongfingersbrushinguppastherknee.Hewasabout
todiscoverthegarter,andJuliewastightwithanticipation.Whatwouldhedowhenhefoundthat?

Meanwhile,Karenwasflippingthroughpages,pointingatthisandthat.“Thatwasoneofyour

betterideas.Goodcaption,goodideas.”

“Um,yeah.”HernipplesweretighteningasSamslowlyworkedbetweenherlegs.Wasshereally

doingthis?Wasshelettingamantonguehiswayupherbodyatwork?WithKarenrightthere?Oh,
God,shewas.Andshewaslovingit!“We…um…workedhardonthat.”

Karenstraightened.“Shesaidshe’dgetbacktousnextmonthwithadecision.Maybeyoucould

callandprompther?”

“Alreadydid.”Juliewasfeelingheatrollacrossherskin.Hernervesweretingling,herlegs

relaxingopen.Itwasgettinghardtofocus.“She,uh,hasn’tdecidedyet.And,youknow,it’snot
enoughmoney.”

“Oh.”Karenvisiblydeflated.“Notenoughmoneytopaytherent?Ornotenoughtopayour

currentbills?”

Julieextendedherhand,tappingherlaptopasshepretendedtothink.Themotionhadher

spreadingherlegsevenfartherandherbreathshortenedatthethoughtofthat.Whatshewasdoing
wasscandalous,appalling,andabsolutelywonderful.Hewastouchingher,strokingherthighs,
kissingherskinandcompletelytakinghermindoffwork.Andbills.“Julie?”

“Both,”sheanswered,hermindsplinteringasSamfinallyfoundthegarter.“Imeanneither.”His

fingerstoyedwiththelace,slowlytracingittodeepbetweenherthighs.Meanwhile,shegaveher
friendahelplessshrug.“It’sjustnotenoughmoney.”

Andthat’swhenSam’sfingersfinallygotdeepenough.Withhermovementsabovedesk,hehad

managedtospreadherlegswide.Andnowhisquestingfingersrealizedshehadstrippedoffher
underwearintheheat.Shewascommandobeneathherskirt.Apparentlyitwasabigsurprisebecause
hejerkedinreaction,banginghisheadontheundersideofherdesk.

“Ow!”
Karenblinked.Obviously,inherexcitementaboutthedaycarecampaign,she’dforgottenthat

Samwaseventhere.NotaproblemforJulie.Doingherbesttoactcasual,shedroppedherhead
enoughtoseeunderthedesk.

“Everythingokaydownthere?”shesaid,hervoicelacedwithhumor.
“Everything’speachy,”hereturnedashelookedather.Onehandwasrubbingthetopofhis

head.Theotherwassteadilyworkingitswaybackbetweenherlegs.

Sheshouldn’thaveallowedit.CertainlynotwithKarenstandingrightthere.Buthewastouching

her,andshelikedit.Soshedidn’tfightit,andinthenextbreathshefelthisfingersonhermound.A
momentmore,andhisknucklewaspressingdeeper,slidingdownbetweenherfolds.Ohsweet
heaven,itwasgreat.

“Well,um,itwasathought,”Karensaidabsently,hermindobviouslystillonthecampaign.
“Andagoodone.”Ashiverwastravelingupherspine.Hewasopeningherupbeneaththedesk,

spreadingherlegsevenfarther,andusinghislongfingerstotoucheverypartofher.

“I’llgolookforthathotelreceipt.”
“Noproblem,”Julieansweredasshepassedbackthesketchbookanddesigns.
AndKarenfinallyleftheroffice.Goodthingthetemperaturehadbeenwackoinheroffice,

otherwiseherfriendmighthavenoticedthesweatglisteningonherskin.Juliewasjusttakingadeep
breathofreliefwhenshefeltSampushherskirtuptoherbelly.Andwhileshegaspedinreaction,he
wedgedhimselfbetweenherknees.Shedidn’tknowhowhemanagedit.Hewasabigguyandthere
wasn’talotofroombeneathherdesk.Buthewasthere,andnowherlegswerespreadasfarasthey
couldgo.

“Sam!”shehissed.
Helookedupather,themischiefinhiseyesunmistakable.“Justcheckingthewiring,ma’am.”

Shedidn’tknowwhattosay.Sheoughttotellhimtostop.Therewasanonymouselevatorfun,

andthentherewasthis.WithKarenrightnextdoor!Butthenhestartedkneadingherthighs,pressing
histhumbsindeepenoughthatthemusclesjustgaveway.Sheletoutasighandyetshecouldn’tstop
aworriedlookatheropenofficedoor.

“We’vebothhadharddays,”hesaidagainstherskin.“Andwe’regoingtogobacktothemina

moment.”Hetonguedherthigh.“Justrelaxandletmecheckyourrouter.”

God,hewaspersuasive.Shelethereyesdriftshutassheenjoyedhiscaresses,histinykisses

alongherthighs,andtheslow,thrillingshiftofhisfingerstohercore.Beforelong,shewas
tighteningherbottom,liftingherselfupashisthumbsbegantostrokeher.

Shecouldn’tstopherself.Shetiltedforwardonherchair,slidingherselfclosertohim.His

mouthcouldn’tgettoher,buthisfingers—damn,hewasgoodwithhisfingers.Randomcircles,long
leisurelystrokes,everythingshewantedandyetnotenough.

“Igiveup!”Karencalledasshecamearoundthedooragain.
“What?”Juliestrangledoutthewordinshockandhorror.Itwasterribleandincrediblyerotic

allatoncetobethisclosetoorgasmandnotbeabletoshowit.Herbellywasquivering,hernipples
ached,butshecouldn’ttouchherself.Shecouldn’ttouchSam!AllshecoulddowaslookupatKaren
withasclosetoablandexpressionasshecouldmanage.

“Yes,”Karenhuffedfromthedoorwayassherootedinherpurse.ThankGod!Thewoman

wasn’tevenlookingather.“I’llneverfindthatreceipt.AndIwanttogethomeanywaybeforethe
trafficgetsnuts.”

“Oh,”Juliesaidweakly.Samhadslowedhismovements,goingforlongstrokesthatkepther

simmeringwithouttopplingherovertheedge.“Soyou’regoinghomenow?”

“Yes,”Karensaidwithasigh.“ButIswearI’llbebacktomorrow.Wewilllivetofightanother

day!”

Sambeganaseriesofsteady,incrediblyarousingstrokesfromhercoretoherclit.Oh,shewas

inheavenandhellallatonce.

“Um,hey,Karen,”Juliemanaged.“Wouldyoumindshuttingthedoor?IthinkIwanttocryin

private.”Cry,scream,comealloverSam’shand.

“Surething,sweetie.Seeyoutomorrow.”
NosoonerhadsheheardthesoftclickofthedoorpullingshutthanSamwentintooverdrive.He

hookedheruncuffedlegoverhisshoulder,givinghimmoreroombeneaththedesk.Shesqueakedin
alarm,butshedidn’tdaregivefullvoicetoit.Karenmightstillbeintheouteroffice.

“I’vebeendreamingofthisallday,”hesaidashebegantonibblearoundhergarter.“Eversince

youflashedmethismorning.”

Sohehadbeenwatchingherinthecamera.Theideamadehergrin.Andthenshegasped,her

hipsbuckinginshockashisthumbsrolledoverherclit.Hetookadvantageofhermovementtoslide
hishandsunderherbottom.Shewasnowcompletelycuppedinhishands.

“Alldamnday,”hemutteredasheusedhisteethtopullhergarterdowntoherknee.Thenhe

stoppedtoflashheragrin.“FinallyIcangetareallygoodlookatyourwiring.”

7

S

HECAME.

Samwouldhavegrinnedifheweren’toccupiedwithholdingherdownasshewrithed

againsthislipsandtongue.Heheldheraslongashecouldmanage,wantingtoprolongherpleasure
—hispleasure—becausedamnifitwasn’tthehottestthingontheplanetwhenshewentwild.

Butintheend,helosthisgrip.Orrather,herchairslidoutfromunderherandshetumbledto

thefloor.Hecaughther,keepingherfromhurtingherself.Buthecouldn’tdothatandkeepher
orgasmgoing,sohechosesafetyoverpleasure.Andthendiscoveredthatitwasitsownkindof
pleasuretoholdherwhileshelaypantinginhisarms.

Intime,herbreatheased,herbodychangedtocompletelyboneless,andherlipscurvedintoa

dreamysmile.

“Mmmmm,”shesaidwithoutevenopeninghereyes.“Feelfreetocomefixmyrouteranytime.”
Hechuckledashestrokedalockofhairfromhercheek.“I’llkeepthatinmind.”
“Nope,”shesaid.“Nomind.Nothoughts.Just…this…floating…yumminess.”
Helookedatherface.Hewasattherightdistancetoseeitclearly.Hesawthesmudgesof

exhaustionbeneathhereyesandthefaintlinesonherbrow.Theywerealmostsmoothnow,buthe
wouldbetanythingthatthey’dfurrowupagaintheminuteshewentbacktowork.

“It’sbad,isn’tit?”heasked,thoughheknewitwouldbreakthemood.
Shecrackedaneyeathim.“Um,no.Itwasgreat.Itwas…”Shechuckled.“Orgasmically

fantastic.”

Hesmiledatherjoke.“No,Imeanyourcompany.Whatwe’redoinghere…”Hegesturedtoher

stretchedoutonthefloor,herlegsstillsplayedandherskirtruckeduptoherbelly.“It’sbecause
everythingelseissobad,isn’tit?”

Ashefeared,herexpressionsobered.Shetookadeepbreathandpulledherlegstogether.He

helpedher,twitchingherskirtdowntocoverherthighs,thoughhemournedthelossoftheview.

“Let’snottalkaboutthat,”shesaid,hergazeskatingawayfromhimtogrimaceatherdesk.
“ButmaybeIcouldhelp.Ifit’sjustatemporarysetback—acashflowproblem—then…”
“Stop!”Herhandshotupintheair.“That’snotwhatthisis,”shesaidfirmly.“We…You…It’s

just—”

“Temporaryrelief,”hesaidwhenshecouldn’tfindtherightwords.
“Oftheabsolutebestkind,”sheaddedwithagrin.Thensheextendedherhandtotouchhis

cheek.“You’resweet,youknow,offeringmemoney.Butyoudon’tknowhowdeepintheholeIam,
andIwouldn’ttakeitanyway.”

“Ihavemoremoneythanyouthink,”hesaidsoftly.Probablymillionsmorethanshethought.

Afterall,shestillbelievedhewasamaintenanceworker.

Sheshookherhead.“Itdoesn’tmatter.Tencentsortenbillion.I’mnottakingit.”Thenshe

rolledtowardhim,herexpressiongoingmischievous.“Nicetouch,bytheway,handcuffingmetothe
desk.”Sherattledherankleforemphasis.

“Nicesegueawayfromthetopic.”
Sheshookherhead.“Nope.Justareturntotheprimarytask.”Sheproppedherchinonherhand.

“Youjustfulfilledoneofmydarkandhornyfantasies.”

“Sexunderadesk?”
Shenodded.“Yes,I’mdepraved.”
Shesaiditsolightlythathelaughed.Asfarasdepravedwent,thatwasprettytame.
“But,”shecontinued,“Idon’twantthistobeoneway.”Shereachedout,startlinghimbycupping

hisfulllength.Theheatofherhandsearedthroughhisbicycleshorts,butthatwasnothingcompared
tothepressure.Damn,shehadsuchgoodhands.“Lovetheoutfit,bytheway.Whatexactlypossessed
youtowearit?”

Hisshrugstoppedhalfwayasshestartedtostrokeupanddownthelengthofhim.Heabruptly

pulledherhandawayorhe’dcomerightthere.

“Iwasthechubby,half-blindkidinschool.Couldn’tseewellenoughtodoanythingathletic.”
Shestraightenedup.“Half-blind?”
Henodded.“Congenitaleyething.Evenwithcontactlenses,Ioftenhavetouseglasses.My

gogglesareevenprescription.”Hegesturedtohistoolbox.Hisgoggleswererightontop.

“I’msorry,”shesaid.“Thatmusthavebeenhard.”Therewasnopityinhervoice,andhisheart

warmed.

“Itwasharderonmybrother.He’scompletelyblind.AtleastIcansee,thankstomodern

technology.Andmysister ’seyesarecompletelynormal.ButforTommy,well,we’restillfaraway
fromcyberneticimplants.”

Shefrowned.“Isn’ttheroboticsfirmworkingonsomethinglikethat?Ihearditontheelevator,

Ithink.Coupleofengineerstalkingabouthelpingtheblindtosee.”

Samfeltequalpartssurprisedatherknowledgeandnervousabouthisidentity.Itwasridiculous

giventhathe’djustofferedhermoney.Ifthatwasn’tacluethathewasmorethanhepretended,then
hedidn’tknowwhatwas.ButhealsorealizedthathelikedherthinkingofhimasaregularJoe—or
ratherregularjanitor—becausetheycouldrelatetooneanotheraspeoplewithoutthepressureofhis
imageasamillionairemogul.

“Um,yeah,”hehedged.“They’rebetatestingakindofradarthatgivessoundcueswhenthings

areclose.Butit’sreallycomplicatedandtooexpensivefortheaverageperson.”

“That’stoobad,”shesaid,herbrowsnarrowing.“Ibetyouknowallthegoodgossipinthis

building.Giventhesecurityaroundhere,youprobablyknowwho’ssleepingwithwhom,who’s
cheatingontheirtaxes,whocouldbenefitfromagoodadcampaign…”

Nothardly,butitwasagoodguessgiventhathepretendedtospendhisdayswatchingheronthe

securitymonitors.“Iknowsomethings,”hehedged,“butnothingaboutadvertising.”Butheknew
someonehecouldask.Maybetherealheadofmaintenancewouldknow.

Shesmiled.“It’sokay.That’smyjobanyway,notyours.ThoughitoccurstomethatImightbe

justoneinawholeharemofelevatorconquests.”

Helaughed.“No,Iswear.You’retheonlyonetoseemeinmybicycleshortsinyears.”
“Yeah,backtothat…”Shepushedupsothatshewassittingbesidehim.“Seemsastrangething

toweartoahandcuffing…er,anklecuffing.”

“Iwantedsomethingsexythatwouldworkundercoveralls.ThiswasallIhad.Don’tevenowna

pairofregularshorts.”

“Soyou’reajeansorSpandexkindofguy?”
Hesnorted.Putlikethat,hesoundedgay.Orlikesomeonewithasuperherodelusion.“You’re

makingmefeellikethatfatten-year-oldagain.”

“Oh,no,”shepurredassheranherhanduphisthigh.Hestoppedherbeforeshegotveryhigh,

butitdidn’tseemtomatter.Hervoicesenthisdickintooverdrive.“Thelookdefinitelyworksonyou.
Orrather,onme.”

Allhisbloodhadpooledsouthofhisbrain,buthewasn’tcompletelystupid.“Youdon’twantto

gobacktowork,doyou?”

Sheliftedherhandsothatshecouldstrokeuphischest.Herfingerswerecoolacrosshisbelly,

buthisbloodheatednonetheless.

“Don’tunderestimateyourself,”shesaid.“Youdon’tlookchubbyorblind.Youlookripped.

Andhotenoughtokeepmymindoffofbillsforavery,verylongtime.”

“Julie—”
“I’mstillcuffedtomydesk,”shesaidwhenhemighthavebackedaway.Clearlyshehadno

interestindeeperconversation.“Thebondagemustmeansomethingtoyou.Doyouperhapshavea
dominationfantasy?Areyouthebig,badboss,andIyourworkerslave?”

Heswallowed.Damn,shedidhaveagoodimagination.
“Oh,my,”shesaidinahigh,anxiousvoice.“WhatmustIdo,sir,togainmyfreedom?”
Hedidn’treallyhaveadominationfantasy.Unlikethejanitorhepretendedtobe,hewasboss

overscoresofpeopleandhadnoneedtoprovehispowertoanyone.Andyet,shewasobviously
enjoyingherself,havingfunwithherrole-playingfantasies.

Unabletoresist,hewaggledhiseyebrowsather.“Idon’tknow,MissThompson.Youhavebeen

quitetheslackerlately.Takingnapsunderyourdeskandall.”

Shegrinnedevenassheduckedherhead.“Ooh,Idon’tknow.MaybeIneedtobespanked.”

Thenshelifteduponherkneesenoughtotwistherbottomtowardhim.

Henearlyswallowedhistongue.“Areyouseriouslyupforspanking?”heasked,incredulous.

He’dneverbeeninterested,butthesightofherpertlittlebehindmadehisdicktwitch.

Meanwhile,shewasobviouslythinkinghard.“I…uh…Idon’tknow,”shefinallyconfessed.“I’m

justbeginningtoexploremywildside.Whips.Leather.They’reallpossibilities,Iguess.”Thenshe
leaneddownclosetohimandherhairslippedoverhershouldertoticklehisface.“You’retheone
whocuffedme,Mr.Bossman.Whatdoyouwanttoplay?”

God,shewasdelightful.Nooneeveraskedhimtoplay.NotMr.RoboticBillionaire.Notsince

heandTommyhadbeenkids.AndnoonebutJuliehadeverlookedathimlikethat,playfuland
seductiveallatonce.

“Mygod,”hewhispered,stunnedbytherealization.“I’veforgottenhowtoplay.”
Shelaughed,thesoundhighandsweet.“Lifebeentooseriousforyou,ElevatorMan?All

brokenthermostatsandpoweroutages?”

Morelikecircuitboards,way-too-expensiveAIcomponentsandfailedmarketingplans.Buthe

didn’tsaythat.Allhedidwasnoddumblyather.“That’swhyIfirstnoticedyou,evenbeforeour,um,
collisionintheelevator,”hesaidasmuchtohimselfastoher.“Youwerelaughing.Irememberthe
soundsoclearly.Yousoundedlikeyouwerehavingsomuchfun.”

Shelookedathim,herexpressionslowlysobering.Theywerenearlynosetonose.Onelittle

shiftforwardandhecouldkissher.Buthedidn’t.Themoodwasn’tright.Itwasn’tsexual—orkissing
kindofsexual,atleast—andshewasobviouslythinkinghard.

“PoorMr.ElevatorMan,”shesaidsoftly.“Half-blindandworkinginthebasementallday.”
Thetopfloor,actually,buttheeffectwasthesame.
“Youdon’tevengobikingforreal,doyou?Juststayonanexercisebike.”Sheshookherhead.

“Yougottagetoutofthisbuilding.”

Unabletoresist,hetouchedherface.“Comewithme.Makemelaughlikeyouwerethatday.”
Hesawherthinkaboutit.Hesawherlookintohiseyesandbiteherlowerlip.Thenhereyes

zippedsidewaystoherdesk.

“Thebillswillbetheretomorrow,”hecoaxed.“You’reworriedaboutme,butwhenwasthelast

timeyougotout?”

Shetwistedherlipsintoahalfsmile.“Igotoffabouttenminutesago.”
Hesmiled.“Notthesamething.”
“Whatwouldwedo?”
“Whateveryouwant.”
Hereyesnarrowed,buttherewasagleamofexcitementinhergaze.“Whenwasthelasttime

youwentbowling?”

“Wiibowling?Ornormal?”
Sheblinked.“Uh,normal.”Thenhereyeswidenedasshefigureditout.“Wiibowlingcanbe

madehugeonthescreen.Normalbowling…”

“Notsomuch.”
Shefrowned.“You’dkickmyassatWiibowling,wouldn’tyou?”
Hesmiled.“Maybe.”Definitely.
“Normalitisthen.”
“What?Waitaminute!”
Sheshookherhead.“Howbadareyoureyes?Canyouseethepins?Theyhavelinesinthelane,

andtherealsecrettobowlingisinthehandsanyway.”Sheleanedforwarduntilherlipswerealmost
touchinghis,teasinghimasshespoke.“Andyou’vegotgreathands.”

Hewantedherrightthen.Hewantedhermorethanhisnextbreath.Buthedidn’twanttobreak

themagicofthismomenteither.

Shemusthaveunderstood.Eitherthatorshewassimplyamindreaderbecauseshepushedupto

herfeetwithasigh.“Problemis,I’mstillchainedtomydesk.Idon’tknowifmybosswillletme
free.”

Hestayedstillonthefloor,lookingupthelongexpanseofherlegandthatloose,flowingskirt.

Worse,heknewthatshehadnounderwearonbeneath.

“Bendover,”herasped.“Bendoverlikeyoudidthismorning.”
Shetwistedslightly,lookingdownoverhershoulderathim.Andthen—yes!—shewinked

beforesheslowly,delightfullybentatthewaist.

“Ihavesomethinginmypurse,”shesaidasherskirtslowlyinchedupherthighs.Herbottom

wasrightinfrontofhim,andhetouchedit,strokeditthroughthesoftcottonofherdress.Godshe
wasperfect,hethoughtashegottohisfeetbehindher.

“Hereitis!”shecried.“Maybethiswillbuymemyfreedom.”Stillbentover,sheofferedhima

foilpacket.

Hetookit,hisdicksoharditwaspainfultomove.Buthedidn’twanthertofeelobligated.Like

theonlywayhewouldtakeherbowlingwasifshespreadandpresented,sotospeak.

“Wedon’tneedto—”
Shestraightenedenoughtoshoothimaglare.“Youstandtherelikemyownpersonalsexgod

andarerefusingme?Thatissonotfair!”

Hegapedather,butshedidn’tgivehimtimetospeak.
“Yeah,I’mbeingblunthere,butworkaholicslikemedon’thavetimetobeataroundthebush.

You’retheonewhochainedmetomydesk.You’retheonewiththesculptedabsandthebighands.
NowareyougoingtofulfillthepromiseofthosetightshortsoramIgoingtohavetodropa
bowlingballonyourfoot?”

Helaughed.God,hereallylaughed.Buthediditwhilehewaspushingdownhisshortsand

suitingupwithshakinghands.Meanwhile,shehadwidenedherlegs—andthankyou,God!—shewas
stillwearingthosegreatredstilettoshoes.

“MissThompson,youhavebeenabadgirl,”hesaidsternly,gettingintothespiritofthegame.

“I’mgoingtohavetopunishyou.”

“Oh,no,sir!I’magoodgirl!IswearIam!”
Hegrabbedhershouldersandpushedherforward,movingherarmssothatshewasbracing

herselfonherdesk.Andthenheslidhishandsdownhertorso,takingtimetofondleherdelicious
breasts.

Shewhimperedinmockhorror,butshearchedherbackinclearinvitation.Andwhenhe

pinchedhernipples,hesworesheshudderedindelight.Thenheslidhishandsloweralongherhips
beforeabruptlyflippingherskirtupoverherback.Thereshewas,allpinkandperfectrightinfront
ofhim.“Don’tmove,MissThompson,”heordered.“Goodgirlsdon’tmove.”

Hereyeswidened.“I’magoodgirl,”shewhispered.
Heslidhishandbetweenherlegs,strokingaslowcircleoverherclit.Shearchedintohishand.
“You’removing,MissThompson.”
“I’msorry,”shegasped,clearlynotsorryatall.
Hepulledaway,shiftinghishandstoherhipsashepositionedher.“Youcannotmove,Miss

Thompson.Doyouunderstandme?”

“Yes,sir.I’llbestill.Ipromise.”
Heputhimselfatheropening.Hefelthermusclesclench,evenbeforehepushedinside.
Hethrusthardintoher,makinghergaspandhimgroan.“Youmoved,”herasped.God,she

wrappedhiminhot,tightheaven.“Youneedtobestill,”heorderedashepushedhishandsunderher
dress,glidingupwarduntilhecuppedherbreastswithbothhands.

“Yes,”shewhispered.
Hepinchedhernipplesonce,andwasthrilledwhensheshivered.“Yes,sir,”heordered.
“Yes.Sir!”
“Now,don’tmove.”Hewithdrew,aslidethathadhiseyesrollingbackinhishead.She

whimperedatthelossandtriedtoslidebackwardwithhim.

Hepinchedhernipplesagain,thistimeaddingatinytwist.“Isaiddon’tmove!”
Shefrozeinfullarch.Herheadwasthrownback,herbreastswerethrustintohishands,andher

bottomwasquivering.Butshedidn’tmoveandhecouldn’tgetenoughofthesight.

“God,you’rebeautiful,”hesaidashereverseddirection.Hepushedinalittle.Oh,itwastorture.

Tohellwithslow.Hetightenedhisbellyandrammedtherestofthewayhome.Yes!

“MayI…”Hervoicewashighandbreathy.Softpantsfilledtheroom.“MayImovealittle,sir?”

sheasked.“Onetinypartofme?”

“Sinceyouaskednicely,”hesaid.“Youmaymoveonething.”
Hethoughtshewasgoingtopressagainsthim.Hethoughtshemightpushherbreastsharder

intohishands.Hewaswrong.

Herbodyremainedcompletelystill.Everything,thatis,butherinternalmuscles.Shesqueezed

him.Onelongfullsqueeze,thensherelaxed.Hisbreathcaughtinhisthroat.Neverbeforehadhe
experiencedsuchadeliberate,controlledpressure.Notlikethat.

Hishandsclenched.Hell,hiswholebodyclenchedinhunger.“God!”hegasped.“Wheredidyou

learnthat?”

“Tantricyoga,”sheanswered.“Iread.Ipracticed.ButI’venevertrieditbefore.”Thenshe

twistedherheadenoughtolookathim.“CanImoveagain,sir?”

Heswallowed,fightingtokeephisvoicelevelandcasual.“Yes,MissThompson.IbelieveI

wouldlikeyouto…oh,God.”

Shewasdoingitagainandhewasinheaven.Onelong,slowcontraction.
“MissThompson,”hesaid,hisvoiceunnaturallythick.“IbelieveIwaswrong.Youareavery

goodgirl.”

“Thankyou,sir.”

“Ithinkyoudeservetoberewarded.”Hemassagedherbreasts.Hewasclumsy,hismindfogged

withlust.

“Oh,sir!”shecriedashethrustintoher.Hehadn’tintendedtomove,buthisbodywastaking

over,hisneedtohaveherovercomingallrestraint.

Hemovedahanddownbetweenherlegs.Twostrokeslater,andsheslippedovertheedge.She

criedout,archingintohishand.Butitwasthewaysheconvulsedaroundhimthatsenthimover.

Heslammedintoher,embeddinghimselfasdeepashecouldgo.Itwaslikehisminddetonated

andhisbodywasjustpartoftheexplosion.Hisconsciousnesswent,too.Mind,body—everything—
followedherintooblivion.Andthen…

Hisbeeperwentoff.

8

J

ULIELAYCOLLAPSED

forwardonherdesk,herorgasmstillripplingthroughher,thoughinamuted

waynow.Shemostlyfeltblissinthequietwayofasilentmind,apleasuredbodyandamanstilldeep
insideher.She’dnevertoldanyone,butshefeltpleasurejustfromfeelingfilledbyaman.Orgasms
werebeyondgreat,butthiswasawesome,too.Penetrated.Impaled.Expanded.Whatevertheword,
Samdiditforher.

Hisbeeperwasapersistentbuzznow,loudandannoyingfromhistoolbox.Samgroanedashe

layonherback.Hewaspleasantlyheavy,andhismoanmadeherlaugh.Shedidn’twanthimtomove
either,butshedidn’twanthimtolosehisjob.

“ShallIgetit?”sheaskedasshesqueezedhimonelasttime.
Heslowlypushedhimselfupright.“You’regoingtokillme.”
“Butyou’lldiehappy,”shedrawled.“I’veheardthatbefore.”
“Doesn’tmakeitanylesstrue,”hesaid.Heslippedfreeandhalfwalked,halfstumbledtohis

toolbox.Rootingaround,hepulledoutnothisbeeper,butsomecleanwipes.Heofferedherthe
container,andshepulledsomefreegratefully.Hegrabbedanotherforhimself.Meanwhile,the
electronicbuzzjustkeptongoing.

“Really.Yougottaanswerthat.”
Hepulleduphisphoneandthumbeditsilent.
“No,really,”shesaidasshestraightenedupandherdressslippedneatlyintoplace.Therewere

wrinkles,butnottoobad.Itwasoneofthereasonsshelovedthisoutfit.“Idon’twanttogetyouin
trouble.”

Hearchedalookather.“IthinkI’malreadyinwaydeep.”
Shedidn’tanswer,herthroatsuddenlydry.Hislookandhistonesuggestedsomethingotherthan

gettingintotroublewithhisboss.

Shebitherlip,surprisedthattheideadidn’tgeneratefear.Samwasaniceguy,andhewas

seriouslyhot.Whatwouldbetheproblemwithmovinganonymousfantasytoamorepersonallevel?

Shewinced.TheproblemwouldcomewhenshemovedbacktoNebraskainthreeweeks.

“Sam…”shebegan,butwascutoffwhenshetriedtosteptohim.Shecouldn’t.Shewasstillcuffedto
herdesk.“Uh,yougotthekeyhandy,bondageman?”

“MaybeIwanttokeepyouthere—”Hiswordswerecutoffashisphonebuzzedagain.He

grabbeditwithonehandwhiletheotherrootedaboutinhistoolbox,thenpassedherasmallkey.She
wasfreeingherselfwhenhestartedcursing.

“Damn.Damndamndamndamn!”
“Crisis?”
“Disaster,”hesaidwithaheavysighashetappedoutamessagewithangryclicks.“Roboticslab.

EMAcaughtonfire.Morons.”

“Emma?”sheasked.
“Hmm?”Hewasstillthumbingthroughmessages.“EnvironmentManagementAid.Fancyrobot

fordisabledpeople.Thethingthatcostsaboutsixteentimeswhatanormalpersoncanafford.”He

droppedhisphonebackintohistoolbox,hisexpressiononeofcompletedisgust.“Morons.”

Sheraisedhereyebrows,alittlesurprisedtohearhimsodismissiveofpeoplesheknewmust

haveimpressiveeducationalbackgrounds.“I’msuretheythoughttheyhaditundercontrol.”

“SoamI,”hegroused.“Buttheywerewrong.Itoldthemtomakesureitdidn’toverheat.They

assuredmeitwouldbefine.Iassuredthemtheyhadtotriplecheckthespecs.Apparently,they
ignoredme,andnowIhavetogocleanupthemess.”

Shefrownedassheloweredherselfintoherdeskchair.“They’reroboticsexperts.Maybe

somethingelsewentwrong.”Shedidn’tsayit,butherthoughtwas,you’rejustajanitor.Howcould
youthinkyouknowbetterthantheengineersupstairs?

Excepthe’dbeenright.Therehadbeenafire.Andnow,forsomereason,hewasthego-toguy

forcleanup.Hiscellbuzzedagainandheturneditoff,alookoffrustrationonhisface.Thenhe
startedpullingonhisclothing,hismindobviouslychurning.Butaboutwhat?Firecleanup?

“Shouldwe…um…evacuatethebuildingorsomething?”sheasked.“Arethefiremenontheir

way?”

Helookedather,afrownonhishandsomeface.“What?Oh.No.Fire’sout.Ijusthavetogo

makesure…”Hisvoicetrailedoffandheflushed.Hisgazecantedawaytohiscoverallswhichhe
reachedforwithagrimace.“I’ve,uh,gottagomopupthe…uh…extinguishermess.Ajanitor ’swork
isneverdone,”headdedwithawrytwisttohislips.

Shestoodupandcrossedtowherehewaspullingonhiscoveralls.Withasmile,shebrushedhis

handsawayandzippeditupherself.Slowly.Carefully.Takinghertimeasshetuckedallthose
gloriousabsawaybeneathheavycotton.

Hewatchedher.Shecouldfeelhiseyesonherface,evenasshewaslookingatthebroad

expanseofhischest.Andwhenthezipperwaspulledallthewayuptohischin,shefinallyliftedher
gazetohis.

Shewantedtosaysomething.Shewantedtoexpressherjoy,hercomplicatedregretsabouther

future,andhersimplethanksforthetimethey’dalreadyshared.Butshedidn’thavethewords.Soshe
didtheonlythingshecould.

Shestretcheduponhertoesandkissedhim.Deepandfullwhilehisarmswrappedaroundher

andpulledhertight.Hismouthwasmasterful,dominatingherquickly,justasshewanted.Andjustas
shewanted,hermindslippedawaybeneaththeonslaught.Herbodytightened,hercorewentliquid,
andinaninstantshewashungryforhimagain.Forgettheroboticslab.Therealfirewasrighthere
betweenthem.

Hebrokeawayfromherwithagroan.Theywerebothbreathinghard,andhehadn’treleasedhis

holdonher.

“Iwanttoseeyouagain,”herasped.“Andnotjustforthis.”Hetightenedhisholdonher,

pressinghisfullerectionagainsther.Wow,hewasamanwithaquickrecovery!“Iwanttogo
bowlingwithyourightnow.”

Shegrinned.Really,itwasthegreatestturn-ontohaveaguythishotdesperatetobewithher.
“Youneedtogotakecareoftheroboticslab.Oneofusshouldhaveapayingjob.”Shesaidit

withalaugh,butthenimmediatelysobered.Shedidnotwanttosuggestthattheywereacouple.That
oneofthemshouldbeworkingtohelpcoverfortheother.

Thankfully,hedidn’tseemtonoticehermistake.Hesteppedawayfromherandrubbedhishand

overhisfaceinfrustration.“Idon’tknowhowlongthisthingisgoingtotaketonight.Whatabout
tomorrownight?Wannahandmemyballstomorrow?”

Shesnortedathisdoubleentendre.Thethingsshewantedtodowithhisballsdidnotinvolvea

publicbowlingalleyorspecialshoes.Butthat,ofcourse,wastheexactproblem.Thiswholething
hadstartedasfantasysexplay.Goingouttogetherwastakingittoawholenewandpersonallevel.

Sure,she’dbeentheonetosuggestitinthefirstplace,butnow—aftertheglowhadfaded—she

worriedaboutwhatshewasdoing.

“Sam,”shebegan,choosingherwordswithcare.“I’mleavingChicagointhreeweeks.”
“Iknow—”
“AndIdon’tdolong-distancerelationships.Theydon’twork.”
Hepausedforamoment,hiseyebrowsnarrowing.“Youmean,itdidn’twork,don’tyou?You

trieditoncewithsomeoneanditdidn’tworkthattime.”

Sheshruggedtocoverhersurprise.Hewasaperceptiveman.“Highschoolsweetheart.Jerkwas

unfaithfulatcollegeorientation,butIdidn’tfindoutuntilChristmas.”

“Thatsucks.”
Shenodded.“Isobbedallthroughtheholiday.Fortunately,Imetjerknumbertworightafter.”

Herlipscurvedinasemblanceofasmile.“Wedidhavesomegoodtimesthereforabit.”

“Andthen?”heprompted.
“Thenhetookayearabroad.Ipinedforhimnightly.”
“AndhewastrippingthenightfantasticdowntheChamps-Élysées?”
Shenodded.“ButitwasaTokyostreetandaFrenchexchangestudent.”
Hewincedinsympathy.“Ouch.Ineverkeptagirlfriendlongenoughtogolongdistance.We

alwaysbrokeupbeforewemovedapart.”

Shetookadeepbreath,halfwantingtoknowmore,halfshyingaway.“Thepointis,”shesaid

withasigh,“I’mleavinginthreeweeks.”

“Youkeepsayingthat—”
“BecauseIam.Thiswasneverintendedtobemorethan—”
“Anelevatorlay.Yes,Iknow.”Hisvoicewascurt,hisexpressiontightwithfrustration.Thenhe

moderatedhisvoiceandhisfaceashetouchedherhand,gentlytwiningherfingerswithhisand
tugginghercloser.Shedidn’tmove,sohesteppedclosertoher.

“Iknowthisisyourwildflingbeforeleaving.Igetthat.I’mokaywiththat.”Hedidn’tsound

okaywiththat,butshedidn’targue.“Butitdoesn’thavetobeallfantasy,right?Wecanstillgo
bowling,can’twe?”Thenheleanedforward,touchinghisforeheadtohers.“YousaidIneededtoget
outmore.Thiswasyouridea.”

“Iknow!Andyoudo!”shehuffed,abruptlytorn.Shewantedtogowithhim,butshealsodidn’t

wanttodigindeeperrelationship-wise.“Butshouldn’tyoubelookingforothergirls?Other
friends?”

Helaughed,butthesoundcameoutstrained.“How’boutItakeasmallstepatatime?Onenight

outwithagirlwhoisdesignedtonotbelongterm.Then,aftershegoes,I’llthinkaboutsomeone
else.”

Shewasn’tfooled.Hewasanglingformoretimewithher.Adeeperconnection.Andtruthfully,

partofherreallywantedthat.Hewasfunnyandsexyandkind.Andwhenshewaswithhim,shedidn’t
thinkaboutthebillsonherdeskorthatshehadn’ttoldherparentsshewascominghomein
ignominiousdefeat.Sammadehersmile.Andscreaminorgasmicfrenzy.Whywouldn’tshewantto
gobowlingwithhim?

“It’sshortterm,Julie.Igetit.Justsayyes,soIcangosavethebuildingfromovereagerrobotics

engineers.”

Shelaughedandthewordcameoutalongwithhergiggle.“Yes.”Thenshestretchedforward

andkissedhimlightlyonthelips.“Yes.Butonlytogetyououtofthisbuilding,Mr.LonelyElevator
Man.AndonlybecauseIneedtheegoboostoftrouncingsomeoneatsomething!”

Hesmiled.“Beatmeanytimeatanything.”Thenheheldherhipsandgroundplayfullyagainst

her.“Inanyway.”

God,heknewjusthowtoteaseher.“Tomorrowatsix,we’llgoforthethreeBs.”
Hetiltedhishead.ThreeBs?”
“Beer,bratsandbowling.What,haven’tyoueverbeeninNebraska?”
Hetiltedhishead.“Notinrecentmemory.”
“Well,Idon’tknowifit’satraditioneverywhereinNebraska,butmyfamilyisabigThree-B

fan.”

“IlookforwardtolearningthewondersofNebraskantraditions.”
Shearchedabrow.“Lookforwardtogettingyourbuttwhoopedatbowling,ElevatorMan.”

Thenshewaved.“Nowgo!Saveusfromburningalive.”

Henoddedwithagrimaceashegrabbedhistoolbox.Hepausedamoment,clearlywantingto

saysomething.Shenoddedinsilentunderstanding.Shedidn’tknowwhattosayeither.

Withanothernod,hemovedtoherdoor.Shewasalreadyturningbacktoherdeskwhenhe

stopped.Shewaslisteningtohiseverymove,sosheknewthemomenthepausedandshelookedup,
wonderingwhathewanted.

“Sam?”
“Yourinternet’sbackup.Andthethermostat’sfixed.Youshouldn’tbehavinganymore

problems.”

Shetookamomenttofeeltheair.Hewasright.Thetemperaturewasbacktonormal,the

electricityabsolutelystable.Sheknewifshetriedit,herinternetwouldbefine.

“Wasiteverreallybroken?”
Heflashedheracockygrinbeforeheleft.Hehadn’tansweredherquestion,butshealready

knewthetruth.Hehadengineeredeverythingthathadhappenedherethisafternoon.

Damn,themanwasinnovative!Thathehadturnedhisprodigiousskillstofulfillingher

fantasieswasanamazingstrokeofluck.Howhadshemanagedtohookupwiththeoneguywho
couldstopelevators,superheatherofficeandplaybossmangames?Herfaceheatedatthememory.
Andthenshestartedthinkingaboutwhatnewandspecialfunhewouldcookupforhernext.

Itwasonlyaftershe’dreturnedtothebills,aftershe’dopenedherlaptopandstartedlookingat

accountingnumbers,thathermindraisedtheobviousquestion.Itwasasmallquestion,butitnagged
ather.IfSamcoulddoallthat,plustellengineerswheretheirrobotwasgoingtogowrong,whatwas
hedoingasajanitor?

T

WO-FIFTEENINTHEMORNING

andSamwasstaringathisemail.Hiseyeswerebleary—evenmoreso

thanusual—hispetprojectEMAwasacharredmess,andheneededashowerreallybad.Butherehe
wasathisdesk,hisglovedhandhoveringovertheSendbutton.

Didhedare?Didhetaketherisk?
ItwasaninvitationtoMissJulieThompsonofWebWitandWondertovisittheCEOofRFEto

discusspotentialwork.Itwasn’tfromSam,theElevatorMan.Thiswasaformalinvitetodiscussa
possiblejob.ItwasalurethatJuliewouldsurelygraspwithbothhands.Anditwasabigdamnlie.

Therewasn’tworkatRFEforher.Well,maybetherewas.Hedidn’tknow.He’dhavetotalkto

Ginnyaboutthat—butthatwasn’tthepoint!Itwasthecoward’swayofforcinghimtocomecleanto
Julie.Shewouldaccepttheinvitationbecauseshewasdesperateforwork.Shewouldcomeuphere
allprofessionalandenergetic,readytopitchwhateverhercreative,brilliantmindcameupwith,and
thenshewouldseehim.

Shewouldknowhewasnotsomejanitor.Shewouldrealizethathe’dbeenlyingtoherallthis

time.Andshewould…what?Beangry?Definitely.Hopefully,hecouldgetherpastheranger,butthen
what?Wouldsheforgivehim?Maybe.Wouldsheturnonhimandtrytoextortajoboutofhim?

Maybe.Thatwas,afterall,exactlythelurehewasusingtobringheruphere.Hecouldn’tblameherif
shedid.

Butthenwhat?Anofficeromance?Justlikeshedidn’tdolongdistance,heputthekiboshon

datingpeopleheworkedwith.He’dhadacouplerelationshipswithcoworkers,andallhadgoneupin
flames.Oneofthemhadeventakenacorporateprojectwithherwhensheleft.

HedidnotwantthathappeningwithJulie.Buthecouldn’tkeepbeingherjanitor,either.Yes,

he’dsaidhewasokaywiththreeweeksofanonymoussex,butthatwasalie.Abigfatwhopperofa
lie.

Hewantedmorewithher.Hewantedtospendtimewithher,toexploretheirchemistry—sexual

andotherwise—foraslongashecould.Threeweeksorthreecenturies—itdidn’tmatter.Atthe
moment,hewasn’tpicky.Hejustwantedtimetofindoutiftheyfitinmorewaysthanunderherdesk.

Butwhatifshefoundoutthetruthandcalledeverythingoff?He’dbarelymanagedtogetherto

agreetobowling.Thatwasaspersonalasshewantedtoget,andeventhatwasastretch.Whatifshe
foundoutwhohereallywasandeverythinggotveryweird,veryfast.Andnotinthecuffed-to-her-
deskkindofway?

Hesatdowninhischairandpulledoffhislabgloveswithagrunt.Hell,washereallywillingto

riskendinghotforaysintosexualfantasyforthepossibilityofarelationship?Thepossibilityofa
relationshipthatwaslikelygoingtoendinthreeweeks?Washenuts?

Yes.Yes.Yes.Completelybonkers.ButhehadtogetclosertoJulie.Hehadtomeetherhonestly

ashimself.Onlythenwouldtheyhavethechanceofprogressingbeyondtheelevator.

Withasuddenburstofcourage,hehittheSendbutton.Afterall,herationalized,hehadjust

proposedameeting,notsetthetimeanddateforit.Theycouldgettogetherlaterintheweek,whenhe
wasmorecertainofJulie’sreaction.Or,ifthingswentbadlyatbowling,hecouldpostponethe
appointmentuntilaftershe’dleftforNebraska.Hewasjustgivinghimselfoptions.Confessornot.
Meetornot.Hotsexornot.

HisgazetraveledovertowherereplacementpartsforEMAsatinpiecesonhistable.Robots

weresomucheasierthanwomen.Robotsnevermadeyousweatoveremails.Theynevermadeyou
questionyourfundamentallifestyle,likeifhehadforgottenhowtohavefunornot.Andtheynever,
evermadeyouleavethelab.

Whichwasthewholepoint,wasn’tit?That’swhyhehadnoticedJulieinthefirstplace.Shewas

brightandfunnyandsoalivethathecouldn’tignoreher.Shewastheonethingthathewouldnever
findinroboticcomponents.Whichmeanthehadtotaketherisk.Hehadtodowhatevernecessaryto
makesurethathedidn’tchickenout.

Flippingthroughhiscalendar,hequicklycomposedanotheremail.Init,hesuggestedJamesS.

Finn,CEOofRFE,meetwithMissThompsononFridayafternoonat4:00p.m.Thatway,ifthings
wentbadly,theycouldseparatewithouttoomuchawkwardness.Butifthingswentwell,thenthey’d
haveawholeweekendtoplay.Hepausedamomenttothinkaboutexactlywhenwasthelasttimehe’d
plannedaweekendofplay.Somethingthatdidn’tinvolvereconstructingaroboticversionofEMA.
Notsincehewasayoungkidathome.

HewassmilingashehitSend.“I’lljusthavetomakesurethatthingsgowell,”hesaidtoEMA’s

roboticcircuitboardbrain.“Very,verywell.”

9

T

HISWASABADIDEA.

Samhadthoughtheneededtoleavetheofficebuilding,getoutandspendtime

withJulie.ThathadbeentheideaandthereasonhethoughtJuliewassoappealing:becauseshe
forcedhimoutofhiscomfortzone.Andifthatmeantoutofthebuilding,thenthatwasgreat.Except
itwasn’tgreat.Itwasterrible.Andsomecomfortzoneswerenotmeanttobeexpanded.

“Somethingwrongwithyourbrats?”Julieaskedfromwhereshewastuckedupagainstthe

counter.FridaynightatGreatBallsBowlingwasapparentlytheplacetobeforhalfofChicago.They
werecurrentlyatthealleybarforbeerandbrats,andhehadyettotoucheither.

“Huh?”hesaid,leaningclosetohear.Mostlyhewastryingtogetagoodimageofhermouthso

thathisspecialtyglassescouldreadherlipsandtranscribewhatshesaidintoabright,whiterolling
screenofwordsthatonlyhecouldsee.Butitwasdiminthebowlingalley.Andnoisy.Andwaytoo
muchforeitherhimorhisglassestodealwith.Hencethereasonthisexcursionwasareallybadidea.

“Iaskediftherewassomethingwrongwithyourbrats?”
Thankgodhecouldhearbecausehissoftwaretranslatedherquestionas:Idonkeyifsarong

pongbras?

“Oh,”heanswered.“No,nothing’swrong.”Hedutifullytookabiteofthethick,greasysausage.

Hmmm.Notbad.“Ijustdidn’tthinktheyservedbratsatabowlingalley.”

“MybrothercameforavisitmyfirstyearinChicago.Wecalledhalfadozenplacesbeforewe

foundthisone.”Shepoppedabiteintohermouth.“Backhomewewouldcalltheseacceptable,butnot
Nebraskan.”

Hearchedhisbrows.“Nebraskaspecializesinbrats?”
“TheydoifyouaskaThompson.”
Henodded.Hisglasseshadtranslatedthatas:TheydoifyoueatAdam’sone.
“Howlongdidyourbrotherstay?”
“Justaweekend.He’sinthenavy.Wasonthewaytosomewhere,butmanagedtoflyinon

Friday,hangwithme,thencontinueonSunday.”Shegesturedouttowardthecrowdedlanesthathe
couldn’tseeexceptasablurofcolorandsound.“WecameherethatFriday.ThenagainonSaturday.”

Samcaughtanedgetohervoice.Notabadone.Justahintofprideovertheaffection.“Letme

guess.HebeatyouonFriday,butyoukickedhisassonSaturday.”

Shereleasedabarkoflaughter,whichhisglassesreadas:“Ow!Ow!”
“How’dyouguess?”sheasked.
Heshrugged.“Iamnotunfamiliarwithsiblingcompetition.”
Shefrowned.“Youtookprideinbeatingyourblindbrotherinstuff?”
“Hell,yes!”hesaid.“Hewasachessmasterbysixteen.And,yes,Ialsotookgreatpridein

beatingmylittlesister,too.Shethoughtaboutgoingprointennisbutdecidedlawschoolwasthe
betterchoice.”

“Hmm,”Juliesaidasshesetdownherbeer.“Soyouhadabrilliantolderbrotherandanathlete

youngersister.Justhowdidyoucompetefromthemiddle?”

“Verywell,actually,”herespondedwithagrin.Thenheleanedincloseasiftoimpartagreat

secret.Really,hejustwantedtogetcloseenoughtosmellher.Inthisplaceofnoiseandchaotic
colors,hissenseofsmellwastheonlythingleft,shortoftouchingorlickingher.Notthathewas
opposedtothateither.“Ihadasecretweapon.”

“Really?”
Hallelujah.Hisglassesgotthatoneright.
“Yeah.Icheated.”
“How?”
“Computers.Robots.Anythingmechanicalthatcouldgivemetheedge.Mybrotherwasblind,so

IboughtthebestchessprogramIcouldaffordandletitplayforme.”

“Clever,”shesaid,appreciationgleaminginhereyes.Clearlysheunderstoodthedrivetobesta

brother.

“Itworkedforawhile,buthefoundmeout.”Heshrugged.“Mysisterrattedonme.”
“Oh.Well,sohowdidyougetbackather?”
“Shewasanathlete,andIcouldn’tseeworthadamn.So,IusedtheonlyweaponIhad.”
“Whichwas…?”
“Ihobbledher.”
Juliesnortedintoherbeer.“Youputchainsonherankles?”
“Morelikeweightsinhershoes.Orherracquet.Myfavorite,though,wasthiswheeledrobot

thatIputonhersideofthecourtto‘help’her.”

“Youmadearobot?”
Henodded.“It’snotthathard,andmydadwasanelectrician,sohehelpedmesetitup.AllBessy

hadtodowasrollaroundatrandomandinterferewithJanet’sshots.”

“Bessy?YounamedyourrobotBessy?”
“Itwasperfect.Shewashuge,movedlikeadrunkcow,andwasdesignedtoBeatSissy.”He

straightenedinmockoffense.“IwasveryproudofBessy.”

“AndhereIthoughtIhadithardjusttryingtoprotectmyBarbiesfromthreeolderbrothers.”
Henoddedsagely.“Lifewascutthroatatmyhouse.”
“Really?”Sheleanedforward,closeenough(finally!)forhimtosmellherhair.Butheonlygot

atinywhiffbeforeshepulledbackandhewasonceagainoverpoweredbythescentofgreaseand
stalebeer.“Ican’talwaystellwhenyou’reseriousandwhenyou’reteasing.”

“Teasing,”heansweredeasily.“Actually,we’reallreallyclose,physicallyandemotionally.

Well,exceptformysisterwhohasrelocatedtoD.C.She’sclerkingforafederaljudge.”

“Nice!”shesaid,andhefeltasurgeofprideatherclearadmiration.
“We’reweird,butwe’regoodpeople,”hesaidhonestly.
“Dittoforus,”shesaid,andhisglassesgotthatright,too.“Olderbrotherinthenavy,anda

sisterathomehelpingout.Well,stilllookingforexactlywhatshewantstodowithherself.And
littlestbroisinconstruction.Hewantstobeanarchitect.”

“Andmomanddad?”
“Nurseandfootballcoach,respectively.You?”
“Mom’sadisabledrightsadvocateandDad’stheelectrician.Janet’sclerking,likeIsaid,and

Tommy’samassagetherapist.OwnshisowncompanyinWilmette.”

“Andyou’reajanitor,”shesaidslowly,obviouslywonderinghowthathappened.Onesibling

clerkingforajudge,theotherhandicappedbutrunninghisownmassagetherapybusiness.Ajanitor
justdidn’tfitthepicture.

“Maintenanceengineer,”hecorrectedstiffly.
“Butwithclearunderstandingofrobotics,”shesaid.“EnoughtotelltheRFEgeeksthattheir

thingwasgoingtocatchonfire.”

Samstilled,hiseyeswidening.Shecouldn’tpossiblyhavefigureditout,couldshe?Shecouldn’t

knowthathewasJamesS.Finn,couldshe?Ah,hell.

“Julie…”hebegan.
“Didyoufinishcollege?”sheasked,herwordsaccuratelytranscribedbytheglasses.
“What?Um,yeah.Kindof.”Hismindwasspinningwiththefearthatshe’ddiscoveredthetruth

andherquestionthrewhim.

“Whatdoesthatmean?”
Itmeantthathe’dpouredhislasttuitioncheckintohisfirstroboticsproduct.Theonethatwas

thefoundationofRFE.Andthathe’donlyfinishedhisdegreeyearslaterthroughaspecial
dispensationfromthedepartment.Hesubmittedhisdesignspecsasa“specialproject”andgotcredit
fortakingagraduateseminarhe’dactuallytaught.Thatarrangementhadmadehisparentshappyand
GinnythrilledbecauseshecouldsayhewasacollegegraduatewhenRFEappliedforresearchgrants.
Still,comparedtosomeofhisemployees,hiseducationalpedigreewasseriouslylacking.

“Um,”hehedged,becauseJuliewasstillstaringathim,expectingananswer.“I’vethoughtabout

goingbacktoschool.”

Sheshookherhead.“Ican’tfigureyouout.Youseemsosmart,”shesaid.
Hesnorted.“It’snotlikewe’vebeendoingcalculustogether.”
“No,butnoteveryonecanstopanelevatorwithatouchontheircellphone.Andreadjustmy

officethermostatandstopthepowerjusttomyoffice.And,bytheway,thankGoditdidn’thurtmy
computer.”

Hewavedaforkfulofbratather.“Isentasavemessagefirstthroughthewirelesstoyour

laptop.Youwouldn’thavelostanything.AndIknewyou’dbackedupyourentirelaptopthenight
before.”

Shestaredathim.“Howcouldyouknowthat?”
Hesquirmed,abruptlyrealizinghewastalkingtoomuch.“Um,backupsareafeatureofourweb

servicetowhichyousubscribe.”

“Butmylaptop—”
“IsbackeduptoRFE’s.You’reslottedforeveryWednesdaynight.”
Shepausedamoment,chewingthelastofherbratinsilence.Thenshesetdownherforkand

leanedforward.“LikeIsaid,sometimesyouseemscarysmart.Sowhyaren’tyoudoingsomething
morethanfixingofficethermostats?”

“Idunno,”hemumbled.“Lowself-esteem?”Hecouldn’tlookatherwhenhesaidthatwhopper.

Feelingsoflowselfworthwerehardlyhisproblem.Infact,hislastgirlfriendhadaccusedhimof
havingagodcomplex.

Julie,too,snortedindisbelief.“Youseemratherself-assuredtome.”
Hestiffened.“Sexualprowessisnotthesamethingasacademiccojones.”Andtruthbetold,he

didsometimesfeelbadthathedidn’thaveaPhD.Buthedidn’treallythinkheneededone.”

“Whatareyouhidingfrom,Sam?Andwhydoyoukeepfiddlingwithyourglasses?”
“Huh?Oh.”Hepulledoffhisglasses,gladtohavesomewaytodistractherfromthetopicat

hand.“They’reanRFEprototype.Lip-readingsoftwareembeddedintheglasses.”

“Noway!”
Heshowedherhowtoworkthescreen,thenhelpedherputthemon.
“Oh,ow,”shesaid,flinchingathowhislensprescriptionobviouslydistortedherownvision.

“Uh.Wait.”

Hereyesnarrowedintoascrunch,andsheplayedwiththereadoutsize.Onceshewasdone,he

pulledherchinoveruntilshelookeddirectlyathismouth,thenspokeclearlyandslowlytoallowthe
softwareitsbestshot.

“Nowlookdirectlyatmyface.Seehowitpicksupmywords?”
“Oh!Oh,wow.”Thenshetiltedthelensesdownsothatshecouldlookoverthemathisface.

“Thiswouldbesocoolifonlyitworked.”

Hegrimaced.“Didn’tgetmywordsright?”
“Notunlessyoujustsaidsomethingaboutelephantsandfreeways.”
Hepursedhislips.“That’sexactlywhatIsaid.Isaid,look,there’sanelephantonthefreeway.”
“Well,thenI’dsayallthatotherstuffaboutlookingatyourfacecameupwrong.”Shetuggedoff

theglassesandhandedthembacktohim.“Soyou’rewalkingaroundwithanRFEprototype.”

Samshrugged.“I’mfriendswiththeowner.”
“Speakingofwhich,Igotanemailfromhimtoday.”
“Oh?”hesaidasnonchalantlyaspossible.
“Yeah.Seemshewantstotalktomeaboutapossiblejob.Wonderhowthathappened.”
“LikeIsaid.I’mfriendswiththeowner.”
Shetiltedherhead.“Sohowcomeyoucanaskhimforajobformeandnotoneforyourself?”
Samalmostgroaned.Hislieswerestartingtogetcomplicated.“Firstoff,Idon’tknowthat

there’sajob.I,um,hejustwantstotalktoyou.Discusspossibilities,ifthereevenareany.And
second,Ialreadyhaveajob.”

Sheshookherhead.“Somethingdoesn’tfit.”
“Yeah,”hebitout,waymoreirritatedwithhimselfthanwithher.“Me.AndIneverhave.”
Hepushedupoutofhisseatandrootedintohispocket.Hecouldn’treadthebill,sohejust

slammeddownacoupleoftwenties.Thatoughttomorethancovertheirtab.Meanwhile,Juliewas
scramblingtoherfeet.

“Sam!Wait!”
Heturnedawayfromher,self-disgustsouringinhisstomach.He’dmeanttoimpressher

tonight.He’dmeanttosweepheroffherfeetwithhischarm.Instead,he’dpiledlieontopofbadlie,
andtheyhadn’tevengottentothedisasterthatwouldbehimandabowlingball.Andhisglasses
didn’twork!Atthemoment,thewaitressappearedtobesaying:Frogwatercartoon.Bestnail.Sam
reachupandswitchedofftheglasses,forciblyrestraininghimselffromthrowingthedamnthings
acrosstheroom.

Meanwhile,Juliehadgrabbedherpurseandmadeittohisside.“Sam,talktome.What’sgoing

on?”

“Thiswasabadidea,”hesnapped.“Ithoughtitwouldbegoodforme.Thatyouwouldbegood

fordraggingmebackintotheworld.”

“Whyisthatabadidea?”
“BecauseI’mnotanormalguy,Julie.”Howdidhetellherthattheraretimeshewentout,itwas

withthemayorofthecityortosomebenefitdinner?“I’mjustnotwhatyouthink,”hesaidmiserably.

“Isitthevisionthing?Isitreallythathardtosee?”sheaskedasshegentlytuggedonhisarmto

pullhimoutofthemainpath.“I’msosorry.Ididn’tthinkabouthowthiswouldbeforyou.”

Hesighed,gratefulshehadgivenhimaconvenientexcuseforhischurlishbehavior.Butitwas

stillanotherlie.“It’sjustgottencomplicated,”hetriedagain.“Youdidn’twantarelationship,soit
waseasytopretendI’msomethingI’mnot.”

“Whenwasthelasttimeyouleftthebuilding,Sam?You’reseriouslyupsethere,andIfigureit’s

becauseyouusuallystayhome,andorderin.AmIright?”

Henodded.Shewasright.
“Andyouprobablyspendalotofsparetimetinkeringwithyourfriend,Mr.FinnofRFE.Trying

outfunkyglassesthatdon’twork.”

“Uh,yeah,”hesaid.“And,fortherecord,it’sthelip-readingsoftwarethatdoesn’twork.The

glassesarejustfine.”Theyweren’treally.Hecouldseeclearlyfromaboutafootinfrontofhimto
tenfeet.Beyondthat,itwasalljustaflashyblur.

“Right,”shedrawled.“Inshort,youlockyourselfawaybecauseofyoureyes.Infact,fromthe

soundsofit,I’dsayyourblindbrotherprobablygetsoutmorethanyoudo.”

Hecouldn’targuewiththat.Hisbrotherwasquitetheplayboyupinhiswealthysuburbof

Wilmette.Infact,Tommy’sfavoritesayingwasthatallthebestthingsweretouched,notseen.And
stroked,andfondled.

“Oh,look!”Juliesaidbeforehecouldrelaythatlittletidbit.“Ourlane’sup.”Shestartedtugging

himforward,butSamrefusedtobudge.Hepulledherbackaroundtofacehim.

“Julie,weneedtotalk.”
Shearchedabrow.“Idon’tcareifyouguttereverytime,Sam.You’regoingtogobowling.It’s

notaboutthescore.It’saboutyoutryingsomethingoutsideofyourcomfortzone.Justtryit.”

“No,Julie,youdon’tunderstand—”
“Listentome,”shesaidassheshiftedaroundsothatherfacefilledhislenses.Ifthetranslator

wasstillon,shewouldhavegivenitthebestangleforuse.Asitwas,shegavehimafullviewof
archedbrows,smoothskinandherdeterminedjaw.

“Gettingoutofyourcavewasn’tabadidea.Itwasagreatidea.”
“Let’sgobacktotheoffice,”hesaid.“Wecanbeprivatethere.”
“We’djustendupplayingmoresexgames.Andyes,that’sawesome,butyou’retheonewho

wantedtogettoknowmebetter.”Shetouchedhisface,herfingertipssogentletheywereindirect
oddstothefirmnessofhervoice.“Look,ifyou’rereallyabouttomeltdown,thenwe’llgo.Butyou
don’tseemhystericalsomuchasuncomfortable.”

“Icoulddescendintohystericsifyou’dlike.”
“Don’tthinkso,”shesaid,thoughherlipstwistedintoasmile.“Don’tlimityourself,Sam.Just

havefun,that’sallIask.Wedon’tevenhavetokeepscore.”

“I’mnotworriedaboutthescore,”hesaid.“Aten-year-oldcouldprobablykickmyass.”Infact,

hissisterhadroutinelybeatenhimphysicallyfromwhenshewasseven.

“Stopworryingaboutyourperformance,”shesaid.“You’vebeenanuptightmesssincewegot

here,andnotbecausewe’reabouttobowl.Youstartedgettinganxiouswhenwewerejusttalking.”

Whatcouldhesaytothat?Shewasright.Asidefromthewholelyingthing,hehadn’trealized

howmuchhelikedbeingincontrolofhissurroundings.Hehadeverythingexactlyhowhelikeditin
thelab.Andwhenhewentout,itwasasJamesS.Finn,mega-millionaire.Herodeinlimosandwent
toexclusiverestaurants.Nowhewasinabowlingalleytryingtoimpressagirl,butunabletoreach
forhisusualbagoftricks.Itwasexactlywhathewanted,andyet,itbotheredhim,too.Howchildish
wasthat?

“Comeon,”sheurged.“Justtrytorelax.Giveitagoodfaitheffort,andifitdoesn’twork,we’ll

leave.”

“Promises,promises,”hemuttered,butheallowedhertotughimforward.
Shelaughed,thesoundringingoutovertheclatterandrollofthenearbylanes.“Makeitthrough

anentiregame,andI’llgiveyouareward.”Shegavehimamischievouswaggleofhereyebrows.

“Thatbetterbeonehellofareward,”hegroused,buthistonewasgood-natured.
“Iguessyou’lljusthavetobowltofindout.”
Hegroaned.ArewardfromJuliecouldbequiteaninspiringthing.Especiallywhenshewinked

athimjustlikeshehadonthesecuritymonitorthedaybefore.Hell,hewasalreadygoinghard
thinkingaboutit.

“Fine,”hesaid.“ButifIbowlstraightintosomeoneelse’slane,it’syourfault,notmine.”
Hefollowedherlaughtertofindtheirassignedalley.Thensheputaballinhishands,walked

himuptothelaneandsaid,“Goget’em,tiger!”

“Julie—”
“Ohright!”shesaid,shiftinghisbodyposition.“Thepinsarethatway.”
“Icanseethemwellenough,Julie,”hesaid.“Ijustwantedtosay,thanks.Thisisgoodforme.

Andit’sevenbetterthatI’mwithyou.”

Herfacesoftenedintoamisty-eyedsmile.Butthensheshookherhead.“Nicetry,tiger,but

we’renotleavingnomatterhowsexyyouare.Nowbowl!”

Helaughed,feelinghischesteasewiththemotion.Thenhebeganhismotion.Arealballwasn’t

anythinglikeaWiiremote,butheknewtheconcept.Threesteps,aswingandrelease.Notabigdeal.
Especiallyifhefocusedonthearrowsonthewoodpointingdowntowardthepins.

Threesteps.Swing.Release.Thenhecringedinhorrorwhensomeonescreamed.

10

J

ULIEWHIPPEDAROUND

atthescream.Shefoundtheidiotimmediately,twolanesover.Someoneover

therehadmadeastrikeandsheapparentlythoughtitwasaterriblethingoragreatthingorthegirl
justwantedtomakenoise.Whateverthereason,ithadobviouslyspookedSam.Hewashunchedover,
tryingtoscanthecrowd,aworriedfrownonhisface.Finally,helookeddesperatelyatJulie.

“DidIkillsomeone?”
“Nah,”Juliedrawled.“She’sjustascreamer.Youhavethataffectonwomen.”
“Oh.”Hisshouldersvisiblyrelaxed.Thenhesquinteddownthelane.“Gutterball.Hell.”
Sheshrugged.“WantmetotellyouwhyorshouldIsaveyourmaleego?”
“Hm.Toughchoice.”Thenheheavedadramaticsigh.“ButIsupposeI’llgofortheunvarnished

truth.Butgiveittomeeasy.I’mfrail,youknow.”

No,hewasn’t.Atleasthisbodywasn’t.Andasforhisego,shewasstilldecidingaboutthat.Ifhe

reallydidhaveatenderego,thenhewouldn’tbehereinthefirstplace,wouldn’tbecaughtdead
doingsomethingthathecouldn’twinat.Atleastnotagainsther.Butthentherewasthatwhole
questionofwhyaguywhowasobviouslysmartwasworkingadead-endjobinbuilding
maintenance.

Sheleanedforward,tryingtoseeexactlyhowfragilehisegoreallywas.Couldhetake

criticism?“You’vegotthepower,butyourreleaseislate.”

Henodded.“Yeah,itfeltwrong.”Thenhefrowned.“Butalatereleasewouldn’tputitinthe

gutter.Notifmyaimwasright.”

Notonlycouldhetakecriticism,buthecoulduseitconstructively.Sheadmiredamanwho

tackledproblemsanalytically.“Yeah.Youraimwasoff,too.It’sintheangleofyourhips.”

“Idon’tfollow.”
Shehesitatedthenpickedupabowlingball.“Wantmetoshowyou?”Herewasthetest.Afragile

egowouldbalk.Anoverinflatedegowouldclaimhecouldfigureitoutonhisown.Ajust-rightego
wouldtakethehelp.

“Canyouwalkmethroughitonce?”heaskedashetooktheballfromherhands.“AndthenI’ll

tryagainonmyown.”

Shegrinned.Okay.Sohehadajust-rightegospicedwithadollopofconfidence.Shelikedthat.
“Let’sdoitwithouttheballfirst,okay?”
Henodded,practicallydroppingitinhishaste.Shelaughedatthesight,buthesimplyshrugged.

“Ialwaysobeypromptlywhenabeautifulwomanofferstoteachme.”

“I’llrememberthat,”shesaidwithagrin.Thensheputherhandsonhishipsandguidedhim

intothelane.Shehelpedpositionhimandthenwalkedhimslowlythroughthemotionofrollingthe
ball.Helistenedattentively,followingherphysicalcueswithsurprisingspeed.Ifhisvisionwere
normal,he’dprobablybequitetheathlete.

“Gotit?”sheasked.
“Gotit.”Thenheflashedheragrin.“Unlessyouwanttospendmoretimetouchingme.We

don’tevenhavetodoitonthebowlinglane.Wecouldgo—”

“Gogetyourbowlingball,Sam,”shedrawled.
“Right.”Hedid.Thenhepositionedhimselfexactlyasshe’dsuggested.Hemovedthroughthe

motions,bentalmostsmoothly,releasedtooearlythistimeand…

“Ouch,”hesaid.“Anothergutter.”
“Yeah.Butyou’llgetitnexttime.”
“MaybeIneedmorehands-onguidance.”Hecrossedbacktoherside.
“Maybeyouneedtopracticeabit.Andtrytorelax.You’reallstiff.”
Hewaggledhiseyebrowsather.“Alwaysamaroundyou.”
“Haha,”shesaidasshepushedhimdownoffthelane.“Gositdown.It’smyturn.”
Hemoved,butsheheardhisresponseloudandclear.“Just’causeit’salamejokedoesn’tmean

it’snottrue.”

Shedidn’tanswer.Herfacehadheatedinablushandshehadtosneakapeekathisgroin.Wasit

true?Hecertainlykeptherburnersgoingjustbythewayhelookedinhisdarkjeansandnicepolo.
Unfortunately,hewasalreadysittingdown,soshecouldn’ttell.Whichmeantshehadtoreturnher
mindtothetaskathand.Takingabreath,shemovedsmoothlythroughthemotions,releasedtheball
and…strike!

Hmmm.Howwouldhisegohandlehersuccess?
“Hey!”hecriedlookingupatthemonitorsabovethelane.“Astrike!”
“Yup.”
“Cool!ShouldIcrymercynow?Ordoyouneedtotrouncemecompletely?”
“Trounce.”
“Verywell,”hesaidwithadramaticsigh.“Butonlybecauseyoupromisedmeareward.”
“Andit’llbeagoodone,”shesaidasshehandedhimhisball.Shehadn’tevenhadtoactmodest.

Howoftendidthathappen?

Hedidn’tgutteragain.Nostrikes,buthemanagedacouplespares.Heseemedveryfocused

wheneverhepickeduptheball.Thattoldherhetookwhatevertaskheperformedseriously.Heasked
formorepointers,andshehadtoadjusthisstrokeacouplemoretimes.Helistenedcloselyandreally
triedtoimplementwhatshesaid,whichwasamiracleallonitsown.

Andthen,themomenthereleasedtheball,hebecameanotherperson.Helaughed,heteasedand

hemadeoff-colorjokes.Whenalittlegirlcametoddlingintotheirlane,hewasmorethancharming
withher.Andwhenthekid’smomcameover,completewithtriple-Dbreasts,hewaspolitethereas
well,justnotoverlycharming.Nooglingandnostrain.Gooddatematerialallaround.

Heevenagreedtoanothergame,assuming,ofcourse,thatshedoubledherreward.Sinceshe’d

decidedthathisrewardwouldbeanightinherbed,shehadnoproblemdoublingit.Nothingshe’d
seensofarhadherdoubtingthathewastheperfectfling.

Except,ofcourse,thewayhe’dtalkedwiththelittlegirl.Thechildwasfive-and-a-halfyearsold,

onthevergeoftears,andconfusedinthebigbowlingalley.Samhadsatdownonthefloorsothathe
couldbeeyelevelwithher.Hedidn’ttalkdowntothekid,butlistenedpatientlytowhatshehadtosay,
whichwasastringofendlessbabblingaboutadollanduglyshoes.Thenhemanagedtocharmthe
girl’sfullnameoutofher.Theyhadn’tneededtheinformationsincethemomcamedashingup,but
thedamagewasdone.Juliehadseenhimasmorethanjustafantasy.Shehadseenthathewouldmake
agreatfathersomeday.

Andthat,ofcourse,madehimtheoppositeoftheperfectlast-minuteflingbeforereturningto

Nebraska.Andthathadthrownoffherscoreforthelastpartofhergamebecauseapartofherwas
obsessedwithdecidingexactlywhatshewantedtodowithSam,herElevatorMan.

“So?So?”Sampressedasthelastframewasscored.“DidImakemygoal?”
Julielaughed.“Thatalldepends.Whatwasyourgoal?”

“Twogoals,”hesaidashepeeredatthescreensabovethelane.“Firstwastodoublemyscore.”
“Tooeasy!”shecried.“Yourfirstscorewasforty-two.”
“Babysteps,”hesaidprimly.
“Well,yousucceeded.Ahundredandeight.”
“Yes!”Hestruckamachoposethatmadeherlaugh.
“Andyoursecondgoal?”
Hesoberedslightly,andsteppedclosertoher.Shedidn’tknowwhatheintended,butshewent

eagerlyintohisarmswhenhetuggedhertight.“Didyouhavefun?”heasked.“DidIruinitforyou?”

Shepulledhisfacearoundtohers,thendecidedtogoforthefullPDA.Shekissedhimonthe

mouth,slowly,sweetlyand—eventually—withtongue.“Ihadagreattime,”shesaidawhilelater.“I
thinkIneededtogetoutalmostasmuchasyou.”

Shefelthisshoulderseaseasevenmoretensionflowedoutofhisbody.“I’mgladyouinsisted,”

hesaidintoherear.“Iforgetsometimesthatlittlechallengesarejustaspowerfulasthebigones.
Forgetglobalmarketingandcorporaterestructuring.Therewasjustasmuchjoy—andawholelotof
immediatesatisfaction—withnotbowlingagutterball.”

Shesmiledathim,butasshepulledbackfromhim,herthoughtswereconfused.“Global

marketing?Corporaterestructuring?Thisispartofyourdailylife?”

Shefelthimtenseallthewayfromthetipofhisredearstohisknees.“Uh,um,yeah.”
“Oh,right!ProbablywithMr.Finn.”
Samblinkedasifstartledshe’dfigureditoutsoeasily.“Julie—”
“Letmeguess.Youtwogeekspretendit’sMonopolyorsomething,onlymorerealworld.”At

hisconfusedlook,sheexplained.“Mybrother,theoneinthenavy,heusedtobeabiggamer.Heand
hisfriendswouldspendhoursdiscussingglobaldominationifhehadanarmyplusX-rayvisionor
something.”

Samraisedhiseyebrows.“SoundslikeI’dreallylikeyourbrother.”
“Takesageektolikeageek,thoughdon’tsaythattooloudaroundhisnavypals.”
“Promise.Mum’sthewordonglobaldomination.”Thenhedroppedhisheadontothetopof

hers.“SoIbelieveyouowemeareward.”

“Idoatthat,”sheanswered.Thenshetwinedherfingersintohis.“Butfirst,Ithoughtwecould

takeawalk.Someplacelessnoisy.Ifyou—”

“Yes.Yes,yes,yes,yes.Rightnow,please.”
Shelaughed.Clearly,he’dhadhislimitofreal-worldbowling.Justaswell.Shewasextremely

interestedinspendingmoretimetalkingwithhim,infiguringoutwhatwastheSamstory.Sheknew
inherheart,itwasabadchoiceonherpart.Shereallyshouldn’twanttoknowmoreaboutherfantasy
lover.

ButshewantedtoknowSam.Shewantedtoexplorehisthoughtsandhishistory.Shewantedto

justbewithhim.WhichwasexactlytheoppositeofherElevatorManfantasy,butwhatthehell.
Tonightwasanightforbreakingpastcomfortzones.Perhapsitwasherturnnow.Perhapsitwastime
toforgetElevatorManandjusttalktoSam.

“Ilivenearby,”shesaid.“Thereareatonofgreatlittleshopsandstuff.It’sagoodnightfora

walk.”

“Greatidea,”hesaid.“Youlead.”
“Notaproblem,”sheanswered,eventhoughshewasn’tsureexactlywherethiswasleading.
Tenminuteslatertheywereclimbingintohercar.Becauseofhisvisionproblems,Samdidn’t

ownavehicle.Betweentaxisandpublictransportation,hegotalongjustfine,hesaid.Soshe’ddriven
themtothebowlinglanes.Sheheardhimsighinreliefthemomentthecardoorsshutandtheywere
insideaquiet,darkinterior.

“Thatwastougherthanyouexpected,huh?”sheaskedinsympathy.
“Yes.ButlikeIsaidearlier,itwasgoodforme.Thankyou.”
“Nextdate,youpickwhatwedo.”Shesaidthewordscasually,butinside,sherealizedshe’d

crossedaninternalbarrier.Shehadn’twantedtomakeplanswithherfantasyman,buthereshewas
practicallybegginghimtotakeherout.

“Deal,”hesaidtooquicklyforhertochangehermind.“Um,howabouttomorrownight?After

yourmeetingatRFE.”

“Sure,”sheanswered,thoughshewasconfusedbythesuddentensioninhimattheoffer.“Ican

callyourightafterI’mdone.What’syourcell—”

“Justhitthenumberformaintenance.I’llbe,uh,I’llberighttherewaiting.”
“Butwhatifthemeetinggoeslate?”
“Trustme,”hesaid.“I’llberightthere.”
Shehadstartedbackingoutofherparkingspace,soshecouldn’tlookathim,couldn’tstudyhis

faceforclues.Somethingwasmakinghimnervous,tighteninghisvoiceandclippinghiswords,but
shehadn’tacluewhat.

“Sowhatshouldwedotomorrow?”sheaskedtofilltheincreasinglyuncomfortablesilence.
“Let’sleavethatfortomorrow.That’llgivemeachancetothinkupsomethinggreat.”
Sheshothimalook.“Nostayinginthebuilding.Wegottagetout.”
Heshookhishead.“Nopromises.Tomorrownightismynight.”
“Okay,okay.IsupposeIcan’tcomplainabouttheotherentertainmentsyouplannedforme.”
“Anddon’tyouforgetit!”hesaidwithmockseverity.“Though,I’mnotsureIcantopwhat

we’vealreadydone.”

Shereachedoutandtouchedhishand.“Youdon’thavetotopit,”shesaidsweetly.“Justtopme.

Andbottomme.Andeverythingelseinthemiddleme.”Thenshelaughedashegroaned.

“Damn,woman!We’reinamovingcar!Youcan’tsaysomethinglikethattoamanandnotlet

himfollowup!”

“Mynight,”shesaidprimly.“Andwe’regoingforawalk.”
“Yeah.Straightintoyourbedroom.”
“Nope.Downbythelake.”
“You’reacruel,cruelwoman.”Hissighwasloud,dramaticandclearlyheartfelt,causingherto

laughagain.

“Ialreadyknowwehavechemistry,Mr.ElevatorMan.NowIwanttoknowifthere’smore.”
Hesoberedandhishandshifteduntilhislargefingersengulfedhers.“Isthatwhatthisis?Are

wetakingourrelationshiptoahigherlevel?”

Sheshrugged.“Whynot?Justsolongasyouunderstand—”
“Threeweeks.Yeah,Iremember.”
“IwasgoingtosaythatyoustillhavetofulfillyourElevatorManduties,”shelied.Shehad

actuallymeanttoremindthembothaboutherthree-weekdeadline.“Idoexpecthotfantasysex
tonight,youknow.”

“Oh,myGod,thepressure!”hesaidinmockhorror.“ButIdon’thaveanyofmygizmoswith

me!”

“Don’tworry,”shesaid,herbloodalreadyheatingasmuchfromtheirlaughterasfromthe

sexualinnuendo.“I’msuretheequipmentyouhavewithyouwillbemorethanadequate.”

“Onlybecauseyouhavealwaysprovidedexcellentinspiration.”
ShewasgrinningastheyhitLakeShoreDrive.However,whenshefinallymadeittoher

apartment,shesteeredhimoutofthegarageandstraightontothestreet.Hecomplained,butonlyina
teasingtone.Theybothknewthattheminutehegotherindoorsinprivate,nothingwouldstopthem

fromstrippingnakedanddoingwhatevercametomind.Andshehadalotinmind.

Sotheywalkedalongthepathways,idlydiscussingtheartingallerywindowsorjewelryfor

salebystreetvendors.Theychattedaboutweatherandfamily,aboutmoviesandhighschool.They
evenarguedpoliticswithoutsomuchasaruffle.Thankstohisfamilysituation,hewasextremely
awareoflawsthataffectedthehandicapped,andhewasn’tshyaboutexpressinghisviews.And
whereassheknewverylittleaboutthoseissues,shewasextremelyawareofthecostofeducationand
howfundsdirectedtothehandicappedhadtocomefromsomewhere,oftentheeducationalbudget.
Herhighschoolwascaseinpointregardinghowverysparseapubliceducationcouldbe.

Bythetimetheymadeitbacktoherapartment,itwaswellafterdark.Itdidn’tmatter.She

couldn’tgetenoughofhim.Heseemedtofeelthesame.Amomentlater,hewasstrippingheroutof
herclothes.Shewasnakedandhismouthwasonherbreastwhenherphonerang.

Sheignoredit,andbothofthemmurmuredimpatientcursesastheringtonekeptgoing.

Eventually—thankfully—itended.Thentherewasanotherchimetonotifyherofavoicemessage
beforeitfinallywentsilent.WhichallowedhertogetbacktomakingsureSamwasfullynaked.His
jeanswerejustopen,notoff,andshewantedtofeelhisbarelegstangledwithhers.

“Where’sthebedroom?”Samaskedagainstherbelly.
“Justbeyondthecouch.Rightcorner,”sheanswered.
Hefrownedandliftedhishead.Shereachedupandflickedonalamprevealingherefficiency

apartmentinallitsplainglory.

“Nomoney,remember?”shesaidashetookinthetinyspace.Shehadonelargeroomthat

includedakitchenette.Theywerestretchedoutonthecouchrightnow,whichwasthecenterpieceof
theroom.Totheleftwasacardtableandfoldingchair,totherightherfutonbed.“ButatleastI’ve
gotarealbathroom,”shesaidasshegesturedpasttheirfeet.“Completewithaclawfootbathtub.”

“Letmeguess,it’sgotplentyofspaceifyou’reamidget.”
“Well,solongasyou’reasmallmidget.”Thenshepulledherselfmoreuprightonthecouch,

abruptlyself-consciousaboutherlackofmaterialwealth.“Doyouhaveaproblemwiththis?”

Heshookhisheadslowly,hisgazetravelingovereveryinchofhertinyspace.“ActuallyIwas

thinkinghowhomeythisfeels.Whodidtheartwork?”

“Karen.Itwasherhousewarminggifttome.”
“She’sgood.”Thenhelookeddownatherwithasmilethatmadehertoescurl.“Butyou’re

better.”

“Why?BecauseI’mnaked?”Sheputabitofchallengeinhervoicetocoverherembarrassment.

Shehadcarefullyconstructedtheimageofasuccessfulbusinesswomanatwork,butnowhewas
seeingtherealstateofaffairs.Nowheknewhowverypoorshewasandhadbeenforawhile.

“No,”heanswered.Thenheflashedheragrin.“Well,yes,butalsobecauseIlikethewayyour

mindworks.”

Sheshifted.“Idon’tthinkwe’retalkingaboutmind,here.”
Helaughedashegesturedaroundthem.“WannaknowwhatIseehere?Iseewarmcolorsdone

insoftfabrics.”Hestrokedaburntorangecorduroypillowthathermotherhadmade.Itperfectly
complementedtheoverstuffedbrownvelveteencouchtheywerelyingon.

“There’snoclutterhere,”hecontinued.“Booksareinthebookcase,dishesontherack.”
“It’seasytobeneatwhenyoudon’thaveanything.”
“Oh,youhavestuff.There’sthatstackofworkoveronyourcardtable.I’veseenyour

wardrobe,too.Goodprofessionalclothes,butwithcolorsandcreativity.”Heshiftedback,givingher
agoodlookatthesculptedexpanseofhischest.But,oddlyenough,itwashiswordsthatheldher
attention.

“Myplaceisallcoldmetals,toolsandgizmos.Hell,evenmysheetsareblack.Andthere’s

cluttereverywhere.Butyou…”Hiswordsfalteredandshecouldn’tresistleaningforwardtotouch
hisarm.

“What?I’magirl?”
Hesmiled.“You’recreativeandorganized.That’sararecombination.”Hisgazecamebackto

hers.“I’msorryyourbusinessisstruggling,”hesaid.“Butlookaroundyou.Someonewholiveslike
thishasboththepassionandthedisciplinetomakeit.It’lljusttaketime.Orareallygoodbreak.”

Sheblinked,startledtorealizethathereyesweretearing.Hecouldn’tknowwhathiswords

meanttoher,thatsomeoneelsebelievedinher,justfromseeingherapartment.

“Oh,hell,”hecursedashesawherface.“Ididn’tmeantomakeyoucry.”
“No,no!”shegaspedasshegrabbedatissueandwipedherface.Andhowridiculouswasthis?

Shewassittingonhercouchnakedandsobbingbecausehe’dpaidheracompliment.“Youdon’t
understand.”Sheblewhernose,thentookadeepbreath.“Thiswassuchahugestepformeand
Karen,settingupWebWitandWondertwoyearsago.Iwouldneverhavedoneit,butwehadthe
moneysavedupandabigcontracttoboot.”

Henodded.“Theorganicfoodsthing.”
“Yeah,”shesaidasshethrewouthertissue.“How’dyouknowaboutHappyFarm?”
“It’sonyourwebsite.”
“Soitis,”shesaidsoftly,warmedevenmorethathehadtakenthetimetoreadthecompanybio.

“Ihaditallworkedout.Itwasenoughtocoverofficerentandexpensesforayear.Ithoughtthat
wouldbeenoughtimetofindmorework,tomakeagoofitinChicago.”

Heshiftedonthecouch.Theywerestillnaked,buttherewasnothingsexualinhistouchashe

tuckedhertightintoherarms.“Itwasagoodidea.Youhadtotakethejump.Ifyoudidn’triskitthen,
you’dneverhavegoneanywhere.”

“That’swhatIthought!”shesaidasshedroppedherheadbackagainsthischest.“ThenHappy

Farmsdecidedtogowithabiggeradvertisingfirm—”

“Jerks!”
“Andtheeconomyshifted.We’vehadjobsalongtheway,but—”
“Nothingbigenoughtocoveryourrent,muchlessyourotherexpenses.It’snotyourfault.You

workharderthananyoneIknow.Youjustdidn’tgetthebreakyouneeded.”

Shenodded.Heunderstood.Andhisquietconfidenceinherabilitiesbolsteredherflaggingself-

esteem.“Itriedsohard,”shesaid,buryingherfaceagainsthisbody.

“You’llmakeit,”hesaidquietly.“It’sjustamatteroftime.”Thenhepressedakisstoher

forehead.“Julie,whatifyoucouldstayinyourofficesuiterent-free?”

Shereleasedasinglebarkoflaughter.“What?Youthinkthelandlordwouldtradesexualfavors

forrent?”

Hechokedonthat,andshehadtowaitamomentwhilehecoughedhiswindpipeclear.“Um,no.

Youmaynotrealizeit,buttheguywhoownstheofficebuildingalsoownsRFE.”

Shestilled,thenslowlyshiftedsoshecouldlookathisface.“ThesameguyI’mmeetingwith

tomorrow?”

Henodded,hisexpressionsober.“Withouthavingtocoverrent,youcouldprobably—”
“Hangonforanotheryear,maybe.There’snolackofpenny-antejobs.Ijustletthemslideto

concentrateonthebiggerones.Ineededtolandabigcontractinordertokeeptheoffice.”

Henodded.Heobviouslyunderstoodthebasicsofbusinessaccounting.“Soifyouhadfreerent,

wouldyoustay?”

Shebitherlip,thefantasyspinningoutinherhead.Bystayingwhereshewas,shecouldkeepup

theappearanceofasuccessfulcompany.Shecouldtakeasmanylittlejobsasshecouldscoopup
whileshekeptsearchingforabiggercontract.Shewouldn’thavetoleaveChicago,wouldn’thaveto

gohomeinignominiousdefeatandtrytostartherlifeoveragain.Somanythingswouldlineupfor
herifshedidn’thavetopayrent.

Sheletherheaddropbackontohisarm,hereyesclosingasshetookhertimeandreally

relishedthefantasy.“Mmm,Sam.Wow,that’saprettydream.”

Shefelthimstiffenatherwords.“Adream?”
Sheopenedhereyes.“Yeah,adream.Youdidn’tthinkI’dreallytakeyouuponit,didyou?”
“Er…”hebegan,butstoppedwhenshelaughed.
“Sam,IdoubtMr.BillionaireFinngotthatwealthybyallowingpeopletohangoutinhis

buildingrent-free.”

“He’snotreallyabillionaire.That’sjustthepress.”
“Allthemorereasonforhimtodemandrent.Anditdoesn’tmatter.”Sheabruptlyshifted,

straighteninguptolookinhimtheeye.Tohiscredit,hisgazebobbedonlythetiniestbitasher
breastsbouncedinfrontofhim.“I’mnotgoingtoletyoutradeonyourfriendshipwithMr.Finnjust
togetmeloweredrent.”

Heshifted.“Whynot?Icoulddoit,I’msure.Ifnotrent-free,atleastcheaperrent.”
Sheshookherhead,awedbywhathewasofferingtodoforher.Notmanypeoplewouldrisk

theirfriendshiptoamillionairejusttokeepheraround.“You’resweet,Sam.You’remorethansweet.
You’vemademefeelsomuchbetterabout…”Shetookadeepbreathandforcedthewordsout.
“AboutfailingouthereinChicago.”

“Youhaven’tfailed,”hesaidfirmly.“Youjustneedmoretime.”
Sheshrugged,themotionfeelingeasierwitheverybreath.“ButIhaven’tgotanymoretime.Or

anymoremoney.”

“Butyoucould,”hepressed.“Ihavemoney.WhatifIgaveyoualoan?”
“Oh,God,youareperfect,aren’tyou?”shesaid,overwhelmedbyawaveoftotaladoration.
“WhydoIgetthefeelingthatyou’regoingtosaynotothat,too?”Hespokedrily,buthiscaress

onherarmwasbeyondtender.

Shepressedakisstohislips.“Thankyou,Sam.Thankyouformakingmefeelbetterabout

leaving.”

Hetookholdofhershoulders,grippingherfirmly.“Iwastryingtogetyoutostay.”
“AndwhatyoudidwasmakemefeellikeI’mnotafailure.ThatIamstrongenoughtoriseto

fightagain.”

“Well,ofcourseyouare—”
“Sothankyou,Sam.Andnothankyouontheloan.”
“ButJulie,”hepressed,“whatifIcoulddoit?WhatifIcouldgetyouloweredrent?”
“Youcan’t—”
“Butwhatif—”
“Sam!”
Ring.Hercellphoneagain.Juliefrownedandlookedatthetime.Whowouldkeepcallingherat

thishour?Onlyherfamily.Andonlyiftherewereanemergency.

ShescrambledoffSam’slapanddoveforherpurse.Shedidn’tgettoitintime.Itwasburiedin

herbag.Butshehauleditoutenoughtoreadwhohadcalled.

“I’vemissedtwelvephonecalls,”shesaid,alarmtighteninginhergut.“Allfromhome.”
Shethumbedthecallbackbutton,hergazeimmediatelygoingtoSam’sasshepressedthephone

toherear.Hestoodupsilently,comingtoherandwrappingherinhisarms,hisbodylargeand
comfortingastheybothwaitedforsomeonetoanswer.

11

S

AMFELTHERBODYTENSE,

hershoulderactuallyvibratingwithanxiety.Theywerebothnaked.Five

minutesago,they’dhadsomethingverydifferentontheirminds.Butnow,Julieheldherphonetoher
earandclearlyfounditdifficulttobreathe.

Therewasnothinghecoulddobutstandaroundandwait.Andpray.Sohepressedakissto

Julie’sshoulder,thengrabbedathrowblanketoffthecouchtowraparoundher.Sheflashedhima
gratefulsmile.

“Mom?”heheardhergasp.“Mom,what’sgoingon?Iseverythingallright?”
Samwaitedalongwithher,hisbreathheld,hishandsreadyforanything.Whateversheneeded.

AndthenJuliesaggedincompleterelief.

“Oh!Oh.Um,yeah.Iwas,Iwasgoingtotellyousoon.”
Samreleasedhisbreath.Okay,notraumaticsituationathome.
Juliecoveredherphonetoexplaintohim.“MomcalledKarenaboutmybirthdayandfoundout

about,youknow,thebusiness.Whenshecouldn’treachmeonmyphoneearlier,shegotworried.”

Samnoddedasshereturnedtoherphonecall.
“No,Mom.Iwas,well,Iwentoutbowling.IfiguredIhadtopractice.Youknow,forwhenI

comehome.”

Hervoicewassteadying,herbodyshiftingintoamorerelaxedstance.Reluctantly,Samtookhis

cuefromher.Hesteppedawayandgrabbedhispants,pullingonthedenimwithswiftmovements.
Thenhereachedforhispolo,butconnectedwithJulie’shandinstead.

Shewasstilltalkingwithhermother.Outliningexactlywhathadhappenedwithhercompany.He

knewheshouldn’tbelistening,butcouldn’tstophimself.She’doverextended.Itwasn’tuncommonin
smallcompanies.Hisownwouldprobablyhavefoldedatthatstage,too,buthe’dbeeninadifferent
economyandavastlydifferentfield.

“It’sokay,”hemouthed.
“Justaminute,Mom.”
“Wecantalktomorrow,”hesaidonceshe’dcoveredthephoneagain.
“No!”Shetwinedherfingersinhisandtuggedhimclose.“Thiswon’ttakelong.Really.Just…

canyoustay?”

Ofcoursehecouldstay.Hewasjusttryingtoberespectfulofherprivacy.Buthewantednothing

morethantospendtimewithher.AllnightlongwithJulie?Hewouldsitthroughhoursofaparental
phonecallforthat.

“Sure,”hesaid.Atherdirection,hesettleddownonthecouch.Amomentlater,shecurledup

nexttohim.Heenfoldedherinhisarmsasshecontinuedtotalkintothephone.

“Itsucks,Mom,butI’mokay.I,um…”SheglancedbackatSamandflashedhimasmile.“I’m

startingtofeelbetteraboutitnow.Really.AndIswearI’llpayyouback—”

Silence.
“Thanks,Mom.”Hervoicebrokeasshestruggledagainsttears.Samtightenedhisholdonher

andsheautomaticallytuckedcloserintohischest.

“Iknow,”shesaidinaquietvoice.“I’mjust,well,I’mpackingthingsup.Ineedtoregroup.

Figurethingsout.”

Moresilenceasshelistenedtohermother.Samfoundhimselfwaitingforanycluefromher.He

heardthehitchinherbreathandfelthischestgrowwet.Shewascryingevenashervoiceremained
upbeat.

“Yeah,Iknow.”
Hestrokedherback,andhewished…Hewanted…Well,hejustwanted.Hewantedthingstogo

betterforher.Hewantedhertobehappy.Andhewantedtobewithherwhenthingsdidturnaround.
Andhewanteditallwithaneedthatburnedthroughhisgut.

Butshewasn’tgoingtotakehismoney.Shewasn’tgoingtochangeherplans.Shewasgoing

backtoherfamilywhoobviouslylovedher.BacktoNebraskawhereshewouldlickherwoundsand
thinkupanewplanforherlife.Andshewoulddoitallwithouthim.

“Thanks,Mom,”shesaid.“Igottagonow,butI’llcalltomorrow.Actually,”sheadded,hervoice

brightening,“Ihaveameetingwithabigcompanytomorrow.Itprobablywon’tgoanywhere,but
maybe…”

Samwincedasanotherknifecutthroughhisgut.Tomorrow’smeetinghadlittletodowith

savingherbusinessandmoreaboutconfessinghisliestoher.AtalkwithGinnytodayhadconfirmed
hisfears.ThelastthingRFEneededwasasmallmarketingfirm,especiallysincetheywerealready
contractedwithabigone.

“Loveyou,Mom!G’night!”
SheclickedherphoneshutandhereleasedhisholdonhersothatshecoulddropitontheTV

traybesidethecouch.Hisplanwastokisshergentlyandlethertellhimgood-night.Thatwas,after
all,exactlywhathedidwhenhewashurting.Thelastthinghewantedwasanyonearoundhim.

Buthenevergotthechance.Assoonasthephoneleftherfingers,shechokedonasob.And

then,abruptly,sheburiedherselfinhischestandstartedcryingforreal.Biggaspingsobs,herbody
shakingwithheremotions.Sheneverspoke.Shedidn’thavethebreath.Shejustsobbedwhileheheld
hertightandwishedforamiracle.

Hewantedtosaysomethingtoher,buthedidn’thavethewords.Atleastnonethatwouldhelp

whenyourbusiness,yourentirelifeforthelastfewyears,wascrumplingaroundyou.Hewantedto
kissher,todistractherfromherpain,butheknewthat’swhatthey’dbeendoingthepastfewdays.
Andmind-blowingsexonlywentsofar.Allhecoulddowasholdherasshecried.

“It’sokay,”hemurmured.“It’llbeokay.We’llfindaway.”Ridiculouswords,butallhehad.

“It’llbeokay.”

Eventuallyhersobseased.Shewentfromgaspingtostutteredhiccupstoshudderingbreaths.

Andthen,sheexhaledalong,slowsigh.Hestoppedspeaking.Hewasn’tsayinganythinganyway.
Finally,hefeltherbodyslowlyunclench.

“God,”sherasped.“I’msorry.”
“No.It’sfine.”Thenhepressedakissintoherhair.“Youprobablyneededtoletthatout.”
“Iguess,”shesaidasshepulledback.Hedidn’twanttolethergo,butheforcedhishandsto

open.“ButIdidn’tneedtoletitoutalloveryourchest.”

Shereachedforatissuetoblowhernose.Thenshetookanotherandwipedoffhischest.His

bellyquiveredatherstroke,andheflushedashetookovertheclean-up.Thelastthingsheneeded
wasforhimtogetallhornyrightnow.Problemwas,shewasaturn-onforhimnomatterwhatshe
wasdoing.

“Thankyou,Sam,”shesaid,hereyeshugeandwatery.“Idon’tthinkIcouldhavetoldthem

withoutyouhere.”

Hetouchedhercheek.“Yes,youcouldhave.You’restrongerthanyouthink.”

Herlipspulledbackintoatremblingsmile.“Maybe.Butbeingwithyoumakesmefeellikeless

ofafailure.”

HefrownedatherandchangedtohisCEOvoice,onethatneverfailedtogeteveryone’s

attention.“Youdidn’tfail,Julie.Youjustranoutoftime.That’snotfailure.”

“Tellthattomybusinessloans,”shesaidwithagrimace.
Clearly,shewasimmunetohisCEOvoice.Sohedecidedtospeakfromtheheart.“You’rethe

furthestthingfromafailureI’veeverknown.You’rehurtingrightnow.That’snormal.Butyou’re
alreadylookingforyournextplan,yournextstep.You’llfindit.Iknowyouwill.”

Shesighedandpressedherfingerstohislips.Asimplepressthatbecameasoftstroke.“Whatif

I’mnotcutoutforthebigcity?Chicago’satoughtown.”

Hepushedawayherfingers.“You’reatoughcookie.”
“Butwhatif—”
Heputhisownfingersoverhermouth.“Don’twhat-if,Julie.You’regoodenough.You’resmart

enough—”

“But—”
“Don’targuewithme!”
Hereyeswidenedinsurprise,butherlipscurvedinappreciation.Andthankfully,shedidn’t

speak.

“Youwon’ttakemyhelpormymoney.Okay.Takesomeadvice:giveyourselfsometimeto

recover.Regroup,restructure,refinance.Whatever.Butdon’teverdoubtyourself.Questionyour
methods,yourplan,butnever,everquestionyourself.Youaregoodenough.”

Shestaredathim,tearswellinginhereyes.Hell,he’dmadehercryagain.Butshewasn’t

arguingwithhim.Andwhensheslowlypulledhishandawayfromherface,shewassmiling.

“IsthathowyoutalktoMr.Finn?”
Hefrowned,unsurehowtoanswer.“Uh,no.Herarelyhasacrisisofconfidence.Though,uh,

lately,he’sbeenstrugglingabitmore.”

“Goodthinghehasyoutopointtheway.”
Helookedather,completelyatsea.Itwasreallyhardforhimtothinkofhimselfinthethird

person.Bettertobringthefocusbackonher.“Ijustcall’emhowIsee’em.”

“Really?”shedrawled.Therewasahintofplayfulnessenteringherexpression.“Wouldyoulike

toknowwhatIsee?”

“Uh,sure?”
“IseeamanwhobetterkissmequickorI’mgoingtojumphim.”
Hearchedhisbrows.Hislowerregiondidahellofalotmorethanthat.“Andthatwouldbea

badthing?”

“Imightriphisclothing.Imighttiehimtomybedpostandneverlethimleave.”
Hisgazeflickeredtothecorner.“Youhaveafuton.”
“Ihaveyourhandcuffs.”
Hestarted.“Really?”
“Really.”Thenshestoodup,steppingbackwardjustenoughtolettheblanketslipslowlydown

herbody.Amomentlater,shewasstandingbeforehimallpristineandbeautifulandcompletely
naked.Herskinwasflushed,hernipplesweretightandhereyesgavehimaninvitationthatmadeall
ofhisblooddeserthisbrain.

Withouteventhinkingaboutit,hestoodupandstartedstalkingtowardher.“Bettergetthose

cuffsnow,”hesaidinalow,dangerousvoice.

Herbrowsarched.“Oh?Why?”
“Becauseifyoudon’tchainmedownnow,I’mgoingtooverpoweryou.”Heextendedhishand

andcuppedherbreast.Sheshiveredathistouch,butdidn’tbackaway.Notuntilhepinchedhernipple.
Thenshejumpedbackwardwithagasp.“I’mgoingtothrowyoudownonyourfutonanddo
incrediblethingstobothofus.”

“Thinkyoucancatchme?”shetaunted,asshebackedaway.
“Oh,yeah.”Andjustlikethathelunged.Hecaughtheraroundthewaistandflippedheroverhis

shoulder.Shesquealedandnearlysquirmedoutofhisgrip,buthewasstrongandshewasn’tfighting
nearlyashardasshepretended.

Hekneeledattheedgeofherfutonandhalfflipped,halfrolledherdown.Thenhefollowed,

pinninghereasilywithhisweight.

“Nowwhat,bigboy?”shetaunted.“Yourjeansareon.”
Trueenough.Thankfully,hehadbighands.Hecuffedherwristsaboveherheadwithhisleft

whilehisrightfloweddownoverherbody.Shapingonebreast,heliftedthenippleenoughthathe
couldnipitwithhisteeth.Shewasarchingbeneathhimbeforehecouldeventhinkaboutteasingthe
otherside.

“God,yes,Sam!Don’tstop!”
Hehadnointentionofstopping.Buthehadliedaboutoverpoweringher.Shedidn’tneedthe

alpha-mantreatmenttonight.Shejustneededathoroughloving.Sohetookhistime.Heteasedevery
inchofherbodyuntilshewasquiveringfromeroticneed.Everypartofhergotspecialattention.He
evendelvedhishandsintoherhairandmassagedherscalp.

Shewassobbingwithneedbythetimehefinallystrippedoffhisjeans.Shewastheonewhotore

openthecondompacketandrolledthelatexdownoverhim.Andthenshepulledhimdownontopof
her,tugginghisearclosesoshecouldwhisperintoit.

“Takemetothetop,ElevatorMan.”
“Yes,ma’am,”heansweredashethrustintoher.Heslammedasdeepashecouldgo,andyetit

wasn’tenough.Anotherslam,andshewentovertheedge,archingintohimwithacry.Buthecouldn’t
stop,evenwithhergrippingandconvulsingaroundhim.

Hethrustagainandagain,needingtoburyhimselfinhersodeepthathewaswritteninher

bones.Hisorgasmwasexplosive.Hisbodypumpedintoher,hismind,hisverybeing.Hewashers.

Farfrometchinghisnameintoherconsciousness,hediscoveredhe’djustdonetheopposite.

He’dforevertiedhimselftoher.Nomatterifsheleftinthreeweeksorthreethousandyears.She
couldforgethimtomorrow,dumphimwithoutsomuchasanemailgoodbye.Whilehe,ontheother
hand,wouldthinkofher,wanther,needherforever.

Theknowledgedidn’tsinkinimmediately.Itcameintheblindingflashofhisorgasm,butitwas

duringtheafterglowthatrealityhit.

Helovedher.
“WhattimeshouldIsetmyalarm?”sheaskedgroggilyfromwhereshewascurledagainsthis

side.

“What?”Helovedher.
“Myalarm.Tomorrow.Idon’twantyoutogetintroubleatwork.”
“What?”
Sheshifted,liftingupslightlytolookathim.“Withyourboss.Whattimedoyouhavetobeat

work?”

Hecouldn’tthink.Hecouldn’tprocessanythingbutthesureunderstandingthathelovedher.
“Seveno’clockokay?”shesaidasshetwistedaroundtosetheralarmclock.“That’llgiveus

plentyoftimetobothshowerandgrabalattebeforenine.Unlessyouneedtobetherebyeight?”

“Um,nineisfine.”Nowait,herealized.Hehadanine-thirtymeetingwithoneoftheproject

committees,andhehadn’tcheckedtheirspecsyet.Hegroaned.

“Slavedriver,huh?”shesaidasshesettledbackagainsthisside.
“What?”
“Yourboss.It’sMr.Nolten,right?Headofbuildingsecurityandstuff.”
Right.ShewouldassumethatSamtheelevatormaintenanceguyworkedforNolten.
“Helookslikeahard-asstome,”shecontinued.
“That’swhyI—that’swhyhewashired.”
“Goodchoiceforthebuilding.Suckychoicefortheworkingschlubsbeneathhim.”
Shestretchedup,rollingherdeliciousbodyoverhistodropakissonhislips.Heclutchedher

tightinreaction,stretchingintoherkissonlytohavehermoveawaytoofast.

“Don’tworry,”shecontinued,assheflippedovertosnugglebackwardagainsthim.Thenshe

reachedoverandgrabbedhiswrist,pullinghimaroundheruntiltheywerespoonedtight.God,she
feltgood.

“You’vegotsickdays,right?”shefinished,hervoicedroppingintoasleepymurmur.
“What?Um…”Thebossdidn’tgetsickdays.Heeitherworkedorhedidn’t.Andinthiscase,if

hedidn’tshowupforthemeeting,thenitwouldhavetoberescheduled.Theprojectwouldn’tmove
forwarduntilheokayedit,andthatmeanthe’dbepayingateamofengineerstostandaround
twiddlingtheirthumbswhiletheywaitedforhim.

“Justcallinsicktomorrow.I’dskipout,too,butIwanttobeefuponRFEstuffbeforemy

meeting.SeeifIcancomeupwithanythingbrilliant.”

Hegroaned.“Don’tworktoohardonthat.”
“Ha!IfI’mgoingforaHailMarymeeting,thenIdamnwellamgoingtodosomebeforehand

research.Andprayer.”

Hesighed.Lord,shewasgoingtobesofuriouswhenshefoundouthewasJamesS.Finn,not

Samthemaintenanceschlub.Andthattherereallywasn’tanylegitimateworkforheratRFE.Itwas
justalameattemptbyhimtokeeptheloveofhislifefromleavingforNebraska.

Theloveofhislife.
LeavingforNebraska.
Hegroaned,unwillingtoprocesseitherstatement.Shecouldn’tpossiblybetheloveofhislife.

Andshewouldn’tleavehimforNebraska.Hehadtofindawaytokeepherhere.

“Soareyoucallinginsick?”sheasked.“DoIletyousleeptomorrowmorning?”
“No,”hesaidmorosely.“I’llgetupwithyouandfacetheday.Whatevercomes.”
Orleaves.
BacktoNebraska.
Hell.TalkaboutaHailMary.

12

J

ULIESHIFTEDHERSWEATER,

adjustingtheV-necksothatitrevealedjustenoughcleavagetobe

attractive,butnotsomuchastobeunprofessional.Shewasinherofficesuite,makinglast-minute
touchesbeforeheadingtotheelevatorandthetopfloor.

Everythingshe’dreadaboutJamesFinn,CEOofRFE,saidhewasarecluse,lockedinhislab

inventingstuffwhileothershandledtheproduction,legalandmarketingend.Suchaguy,shehad
decided,wouldnotappreciatethepowersuitapproach,butasoftersweaterandtrouserpantlook.She
kepthermakeupunderstated,butmadesureherbriefoutlineofpossiblemarketingconceptswas
absolutelypristine.Ifbysomemiracle,hewantedsomethingtohandtohismarketingVP,thenshe
haditready.

Showtime,shethoughtassheheadedouttowardtheelevatorbank.Therewassomethingfreeing

inalast-ditchattempttosavehercompany.Logically,theentiremeetingwasridiculous.EvenifMr.
Finnlovedeverythingsheputtogether,nocorporationmovedfastenoughtosaveher.Andthey
certainlywouldn’tpayfastenoughtostaveoffhercreditors.Andyet,hereshewas,conceptsinhand,
readytogiveitherall.Ifshewasgoingtofailonthispitch,thenshewasgoingtofailwith
everythingshehad.Thenshe’dgobacktoNebraskawithherheadheldhigh,knowingshe’dtried
absolutelyeverything.

Shesteppedintotheelevator,andhermindnaturallywenttoSam.Butshecouldn’tthinkabout

him!Shecouldn’tmentallyreliveeverysecondoftheintenseencounterthey’dsharedhereorshe’d
showupatRFEinalust-filledhaze.Sosheforcedherminddownadifferentpath.

SheunderstoodnowwhySamandFinnweresuchclosefriends.Whatlittleshecouldgleam

abouttheroboticsinventorshowedthatbothmencamefromablue-collarfamily,hadafascination
withelectronicsandhaddecidednottopursueapedigreededucation,despitetheirobvious
intelligence.Byallaccounts,theCEOhadabrilliant,innovativemind.Hedidn’tseemtobehampered
byhislackofformaleducation.Insomeways,thatmighthelphimthinkoutsideofthebox.Instead,
hereliedonhisstafffortheformaltraining—PhDsaboundedinthecompanyroster—whileheled
thecompanywithafirm,butnonpublichand.

Andnowshewasgoingtomeethimface-to-face.She’dscouredtheinternetforsomepictureof

Mr.Finn,butcouldonlyturnuphislawyer ’sface.RogerMartellwasclearlythepublicimageof
RFE,leavingMr.Finntoworkinhislab.

Theelevatordinged,andshesteppedoutintothecorporatelobbyofRFE.Itwasairy,witha

gleamingdisplayofgadgets,anditwaspresidedoverbyaveryperkyblondereceptionist.“Good
afternoon,MissThompson,”theyoungwomangreetedherincheerfulaccents.“Mr.Finnwillbewith
youshortly.”

“Thankyou,”Julierespondedandwouldhavefoundaseat,butthereceptionistwasclearly

boredanddesperateforsomeonetotalkto.

“Wouldyoucareforsomerefreshmentswhileyouwait?Wehaveavarietyofdrinksand

cookies.”Atthosewords,shepressedabuttonandaselectionofsweetsandbottleddrinksslidout
fromthewall.“Ijustlovethat,”shesaidasshepressedthebuttonagain.Thetrayslidaway.Then

anotherpressanditappearedagain.

“Um,nothanks.I’mfine.”
“Letmeknowifyouchangeyourmind.Myname’sClaire,bytheway.”Thenthefirstchordsof

Beethoven’sFifthsounded,startlingJulie.Thereitwasagain.Dumdumdadum!

“That’sMr.Finn’schimenow.Pompous,huh?IthinkRogerprogrammeditjusttotweakthe

boss.They’rebestfriendsanddothatkindofstufftoeachotherallthetime.”

So,RFEhadacasual,tease-each-otherclimate.“Soundslikethismightbeafunkindofplaceto

work.”

“Oh,it’sgreatfun!Exceptwhentheysetthingsonfire.OrwhenMr.Finngetsgloomyandwon’t

seeanyone.Orgetsinspiredandlockseveryoneoutofthelab.Hedoesn’treallygetgloomyoften,
butthatlastpart—theinspiredpart—hedoesthatalot.”

Moregoodinformation.Shesteppedforward,readytoaskmorequestions,butafairylike

sparkleofsoundshimmeredthroughtheair.

“Oh!”Clairestoodupandpulledastackofpapersofftheprinter.“That’sRoger ’schime.And

yes,”sheaddedinanundertone.“IthinkMr.Finnprogrammedthat.”Thenshewaivedtoasetof
closedmetaldoorsonherleft.“I’vegottodeliverthese,butyoucangoonthroughthelab.Mr.
Finn’sinthere.”

Julienoddedandheadedtowardthedoorwayonlytopauseasaclearbluelinebeganflashingon

thefloorrightinfrontofit.

“Oh,right!”thereceptionistsaidasshespunbacktoJulie.“I’msupposedtotellyouthatby

crossingtheblueline,youarewaivingallrighttosueusifsomethingdisastrousshouldhappento
youritemsoryourperson.Ifyouneedto,there’sarowoflockerstotheleftforyourpersonalitems.
They’rerightnexttothesignthatdetailstheagreement.”

Juliewasunsurewhattomakeofthatstatement.“Isthismorecorporateteasing?”
Thegirlgiggled.“Soundsthatway,doesn’tit?Butno,it’sserious.Youwon’tbeallowedto

enterifyourefusetowaiveyourrights.”

“Isn’tthatratherlimiting?”Julieasked.“HowmanypeoplearesodesperatetoseeMr.Finnthat

theyagree?”

Ratherthananswer,thereceptionistgesturedtoadifferentdoor,onewithouttheflashingblue

line.“ThewaiveronlyappliestoMr.Finn’slab.Youcanseeanyoneelseinthecompanywithouta
disclaimer.”

Julienodded,understandingdawning.“SothisisMr.Finn’swayofavoidingunwantedvisitors?”
Thewomannodded.“Iwaskindasurprisedthatheagreedtoseeyou.”Thenshetiltedherhead,

andJulieabruptlyrealizedthatClairewasmuchsmarterthanshefirstappeared.“Sohowdoyou
knowMr.Finn?”

JuliehadnointentionofconfessingthatherconnectiontothereclusiveMr.Finnwasthrough

Sam.Soratherthananswer,shesimplysmiledandgesturedattheblueline.“Iwaivemyrights.”

“Verywell.And,ifyoushouldfeeltheneed,alcoholicbeveragesarealwaysavailableouthere.

Aswellasthecookies.”

Julieglancedbackandsawthemischievoussmileonthewoman’sface.“Thisreallydoessound

likeafunplacetowork,”shesaidslowly.

“Youhavenoidea,”thereceptionistdrawled.ThenshegaveJulieawavebeforedisappearing

thoughthenormaldoor.WhichleftJulieamomentalonetosmoothhersweateranddryherpalmsat
thesametime.Thenshesteppedacrosstheblueline,feelingalittlelikeAlicejumpingintotherabbit
hole.

Thelightingwasdaunting,asiftheentirelabwasunderspotlights,andshehadtosquintfora

momenttoallowhereyestoadjust.Shehadsteppedintoahallwaycreatedbyfloor-to-ceilingmetal

shelves.Shemighthavebeentemptedtotouchthegadgetsshesawthere—everythingfromwheeled
mini-carstowhatlookedlikeaslinkysproutingantenna—buttheshelveswerelinedwithaclear
plasticthatallowedhertoseebutnottouch.

Shesteppedforward,entrancedbytheview,andtheheelsofherblackpumpsclickedasshehit

concrete.Thenstoppedclickingasshesteppedonsomethingsticky.Itwasapadsetonthefloorto
removedebrisfrompeople’sshoes.She’dseensomethinglikethembeforeoutsideofracquetballor
squashcourts.

Shedutifullysteppedacoupletimesonthepad,thenmovedslowlyforwardthroughamazeof

tableswithelectronics,toolsandwho-knew-whatelse.Fortunately,thepathwasclear,thoughthe
senseofdescendingintotherabbitholeincreased.Eachtwistandturngavetheimpressionof
navigatingawarrentothesecrethearthofsomebeast.Especiallysincesheheardnonoiseexceptfor
thewhirlofelectronicfansandthesoftnotesofclassicBeatlesmusic.

Finally,sheroundedwhathadtobethelastcorner.TherewasalongLofadeskthatwasburied

halfunderpapersandaspanoflargemonitorsalongthewall.Themusic,shenowsaw,camefroma
moviethatwasplayingononeofthemonitors,thoughnooneappearedtobewatchingit.

Totheleft,shesawroboticclutter.Thatwastheonlythingshecouldcallitasshepeeredat

piecesofinventionsthatwereclearlyinprocess.Anddirectlyinfrontofherwasasinglestoolon
wheels—andnooneinsight.

Shebitherlip.WherewasMr.Finn?Shecouldhavecalledout,butthatseemedrather

presumptuous.Shouldshesitandwait?

Thensheheardsomethingtoherleft.Aclatterofboltsontheconcrete?Ascrapeofplastic?It

washardtotell.Sheturnedtowardit,eventookastepinthatdirection.Thenshesqueakedinalarmas
atallfigurepoppedupbehindoneofthetables.

Hewastall,haddarkcurlinghairandthickgogglesonhisface,butitwashiscoverallsthatgave

himaway.ItwasSam,herelevatorman,holdingwhatappearedtobealargemetalspideronwheels
whichinturnseemedtobeholdingadustpanfilledwithwashersandalargebrush.

“Sam!”shegasped.“Youscaredme!”
Helookedather,andhisfacecoloredallthewaytohisears.Buthealsoshiftedintoasmilethat

warmedherdowntohertoes.Whenhadthatstarted?shewondered.Sure,thesightofherpersonal
elevatorgodcouldgetherinstantlyhorny,butneverbeforehaditwarmedherdeepinside.Butthen,
afterlastnight,shesupposeditwasnaturalthattheirrelationshipwouldbemore…intimate?
Personal?Close?Shedidn’tknowtherightword.Sheonlyknewthatthesightofhimlookingall
flusteredmadehersmile.

“Spillsomething?”sheaskedasshegesturedtothedustpanfilledwithwashers.
“Uh,kinda.”Heheftedthespiderlikerobot.“Prototypeofadomesticassistant.”
Shefrowned,lookingpastthetabletoseethefloorwhereheandthespider-thinghadbeen.

Washers,boltsanddustbunniesabounded.“Notthefinishedmodel,then?”

“Uh,no.Definitelynot.”Hecameforward,settingtherobotbackonthetablebehindhim.“So,

um,youlooknice.”

“Thanks!Anditonlytookmeacouplehourstothrowittogether,”shequipped.Thensheleaned

forward.“I’mkindanervousforthismeeting.There’squitethemystiquebuiltuparoundMr.Finn.Do
youknowwhereheis?”

“Mr.Finnisn’tthatscary.He,um,justhastroublewithgettinginoverhishead.Somethingstarts

andhedoesn’tknowhowtostopit.Anditallgetsoutofcontrol.”

Julieshrugged.“Whateverhisdealis,I’msupposedtobemeetingwithhim.ShouldIjustwait

here?”

“Um,well,astothat…”Samsteppedaroundanothertable,accidentallyknockingsomewidget

overashemoved.Hishandswerefastashegrabbedit,buthetookalotoftimereplacingitwhereit
belonged.

“What’sthematter,Sam?”shesaidasshereallylookedathim.Hishairstoodupinall

directions,hiseyesbehindhisgoggleswerehuge,andmosttellingofall,hishandswhichwere
normallysoassuredseemedtobefidgeting.“Youseemreallynervous.”

“Well,yeah.Julie,I’vegotsomethingdifficulttoconfess…”
“Haveyoucompletelylostyourfreakingmind?”cameaman’sloudvoice.Heeasily

overpoweredthemovie’ssoundtrackashemaneuveredthroughthemazetoreachtheback.“Global
initiative?Roboticsforthethirdworld?Theycan’tevenpayforgruel,muchlesswhatitwouldcost
—”

Mr.RogerMartellroundedthecorner,wavingastackofpapersinhishand.Sherecognizedhim

fromallthepublicityphotosontheirwebsite.ButatthesightofJuliestandingthere,themanclearly
swallowedhiswords.Hisstepsslowedandhefrownedather,hisgazenarrowingasithopped
betweenherandSam.

“Oh.Hello,”hesaidashelookedcuriouslyather.
Shesmiledwarmly.Itwasn’tMr.Finn,buttheCFOwasdefinitelysomeoneshewantedonher

side.Sosheextendedherhandinherbestprofessionalsmile.“Hello.You’reRogerMartell,aren’t
you?Irecognizeyoufromyourwebsite.I’mJulieThompsonofWebWitandWonderfrom
downstairs.I’vegotanappointmentwithMr.Finn,butI’mafraidheappearstobeabitlate.”

Mr.Martell’seyesnarrowedevenfurtherashisgazehoppedtoSam.“I’msorry?”
JulieglancedbackatSamwhohadablushburningallthewayuptohisears.Oh,hell,she

suddenlythought.WasSamnotsupposedtobeuphere?Itwouldbejustlikehimtocomeupherefor
moralsupport,providetheintroduction,andthenduckout.Hewassweetthatway.Butobviouslyhe
hadn’tcountedonMr.Finnbeingabsent.OrthatMr.Martellwouldcomein.

“Ihopeyoudon’tmind,”shesaidsuddenly.“SamherewasjustkeepingmecompanyuntilMr.

Finnarrives.We’reoldfriends,”sheadded,hopingthattheliewouldhold.

Mr.Martellshifted,hiseyebrowsclimbingalmostuptohisimmaculatelytousledhair.“Old

friends,yousay?”

Juliewinced.That’swhatshegotforfudgingthetruth.“Well,itfeelslikethatanyway.Sam’sso

sweet.Anyway,IhaveanappointmentwithMr.Finntodiscusssomemarketingideas.”

Mr.Martelllookedather,thenhiseyesslidbacktoSam.“Marketingideas,”hedrawled,agleam

ofmischiefcomingintohisexpression.“TopitchtoMr.Finn.WhileSam,here,keepsyoucompany.”

“Yes,”Julieconfirmed.Clearlytherewasanundercurrenthereshedidn’tunderstand.“Istherea

problem—”

“Um,look,”interruptedSamashesteppedclosertoher.“Julie,I’vegottotalktoyou—”
“No,no,”Juliecounteredbeforehecouldcontinue.Whateverhehadtosaytohercouldbe

handledlaterinprivate.RightnowsheneededtofocusonMr.Martell.OrMr.Finn,ifthemanever
showedup.“Youshouldgobacktowork,Sam.Idon’twanttogetyouintroublewithMr.Nolten,”
sheadded,referringtoSam’sboss,theheadofmaintenanceandsecurity.

“Oh,yes,”drawledMr.Martell.“GettingintroublewithMr.Noltenwouldbebad.”
“Stopit,Roger,”Samshotback,acurtedgetohisvoice.
Great,Juliethought.NowshewasgettingSamintroublewiththeCFO.“Doyouknowwhere

Mr.Finnis?”shepressed,hopingtopullMr.Martell’sattentionoffofSam.“Wehadanappointment.”

“Right,”hesaid,hisexpressionshiftingintoahugegrin.“TopitchmarketingideastoMr.Finn.

Buthe’slateandSamhereiskeepingyoucompany.”

“Yes,”shealmostsnapped.Whatthehellwasgoingon?Butbeforeshecouldask,Mr.Martell

abruptlyshiftedtocharming.Hegaveherabigsmilebeforegrabbingalabragandwipingoffa

stoolforher.

“I’msosorry,”hesaid,allkindness.“Mr.Finnhasbeenunavoidablydetained.”
“Hehasnot—”saidSam.
“Oh,buthehas,”interruptedMr.Martell.“Infact,heaskedmetocoverinstead.I’dlovetohear

yourideas.Butfirst,pleasetellmeexactlyhowyouandSamknoweachother.”

BeforeJuliecouldspeak,Samreleasedaheavysigh.“It’scomplicated.”
“SoIgathered,”theCFOdrawled.
“Andit’sprivate,”insertedJuliefirmly.Shedidn’tlikethisman.Shedidn’tlikethewayhewas

treatingSam,andreallydidn’tliketheundercurrentsinhiswordsthatshedidn’tunderstand.Buthe
wasCFOofthecompanyshewaspitching.AnyjobwithRFEwouldrequirehissupport.Sure,she
wouldhavepreferredtomeetwiththemysteriousMr.Finn,butfailingthat,shewouldtakewhatshe
couldget.“Well,ifyou’recovering,perhapsweshouldgetstarted.”Shepulledoutthepresssheets
onhercompany.“WebWitandWonderhasdevelopedaninterestingapproachtomarketingonthe
web.Thesetechniquescostrelativelylittleandyetreaphugerewards.Now,Mr.Martell,youmust
understandthatthiswasablindmeeting.”

“Oh,pleasecallmeRoger.”
Shepausedamoment,thennodded.“Verywell,Roger.I’mnotexactlysurewhattypeof

campaignMr.Finnwaslookingforotherthantoincreasehiswebpresence.Thatis,afterall,our
specialityatWebWitandWonder.IputtogethersomeideasbasedontheholesIseeinyourcurrent
marketpresence.”

Sheleanedoverandpulledoutthepagesshe’dthankfullypreparedthismorning.Shehadn’t

beensurethatmulticoloreddiagramsandmarketstatisticswereappropriatetothereclusiveMr.Finn.
ButforMr.Martell,shewasrightonthebutton.Hewouldwantreportswithallthetrimmings.

“Ifyouwouldtakealookrighthere…”shebegan.

B

LOODYHELL

!Nowwhatwashesupposedtodo?Samhoveredinthebackgroundofhisownlaband

cursedhimselfforbeingadamnedchicken.He’dmeantthismeetingtobehisconfession.He’dgone
overitandoveritinhismind,butwhenJuliehadwalkedinlookingsosoftandprofessional,he’d
gottentongue-tied.Afterlastnight’srealizationthathewasinlove,hisneedtocomecleanvergedon
massivelyurgent.Butithadtobedoneright.Thelastthinghewantedwastoloseherforever.Hewas
justworkinghimselfuptotheconfessionwhenRogerhadwalkedinandblowneverythingtohell.

Ithadn’ttakenlongforhisbestfriendtofigureoutthetruth.RogerknewSamhatedthebimbos

thatdatedhimforhismoney.Thebastardguessedhe’dnevertoldJuliewhohereallywas.Butwhat
Samhadn’texpectedwasthatRogerwouldtakeoverthemeeting.Obviouslythejerkwaschecking
Julieout.HewasalsotorturingSamintheprocess.

Meanwhile,Juliehadlaunchedintoherpitchwithrealskill.Samsteppedforward,nothidingthe

factthathewaslistening.Damn,hisgirlwasgood!Herconceptsreallywereinnovative,andhesaw
seriouspotentialinthem.Shehadidentifiedholesinhiscurrentpublicitystrategy,gapsthathis
expensiveadvertisingagencyhadn’tevenconsidered.

OnelookatRoger ’sstunnedfaceconfirmedSam’sopinion.Yup,Juliewasgood.Herpitchwas

bangon.Andgivenhowlittletimeshe’dhadtocomeupwithherideas,Samwastriplyimpressed.

“Here’swhatyou’vedoneonthewebsofar,”shewassayingasshewalkedRogerthroughher

proposal.

Rogernoddedashescannedthepageshe’dgivenhim.“Looksaboutright.”
“It’sallgood,butisitreallytargetingthepeopleyouwant?IthoughtRFEmeantRoboticsfor

Everyone.”

“Itdoes,”Rogermurmured,hiskeengazecenteredonthethingsshe’dwritten.
“Thenyouneedagrassrootscampaign,”shesaid.“Toreacheverydaypeople.Here’sanoutline

ofwhatwecoulddoforyou…”

Rogerwasshakinghishead.“Everydaypeoplecan’taffordwhattheserobotscost.Ihavethat

argumentwithMr.Finneveryweek.”Tohiscredit,Rogerdidn’tevenglancebackatSam,the
MaintenanceMan.Instead,heballedupapieceofpaperandtosseditonSam’sdesk.Samhadno
doubtitwastheverymemohe’dwrittenthismorningaboutroboticsfordevelopingcountries,and
theveryreasonRogerhadcomestorminginwiththe“Areyououtofyourmind?”rant.

“Well,Idon’treallyknowanythingaboutyourcosts.ButIwouldthinkthatsomeofyour

products…”Juliereachedintoherbriefcaseandpulledoutimagesfromhiscompany’swebsite.“Is
thereastripped-downversionofthis,forexample?”

Sampeeredoverhershoulder.“Notyet.Buttherecouldbe.”
Julieglancedoverathim,clearlysurprisedthathewasstillhere.Well,ofcourse,becausea

maintenancemanwouldhavenoreasontobeatahigh-levelmarketingpitch.Didn’tmatter.Noway
washeleavingheralonewithhissmooth-talking,better-lookingbestfriend.

JulielookedbackatRoger.“Maybethatshouldbemynextstep,”shesaid.“Ineedtofindout

exactlywhatproductsyou’retryingtomarketviatheinternet.”

“Thatwastheinitialplanforthemeeting,”Saminserted.Well,itwassortoftheinitialplan.
RogerarchedabrowatSam,hisexpressionthoughtful.“Wasitreally?”Obviouslythequestion

hadadoublemeaning.Hisfriendwasaskinghimwhatexactlyhadheintended.Samsquirmed.He’d
meantthismeetingtoforcehimselftoconfessthetruth.Butinstead,thingshadgoneallbackwardand
nowhewasdeeperintohisliesthaneverbefore.

“Julie,”hesaid,forcinghimselftoman-up.“Ireallyneedtotalktoyou.”
“Ofcourse—”shebegan,butthenRogerinterrupted.
“Yes,indeed,”hesaidasheextendedhishandtoJulie.“MissThompson—itisMiss,isn’tit?”
Juliestraightenedoffherstool,obviouslystartledbytheabrupttransition.ButthatwasRoger—

quickbrain,quickdecisions,andapacethatmostpeoplecouldonlymarvelat.“Um,yes.Butcallme
Julie.”

“IthinkI’llstaywithMissThompsonfornow,”RogersaidasheflashedSamawrylook.

“Wouldn’twanttobeoverlyfamiliarwithmyboss’s…er…meeting.”

“Ha!”Samsnappedback.
“I’msorry,”beganJulie,butRogerrolledrightoverher.
“Nevermind.Insidejoke.Veryrudeofme.”Rogerpickedupherproposalandtappedthetop

page.“Ifindyourideasverycompelling.ButyoushouldknowthatRFEalreadyhasacontractwitha
largeadvertisingfirm.Still,you’reverysmart.Andverybeautiful,”headdedwithawink.“Icansee
whySamlikesyou.”

JulieglancedbackatSam,butwaskeptfromspeakingasRogerbarreledon.
“I’mprettysurethatourfearlessleaderisn’tgoingtobeshowinguptonightforyourmeeting.

Hedoesthatsometimes,youknow,justflakesoutattheoddesttimes.Butweforgivehimbecausehe
reallydoesmeanwell.”

Samreleasedhisbreathonahuff.Hewasn’tsureifhisfriendwastryingtohelpornot,butit

didn’tmatter.Thishadtoend.“Julie,youhavetounderstandthatmostofMr.Finn’sbiowascreated
bymarketing.Evenhisnameisn’tthenameheusuallygoesby.”

“Oh,lookatthetime,”Rogercalledashefakedlookingathiswatch.“MissThompson,please

stayawhile.HaveSamhereshowyouthelabandalittlebitofwhatRFEhasbeentryingtodo.”He
paused,hiseyeswarmasheshotalookatSam.“There’snodoubtthatourleaderisweird.Heisa
geniusafterall.Buthe’sgotaheartofgold.Ihopeyoutakethatintoconsideration.”

Juliefrowned,clearlynotfollowingRoger ’sunderlyingmessage.“Well,ofcourse,”shesaid,

butRogerwasalreadywavinggoodbye.

“I’llhaveClaireorderyousomethingnicetoeatuphere.Oystersorstrawberriesdippedindark

chocolate,”hesaid,listingwell-knownaphrodisiacs.

“That’snotnecessary,”SambeganbutRogercuthimoff.
“Mytreat!”hecalled.“Butyou’regoingtohavetopaymebackforthewine!”Andwiththat,he

wasgone.WhichleftSamandJuliestaringateachotherinconfusion,thesamequestionstillhanging
overSam’shead.

Whatnow?

13

J

ULIEWAITEDUNTILSHE

thoughtsheheardthedoorswhooshshutbehindRoger.Thensheturnedto

Sam,searchinghisfaceforcluestohowshe’ddone.Hisfacewascompletelyblank,exceptforahint
ofpanicthatseemedtobelurkinginhiseyes.

“So,um,he’squitethecharacter,huh?”
Samblinked,thenglancedatwhereRogerhaddisappeared.“Youdon’tthinkhe’s,uh,sinfully

handsomeoranything?”

“Him?Well,yes,Isupposeheis.I’llbethecertainlythinksso.”
Samshrugged.“Mostwomenthinkso,too.”
“Yeah,wellI’mnotmostwomen.”Sheflashedhimherbestminxsmile.“I’macoverallkindof

gal.”

“AndthankGodforthat,”hedrawled.Butthepanicdidn’tleavehiseyes.
“Areyouafraidhe’sgoingtosaysomethingtoMr.Nolten?”Shetookastepforward,butdidn’t

daretouchhim.Notuntilsheunderstoodhismoodbetter.“Rogerseemedokaywithyoubeinghere.”

Samflushedandshookhishead.“No,itwasfinethatIwashere.”
“Thenwhy…”Herthoughtsfinallylinkedtogetherandahorriblesuspicionfilteredintoher

mind.Andthemoreshethoughtaboutit,themorelikelyitseemed.“Oh,God,youknowsomething.”

“What?”
“Youknowsomethingaboutthisjob.”Sheslumpedbackintoherseat.“Wasthepitchallwrong?

IthoughtIdidratherwell,but—”

“No,no!”Herushedforward,butstoppedshortofarm’sreach.“No,Ithoughtyoudidgreat.

Betterthangreat.”HejerkedhischinbacktowardwhereRogerhaddisappeared.“Hewasimpressed.”

“Really?”
Samnodded.“Reallyimpressed.”
Sheflushed,hermindscramblingamileaminute.“You’rejustsayingthatbecauseyou’re—”

Shecutoffherwords.Shewasabouttosaybecausehewasherboyfriend.Buthewasn’treallyher
boyfriend,washe?Therehadbeennocommitmentfromeitherofthem.Theyweremorelike,well,
officebuddies.Withperks.

Hisgazehadzeroedintoherface.“Becausewhat?”heasked.
“Becauseyou’remyElevatorMan,”shesaid,eventhoughsheknewthewordswerebeyond

lame.“It’s,youknow,partoftheofficesexcode.Youhavetoliewhenyourpartnerscrewsup.”

Heseemedtodeflatebeforehereyes.“Youdidn’tscrewup,”hesaidsoftly.
Shefrownedathisemphasisonthewordyou.Justexactlywhodidhethinkhadscrewedup?

“Oh!”shesaid,alightbulbgoingoninherbrain.“You’reupsetbecauseMr.Finndidn’tshow.”She
leapedup,herreliefpalpable.“Butdon’tyousee,thiswasevenbetter!”

Samfrowned.“Better?How?”
“Well,sureitwouldhavebeennicetomeetMr.Finn,butfromeverythingIlearned,Finndoesn’t

handlemuchofthemarketingstuff.”

“Hedoesn’t.”

“Right.SoIhavetoimpressRogerandtheheadofmarketing.”
“Ginny.”
“Right.Well,wham,Ijustgotameetingwithhalfofthetwokeypeople.Better,heencouraged

youtotellmeallabouttheirproductsandhe’sbuyingusdinner.I’dsayImorethanimpressed.I
rocked!”

Shedancedovertohim,lettingherselffeelthemoment.Sure,thingshadn’thappenedtheway

she’dplanned,butthey’dworkedout.They’dworkedoutgreat!

“Unless,”shedrawled,“youdon’tthinkIdid—”
“Stopfishingforcompliments!”hesaidinateasingtone.“Youwerespectacular.”
“It’swhyIcametoChicago,youknow.Icouldneverworkonaroboticscampaignin

Nebraska.”Shetookadeepbreath,lettingtheairfillherlungs.“Iknowthisisalast-ditcheffort.I
knowthatit’sstillquitealongshot,butSam,it’sbeenreally,reallygoodforme.”Sheabruptly
leanedforwardandpressedahotkisstohislips.“Betweenworkingonthiscampaignandyour…
um…”

“Expertdistractions?”heoffered,hisexpressionwry.
“Let’scallitperfectstressrelief,”shesaidwithagrin.Andthenwhenhedidn’trespond,she

softenedherwordstosomethingclosertothetruth.“Andyourwonderfulfriendship,too,”shesaid.

Henodded,buthisfacedidn’tlookanyhappier.
“Oh,don’tbeasourpuss,”shesaid,tweakinghisnoseflirtatiously.“I’mtryingtothankyou!

Thishasbeenwonderfulforme,whetherMr.Finnstiffedmeornot.”

Samreleasedaheavysigh.“Hedidn’tstiffyou.”
“Yeah,”shesaidwithagrimace.“Ifigurehe’sgettingbackatyou,actually,forusingyour

friendshiptosetupthismeetinginthefirstplace.Youknow,hearrangesthemeeting,thendoesn’t
show.Perfectwaytoshowthathewon’tletyoubackdoorpeople.”

Samslowlyshookhishead.“Julie,you’rethinkingwaytoohardaboutthis.It’sreallysomething

verysimple.Maybeevenfunnyactually—”

“Idon’tcarewhatitis,”shesaid,suddenlyinterruptinghim.“Idon’twanttoknow.Whateverhis

dealis,itdoesn’tmatter.BecauseRogerMartell,CFO,justtoldyoutoexplainallaboutRFE’s
products.Andhe’spayingfordinner.Soyou’renotgoingtospoilthiswithtalkofthebizarreMr.
Finn.”

Samrubbedahandoverhisface.“Julie,ifyouwouldjustlistenamoment—”
“Really,Sam,Idon’tcare!”
“But—”
“No!”Shepulledhimtohisfeet.He’dbeenslumpingagainstMr.Finn’sdesk,andshewasn’t

goingtohaveanyofhismysteriousmalemoodsrightnow.“Youaresupposedtotellmeallabout
RFE’sproducts.”

“But—”
“I’mnotgoingtohearanythingoutofyoubutthat.Anddoyouknowwhy?”
Hemutelyshookhishead.
“BecauseafteryoutellmeeverythingIneedtoknowtodevelopakick-asscampaign,we’re

goingtocelebrate.”Andincasehedidn’tunderstandexactlyhowshemeanttocelebrate,sheallowed
herhandtoflowdownoverhiscoverallsuntilshecuppedhis—

“Woah!”hecried,grabbingherwrist.Buthiseyeshadgonedarker,hungrier.“Wearestillat

work,youknow.”

“AndinMr.Finn’ssecretlab!”sheaddedassheshimmiedagainsthim.“Makesitmorefun,

don’tyouthink?Hecouldwalkinonusatanymoment.”

“Uh,actually,hecouldn’t—”

“Shh!”shesaidassheleanedforwardforakiss.Heclearlydidn’tintendtomakeitashotasshe

did,butshepersisted.Shelickedhislips.Shenibbledaroundtheedges.Shepressedherentirebody
upagainsthim.

Hesurrenderedwithagroan.Slantinghismouthoverhers,hegrippedherhipstight,andhe

angleditsothatshewasbendingbackwardoverMr.Finn’sdesk.Talkabouttakinghotliberties!

Whenhefinallypulledbackenoughtobreathe,Julieusedthemomenttotugathiscoverall

zipper.“So,justhowsureareyouthatMr.Finnisn’tcomingbackanytimesoon?”

Samabruptlyleanedpasthershoulderandtappedafewkeysonthekeyboard.Thensheheard

thesoundofboltsbeingthrownthroughouttheroom.“There.Noonecomesinnow.”

Shefrownedasshelookedaround.“Therearedeadboltsinthedoors?”
“Notreally.Butthat’sthejoyofcomputers,”Samsaidwithashrug.“Theycangeneratejust

aboutanysoundyouwant.Butthemeaningisthesame.Thelabislockedtight.You’retrappedinhere
withme.”

Really?shethought,hereyesscanningtherowsandrowsofgizmos.Justimaginewhatkindof

troubletheycouldgetintohere.Butthatwastoomuchwork,andshewasabruptlymuchtoo
interestedinthehereandnow.Slidingherheelsupthebackofhislegs,shestretchedherself
backwardacrossthedesk.

“So,”sheofferedwithasluttygrin.“Wannadomeontheboss’sdesk?”
“Yeah,”hesaid,inano-nonsensetone.“Ido.”
“Wellthen—”
“Buthere’sthedeal.Tonightisyournight.We’regonnadowhateveryouwant.”
Shesmiled.“Ooh.Ilikethesoundofthat.”
“Buttomorrowwehavetotalk.Honestly.Nomoreexcusesordelays.”
Shefrowned.Thissoundedwaymoreseriousthanshe’dexpected.“Sam—”
“No.You’regoingtohavetolistentoeverythingIhavetosaytoyoutomorrow.Everything.

Okay?”

Sheshifted,andhehelpedhersituponMr.Finn’sdesk.Herbloodwasstillsimmering,butthere

werealarmsgoingoffinherbrain.“Howmuchiseverything?Imean,whatdoyoumean?”

Hetouchedherface,strokingherchintenderly,buthisexpressionwasstern.“ImeanIhaven’t

beencompletelyhonestwithyou.”

Shegroaned.“Youbetternotbemarried.”
“I’mnot!”
Shereleasedahuffofbreath.“Sick?Gay?Alienpodperson?”
“No,no,andwhatthehell?”
“Then—”
“Iwantmore,Julie.Iwanttobemorethanjustyourofficestressrelief.”
Shesmiled,herbodypracticallywiltinginrelief.Hewasn’tmarriedorsick.Thosewerethe

onlythingsshewasreallyworriedabout.“Therestarejustdetails,”shesaidasshewentbacktohis
zipper.

Hecaughtherhandandhelditstill.“I’madetailkindofguy.”
Shenodded.Sheknewhewas.Andmore,sheknewthatdespitethewaythey’dbegun,hewasnot

thekindofguytobangwomenintheelevator.Lastnighthadprovedthattoher.Alate-nightLothario
wouldhavecutandrunadozentimeslastnight.Certainlybythetimeshestartedsobbingallover
him.

Buthehadn’trun.He’dstayedandmadelovetoherasifshewerethemostpreciousthingonthe

planet.Hewasthestayingkind.Theforeverkind.ExceptshewasgoingbacktoNebraskainjusta
coupleofweeks.

“It’scomplicated,”shehedged.
“Iknow,”heanswered.“Believeme,Iknow.”
Shewassilentamomentasshetriedtothinkrationallyabouttheirrelationship.Itcouldn’twork.

Shewasn’treadytocommittohim,wasn’treadytopromisetohangaroundinChicago,buriedin
debt,sotheycouldhavehotmonkeysexeverynight.Thesexwouldbegreat,butsheneededtotake
thenextstepwithherlife.Andmostly,sheneededtofigureoutwhathernextstepwouldbe.

“Okay,”shefinallysaid.“Iswear.Hotsextonight.Tomorrow,wetalk.Honestly.Openly.

Agreed?”

Heliftedherhandandpressedatenderkissintoherpalm.“Agreed.”
Thenhereplacedherhandonhiszipper.Itwasopenhalfwaydownhischest,rightoverhis

heart.Sheflattenedherpalmthere,likingthefeelofhisheartthumpingbeneathherfingers,ashe
leanedin,nuzzlingherneckjustbeneathherear.

“Didyouknowthatthelabissoundproofed?”heasked.“Youcanmakeallthenoiseyoulike.

Youcanevenscream.”

“Really,”shedrawledassheabandonedhishearttoslowlydrawhiszipperdown.“Whatif

you’retheonewho’sscreaming?”

Shefelthimgrinagainstherneck.“Evenbetter.”
Whileshewasbusytuggingathiszipper,heslidhisfingersunderneathhershirt,poppedthe

clasponherbraandfilledhislargehandswithherbreasts.Andwow,didthatfeelgood…

“Ilovethatyou’resobig,”shemurmured,asherheaddroppedback.“Yourhands,yourbody,

your—”

“This?”Hegroundagainsther.Jeans,coverallsandhertrousersdidnothingtobluntthehot

forceofhimrubbinghardagainsthergroin.

“Ohyeah,”shesaid.
Hewhippedhersweaterandbraoffoverherhead.Andwhensheemerged,hejustleanedback

andadmiredher,agrinonhisface.

“YouarethesexiestdamnthingI’veeverseen.”
“Wantmetotalkdirtytoyou?”
Hiseyeswidenedinsurprise.Thenhenoddedslowly.
“ShouldItellyouthatallthetimeIwastalkingtoRoger,Iwasthinkingaboutyoubendingme

overthisdesk?”

Hismouthdroppedopeninshock,andshenearlylaughedoutloudathisreaction.“That’salie,”

herasped.

Sheshookherhead.“No,it’snot.”Well,itwasn’tacompletelie.Hecertainlyhadbeena

massivedistractionthroughoutthewholemeeting.“Nowgetnaked,bigboy,whileItellyouwhatelse
Iwasimagining.”

Heimmediatelystartedshruggingoutofhiscoveralls,hishandsshakingsomuchhefumbled

withthestifffabric.

“WhileRogerwaslookingatmygraphs,Iwaswonderingexactlyhowmanyofthesegizmos

couldbeadaptedintovibrators.”

“YoucanstopmentioningRogernow.”
“You’reright,”shesaidasshethumbedopenthebuttonofhertrousers.Hewasgoingtoflip

whenhesawtheblacklacethongshehadonunderneath.“Iwasactuallythinkingofbeingtieddown
ononeoftheworktableswhileyouexperimentedonme.”

Samhadhisusualattireonunderneaththecoveralls:jeansandasofttee.Hedidn’tbotherwith

theshirtbutquicklyshuckedhisjeanswhileshejumpedoffthedesk.Hedidn’tgivehermuchroom
tomaneuver,butshehadenoughtoshimmyoutofhertrousersandgivehimafulllookatherthong.

Hepoppedoutthickandhardandgloriouslyhuge.
“Itakeitback,”hesaidinathroatygrowl.“ThatisthehottestthingI’veeverseen.”
Shestraightenedup,wearingjustthethongandherheels.Thenshecuppedherbreastsandstruck

apinuppose,buttarchedhighbehindher.“Areyousure?”sheasked.“Maybewecouldfindsome
otherlooks.”

“Nope,”hesaid,andsheheardtheripofafoilpacket.Bythetimeshe’dlookedbackathim,he

wasalreadyrollingonthecondom.“IhadmyownthoughtswhileyouweremesmerizingRoger,”he
said.

“Ithoughtweweren’tgoingtomention—”
“Andtheyinvolvedyou…”Hegrabbedholdofherhips.“Onmydesk…”Inonemotion,he

strippedherthongpastherknees.“Atmymercy,”hegrowledasheliftedherupanddroppedher
ontothesurfaceofthedesk.

“Oh,my,”shecried,slippingintotheirearlierbossman/innocentsecretaryroles.“AmItobe

punishedagain?”

Headjustedherhips,fittinghimselfstraighttohercenter.Shelookeddown,thinkingthatthere

wasasightshecouldn’tgetenoughof.Him,hotandhugeforher.Heropenandreadyforhim.Now
sheunderstoodwhyeroticpicturesweresopopular.

Thenhecaughtherchin,liftinghergazeuptohis.“Nopretendplay,Julie.Notthistime.”
Shearchedabrow.“Okay—”
“Justyouandme.Together.”Andthenherammedhome.
Shegasped,archingintothepenetration.Hefilledher.Hestretchedher.Andshewrappedher

legsaroundhimtogriphimeventighter.Theystayedlikethatforamoment.Hewasembeddeddeep
insideher.Shelovedhimthere,heldhimclose,andneverwantedittoend.

“Kissme,”hewhisperedagainstherear.
Sheshiftedslightly,raisingherhandstocuphischeek,tostrokehislips,tolookintohiseyes.

Shehadnotmeantittobeanythingmorethanatouch,acaressbeforethekiss.Butoncetheirgazes
locked,itbecamesomethingmore.

ThiswasSam,shethought,openandvulnerabletoher.Inhisdarkeyes,shesawneed.Butshe

alsosawtenderness,almostworship.Ofher.Sheneverthoughtshe’dseeamanlookatherthatway,
allrawdesireandfragilehope.Itfilledhervision.Itconsumedherthoughts.Andanewemotion
blossomedinsideher.Wonder.Sheerawestruckwonderthatthismanwouldlookatherthatway.That
Samcouldlookatherlikethat.Themomentwassointense,thatshelostallsenseofreality.Sheonly
sawhimandthewondrousfeelinghecreatedinsideher.

Heleanedforwardslowlytokissher.Shemethimeasily,passionately.Theirmouthsfused,their

tonguesdueled,andlowerdown,theirbodiesbeganmoving.Stillcuppinghisfacewithherhands,
shetightenedherlegsaroundhim,liftingherselfup.Hehelpedherbycuppingherbottom,holding
herattheperfectangle.

Shearched,lovingtheslamofhisgroinagainsthers.Hishandswerefirmandsteady.Shenever

hadanyfearthathewoulddropher.Andstilltheykeptkissing.

Thenhetwistedhisfaceaway,gaspingforairashesettledherbackontheedgeofthedesk.One

ofhishandsslidaroundherhiptothrustathumbbetweenthem.Shehardlyneededit,butitdidn’t
matter.Hewasdetermined.

Hestrokedheronce,hard,downandup.Thenagain.Bythethirdtime,shewasflying,pleasure

roaringthroughher.Sheheardhimgaspsomethingincoherentashermusclesworkedhim.He
stiffenedagainstherandreleased.Withherlegswrappedaroundhim,shefelteverycontractionof
hisbuttocks,everyshudderasitrackedhisframe.

Andthenhefellforwardagainsther,hisforeheaddroppingtohershoulder.Hisbreathwashot

acrossherskinashisbodystillcontractedinunevenburststhatsenttinyripplesofdelightthrough
her.

“I’msorry,”hegasped.“I’lldo…better.Nexttime.”
Shegiggled.Shecouldn’thelpit.Hesoundedsowindedwhenshewasstillsoaringwithgiddy

delight.Hishandwasclumsyashetriedtotouchherface.Heclearlyhadlittlestrengthleft,buthe
strokedhercheek.

“Igotcarriedaway.”
Shepressedakisstohislips.“Itwaswonderful,”shesaidinabsolutehonesty.Suretheorgasm

hadbeensweet.Notasexplosiveasusual,butdelightfulnonetheless.Buthermindwasstillcaughton
hislook,hisexpressionof…

Hermindstutteredonthewordshealmostinsertedthere.Lovewastooloadedawordtobe

thinkingrightthen.Besides,menwerealwaysinlovewhentheywereburiedhilt-deepinawoman.
Butithadbeenkindoflikethat.Hehadlookedatherinawaythatappearedtobelove.

“Iwouldn’tchangeasecondofit,”shesaid.“Really,”sheaddedwhenitlookedlikehedidn’t

believeher.

Hestraightenedslowly,takingadeepbreathasstrengthreturnedtohisbody.“Doesn’tmatter,”

hesaidashelookedather.“We’vegotallnightandanentirelabworthoftoys.It’sgoingtoget
better.”

Shearchedabrow.“Isthatafact?”
Henodded.“We’relockedin.Andincaseyouhadn’trealizedit…”Hegesturedtotheentirelab.

“ThisiswhatIdobest.”

Shelookedathim,rolledhergazeoverthelabandthengavehimherbestyawnoftotal

boredom.Itwasalie,ofcourse.Shewasbeyondintriguedbythepossibilitiesahead.“Ithink,”she
drawled,assheleanedbackonherelbows.“You’rejustgoingtohavetoproveittome.”

Heopenedhismouthtosaysomething.Theywerestilllockedtogether,sosheknewhewas

alreadyrisingtothechallenge.Butatthatmoment,Claire’stoo-chippervoicesoundedthroughthe
room.

“Excuseme,sir.”
“Yes,Claire?”
“Sorrytointerrupt,butdinnerhasbeenserved.Itawaitsyourgastronomicpleasureinthe

conferenceroom.”

“Thankyou,Claire.”
“You’rewelcome,sir.AndMr.Martellaskedmetoinformyouthatyou’vepaidforanexcellent

bottleofwine.”

“Thankyou,Claire.”
“You’rewelcome.Bonappétit!”
Thelabwentsilentagain.EventheDVDhadfinished.WhichleftSamandher,stilllocked

together.

“Well,”hesaidasheslowlywithdrewfromher.“Webettergoeat.”
“Goodidea,”shereturned.
Andthentheybothsaidattheexactsamemoment,“You’regoingtoneedallyourstrength.”

14

“M

R.

F

INNHASQUITE

thebizarrebrain,doesn’the?”

Sampursedhislipsanddidhisbesttokeephisvoicelevel.“Oh?Whatdoyoumean?”
“I’mnotcriticizing.I’mactuallyprettyimpressed,”Juliesaidasshewavedherglassofwineat

thelabatlarge.Itwasquiteameasureofhisdesperationtohaveherthatheallowedsuchathing.
Normally,liquidswerestrictlyforbiddeninhere.Andtruthfully,themorewineshedrank,themore
hewincedwhenevershemoved.Whatifsomeofitspilled?Butshewascareful.Infact,shemusthave
seenhimwincebecausesheburstoutlaughing.

“You’reterrifiedI’mgoingtospillthis,aren’tyou?”
Heshrugged.“Um,there’ssomereallyexpensive,reallydelicateequipmentinhere.”
“Iknow.Iwasbeingcareful,butyou’reright.”Shedrainedherglass.“Ijustdidn’twantthis

excellentvintagetogotowaste.”

Neitherdidhe.EspeciallysinceRogerhadstuckhimwitha$350bottleofwine.He’dnearly

gaggedwhenhe’dseenthebill,butJuliewasworthit.Evenifhe,personally,wouldhavepreferreda
cheeseburgerandsodatotheoysters,artichokeheartsandhigh-pricedmerlot.

They’dhadquitethelaughtogetheratthearrayofaphrodisiacfoods,butJuliehadenteredinto

theadventurewithhercustomaryrelish.Andthatmadeeverythingallthemorefunforhim.Ather
urging,heatefoodsthatwouldneverhavecrossedhislipsbefore.Hedidnotwanttoknowwhatwas
inthegoatsouplabeled“MannishWater.”Andathisurging,shedranktheexorbitantlyexpensive
wine.Andnowtheywerewanderingthroughthelabwhilehetriedtoexplainwhateverythingwas.

Heleanedbackagainsthiscaseoffailedcircuitboarddesigns.“Um,youweresayingabout

Finn’sbizarrebrain?”

“He’sjustsoscattered.Isupposethat’saninventor ’sbrainforyou.Alittleofthis.Alittleofthat.

Roboticstrawberrypickeroverthere—”

“Yeah,thatisn’tevenremotelypractical.”
“Solar-poweredvacuumcleanerthere—”
“Notoneofthebetterideas.”
“Nah,it’sgreatifyoustoreyourcleaningproductsinasunroom.”
“Orneedtovacuumyourlawn.”Thenheleanedbackagainstatable.“Thathadbeentheidea,

actually.Solar-poweredleaf—”

“Yeah,yeah,”sheinterrupted.“Igetwherehewasgoing.Greenproductsareagoodidea.Asis

thestrawberrypicker,too.It’sjustscattered,youknow.Thebizarremeanderingsofageniusmind.”

“Oraboredone,”hesaidashewanderedthroughhisownlab.“Thatdevicetherebeganafter

watchinganewsstoryonagirlwhohaddiedfromaninsectbitewhilepickingstrawberries.Thisone
here,fromaPBSspecialonthird-worldsanitation.”

“Andthelawnvacuum?”
“Ididn’twanttorakeleaves.”
Shehookedalabstoolwithherfootandhauleditclose.“You?Thatwasyouridea?”
Oops.Caught.“Well,Finnletsmetinkerhere,too.”

“AndwhatdoyouthinkofMr.Finn’sprodigiouslyscatteredbrain?”
Samfiddledwithasmallsolderingrodforcircuitboards,unpluggeditandputitinits

appropriateplaceontheshelf.He’dhaveitdowntomorrowforsomethingoranother,butforthe
moment,itwasputaway.

“Comeon,”Julieurgedasshespunacircleonthelabstool.“Givemethedirt.Whatdoyou

thinkaboutMr.Finn?”

“Ithink,”Samsaidslowly,“thathe’shiredatonofengineerstotakehisfiddlingtomarketable

products.”

“Well,yeah,butdoesn’titfeelabitlikedabblingtoyou?Alittleofthis,alittleofthat,but

someoneelsedoesthehardwork?Doesheeverseeaproductthroughtotheend?”

“Ofcoursehedoes!”heshotback,butinhismindhewondered.Sure,hehadatthebeginningof

RFE.Hedidn’thaveanarmyofemployeestohandlethegruntworkthen.Butnow,heoftenpassed
offthefollow-throughworktosubordinates.“I,er,hesupervisesthemclosely.”

Juliestoppedspinningtofacehim.“Look,I’mhardlyonetocriticize.He’sgotthesuccessful,

multimilliondollarroboticsfirm,notme.Obviouslyitworksforhim.But,well,Icanseewhyyou
twoaresuchgoodfriends.”

Heturnedtolookdirectlyather.Therewasanunderlyingmessagethere.Somethingabout

him/Finnthathesuspectedhereallyneededtoknow.“Okay,”hedrawled.“You’regoingtohaveto
explainthat.”

Shesighedandploppedherelbowsdownonthelabtable,nearlyupendingatoycarmotorhe’d

beenfiddlingwithafterwatchingaChristmasspecial.

“Look,I’veneverevenmettheman,sowhatdoIknow?”
Hesettledontoastoolrightacrossfromher,thendroppedhiselbowsdownaswell,mimicking

herpose.“SoundslikeyouweretalkingmoreaboutmethanFinn,sospillit.”

Shegrimaced.“Youwalkaroundthislablikeyouownit.Youknoweverypart,everybolt,every

circuitboard,whichmeansyou’vespentalotoftimehere.”

Nodenyingthat.“So?”
“So,thatmeansyoucangonosetonosewithageniuslikeFinn.”
HenoddedagainbecausehewasFinn.“Yeah,so?”
“Sowhatareyoudoingwithyourlife,Sam?Quitplayingaroundwithtoys,withhalf-assed

productsandgizmos.Findapassionandrunwithit.”

“Hey,”hesnapped,straighteninghisshouldersashepointedtohisfavoriteprojects.“Alotof

thesehaveexcellentpotential!”

“AndmyguessisthatMr.Finnhasofferedtobuildanyproductyoudevelop,probablywithan

excellentlicensingorroyaltyfee,yaddayadda.”

Hewavedthataway.“Yes,yes.Sowhatareyougettingat?”
Shesighed,andpushedtoherfeetasshebegantowanderthroughthetables.Hefollowedafew

stepsbehindseeingforthefirsttimehowmuchofamazehehadcreatedhere.Damn,itwaslike
negotiatingalabyrinth!

“Iseethisinalotofcreativepeople,Sam,”shesaidassheidlytouchedtheopticcoreofa

roboticeye.“Nofocus,nodiscipline.”

“Inventingtakesinspiration.Wandering.Dabbling.”
Shenodded.“Iknow.Butitalsotakesdedicationandaclearvision.”Shegesturedtothelabat

large.“Idon’tknowwhatMr.Finnisdoing,butIlookatyouandIwonderwhereyou’regoingtobe
infiveyears.Ten.”

HopefullystillCEOofamultimilliondollarcompanyandstilldabblinginhislab.Andmaybe

stillplayingsexgameswithJulie.Hewinced.Nowthathethoughtaboutit,thatdidn’tsoundsomuch

aplanasmoreofthesamething.

“That’swhatI’vebeenstrugglingwithinmypresentationtoFinn,”Juliecontinued.“There’sno

clearmarketfocuswhichmeansnoclearwaytodevelopacoherentcompanycampaign.Andthat’s
becausethere’snoclearproductfocus.It’sbecauseFinnliveslikethis.Tinkeringwithstuffand
hopinghe’lldevelopsomethinggreat.”

“Well,”Samhedged,“it’sworkedsofar.”
“Yeah,andmaybethatworksforhim.Butwhataboutyou,Sam?”shepressed,turningaroundto

lookathim.“I’magoal-setter.Ihavethingstodoandplacestobeallthetime.AndwhenIfailat
thosegoals,ithurts.Ithurtsbig-time.”

Hereyeswenthazyforamoment,andhetouchedhershoulderinasilentofferofsupport.She

squeezedhishandandgavehimawarmsmile.

“Sometimes,”shesaidsoftly,“sometimesIthinkI’mgoingtobreakfromthepressureoftrying

todoeverythingIplanned.”Shestretcheduponhertoesandpressedakisstohislips.Thenbeforehe
coulddeepenthecaress,shedroppedbackontoherheels.“Butit’swaybetterthannotsettingany
goalsatall.Than…”Shewavedthelab.“Wanderingaimlesslythroughlife.”

“I’mnotwandering,”hesaidfirmly,thoughagain,hewondered.“Andallthatgoalsetting

meansyoucanmissthebestthings.”

“Likeelevatorgameswithahotmaintenanceman?”shecounteredwithagrin.
“Yeah,”hesaidashecaughtheraroundthewaistandpulledherbackwardagainsthim.Noway

couldshemissthathewasalreadyhardforher.

Sheclosedhereyesinappreciation.“Mmm,”shemurmuredasshewrappedherarmsoverhis.

“You’reright,ofcourse.Youhavebeenthebestsurpriseinallmyfocused,goal-settinglife.”

“But?”heaskedasheslowlyturnedheraround.“Icanhearabutinthere.”
“Buttherehastobeahappymedium,Sam.Purposeandinnovation.Itendtobetoodriven.

Whereasyou…”

Hesighedandlookedinhereyesratherthanatthechaosofhisownlab.“WhereasI’mstuckin

nowherelandjusttinkering?”

“Aren’tyou?”shechallenged.
“Yes,”hefinallyconfessed,“butnotwhyyouthink.”
“Oh?”
Henodded,carefullysettingherasidesothathecouldgatherhisthoughts.Havingherpressed

againsthisgroinwasnothelpinghim,sohesteppedawayfromhertopace.“Engineering,building,
robotics.Allofthatiseasyforme.HasbeensinceIwasakid.”

Hestoppedtalkingandturnedbacktoher.Shedidn’tsayanything,juststoodtherepatiently

listening.Itwasoneofthethingshemostadoredabouther.Shelistenedtohimwhenhetalked.Not
becausehewasherboss,butbecauseshewantedtounderstandwhathewastryingtocommunicate.

“Butthesearejustthings.Toys.”Hepickedupthechassisofaroboticcarthatwassupposedto

converttoahelicopter.Flyingwheels,he’dcalledit.Itworkedinthesmalltoystage—though
incrediblyexpensive—butnotinthelargeformat.He’denvisionedaradio-controlledtraythatcould
beusedtocarryequipmenttohandicappedpeople.

“Itinker,Julie,becauseIhaven’tgotanythingelsetodo.”Helookedather.“Anyoneelsetodoit

with.”

Shesmiled,herexpressiongoingsoft.Butherwordscameoutabitmoreharsh.“Nicetry,

Romeo,butIdon’tbuyit.”

Hestraightened,insulted.Thathadnotbeenanelaboratecome-on.“Imeanteveryword!”
“I’msureyoudid,Sam,”shesaid.“Butifyouwanttofillyourlifewithpeople,getoutofthe

lab!Gobowling!Meetpeople!”

Hesighed.“It’snotthateasy.”
“Itisn’teasyforanyone.Butyou’resexy,smartand—”
“Andlazy,”heabruptlyrealized.“IhaveeverythingIwanthere.Whylookformore?”He

movedoffthetabletocomebacktoherside.“God,Ididn’tevenrealizewhatIwasmissinguntilI
metyou.”

Shewalkedeasilyintohisarms.“Andnow?”shepressed.“Nowwhatareyougoingtodo?”
Hearchedhisbrows.“Otherthanwatchyouorgasmuntilyouscream?”
Sherolledhereyeswithmockboredom.“Beenthere,donethat.Whathaveyougotformethat’s

new?”

“Sextoys?”
“Hmm.Anythingelse?”
Henodded.“Ipromisetothinkaboutwhatyou’vesaid,Julie.Reallythinkaboutit.Maybeit’s

timeformetoworkonsomethinguntiltheveryendagain.”

“Ormayberearrangehowyoulookatthings,”sheoffered.“You’vebeenplayingwithtoys,

puttingthingstogetherandseeingifit’smarketable,right?”

Henodded.That’sexactlywhathewasdoing.
“Howaboutgoingtheotherway?Getout,meetpeople,seeaneedandfindawaytofillit

robotically.Thenyou’llputtogetheraproductthatMr.Finncanreallyuse.”

Helookedather,hisheartswelling.Damn,shewasgoodforhim,madehimlookateverything

inhislifeinawholenewway.

“Andwhataboutyou?”hechallengedashebegantonuzzleherneck.“Whatareyougoingto

promisemeinreturnforahalfdozenscreamingorgasms?”

“Thedrinkortheexperience?”
Henippedathershoulder.“Whatdoyouthink?”
“Ithink,”shesaidasshepulledbackenoughtolookseriouslyintohiseyes,“thatIpromiseto

rethinkmyplansaboutnotbringingyouintotheequation.”

Hestilled,hiswholebodystartledbyasurgeofdesperatehope.Wasshepromisingtostayin

Chicago?Tohavearealrelationshipwithhim?Notjustathree-weekfling?

“Nopromises,”shesaidasshepressedafingertohislips.“ButIswearI’llthinkaboutit.About

you.”Shearchedabrowathim.“Thatiswhatyouwant,right?Formeto…forus—”

“Yes,”hesaidagainstherfinger.“Yes,that’swhatIwant.”Thenheabruptlycoiledhistongue

aroundherfingerandsuckeditintohismouth.Shegaspedandpulledaway,buthereyeshad
darkenedwithhunger.

“Well,then,ElevatorMan.Whatyougotplannedformetonight?”
Hereachedbehindherandpickedupalengthofcording.“Didyouknowthatthere’smoreup

herethanjustthelab?”

“No,”shesaidasshetwisted,tryingtoseewhathehadbehindherback.
“Well,thereis.”Hequicklyloopedthecordaroundherwrists.“AndIthinkit’stimeyousawit

all.”

15

J

ULIETRIEDTOMOVE

herhandsforward,buttheyweretiedtightbehindherback.Notpainful,just

secure.Shehadn’tacluehowhe’dmanagedtodothatwhilehuggingherinfront,butdang,he’dbeen
quickwiththerestraints.

Ashiverofuneasetraveleddownherspine,butitwasmatchedbyathrillofexcitement.Still,she

hadtoknow.“Um,youseemverycapablewiththoserestraints.Haveyoudonethisbefore?”

Helaughed.“Notlikeyouthink.Notwithaperson.ButbelievemewhenIsaythatIhavehandled

thingswithwheelsandothermovingpartsmostofmylife.Yougetquickwithyourhandswhenthere
aremovinggearsaround.”

Madesense.Okay,sohewasn’taclosetdom.Thatmadetheuneasedisappearandtheexcitement

build.“Sowhatexactlyareyouplanninghere?”

Shewasstandinginthemiddleofalab,herhandstiedbehindherback.Hardlythescenefora

seduction.ButwithSam,sheneverknewwhattoexpect.Thatwashalfthefun.

“Well,”hedrawledashestoodbackandlookedather.“Haveyoueverbeentiedup?”
Sheshookherhead,herthoughtswhirling.“Tiedup,”shemurmured,asiftoyingwiththeidea.

Truthfully,shewasalreadyfullyonboard.Sheleanedforward,alreadylovingthatshefeltsosafe
withhim.Whichleftherfreetoreallyexploretheboundaries.“My,howyoutease.Butwebothknow
thatI’mtheoneincharge,restraintsornot.”

Sheexpectedthemachomaninhimtobristle,buthedidn’t.Infact,hegrewevenmorerelaxed,

andhiseyessparkledwithchallenge.“Isthatso?”heasked.

“Ofcourseitis,”shesaidwithanairytone.“Makemegodownonyou,makemelickyou,suck

you,strokeyou.Attheendofthat,who’stheonegoingtobebeggingmetofinishhim?”

Assheexpected,hisjeansgrewtighteratherwords.Hiseyesdarkenedandhisnostrilsflared.

Yes,shelovedamanwholikedtohearhertalkdirty.Butbeyondthosereactions,hedidn’tmovean
inch.Instead,hereachedovertothecomputeronMr.Finn’sdeskandtappedafewkeys.Whatwashe
doing?Shelistenedcloselyforthesoundsofwhatwaschanginginthelab,butdidn’thearathing.
Meanwhile,hestraightenedawayfromthekeyboardtosmileather.

“Well,asdelightfulasthatsounds,it’snotwhatIhaveinmindforyou.Maybetomorrow.”
“Really?”shesaid.“Dotell.”
Heshookhishead.“Allingoodtime.”Thenhetouchedhershoulder,guidingherarounda

floor-to-ceilingbookcaseofmanuals.“Thisway,please.”

Shehesitated,hergazegoingtotheoppositedirection.Backtothemainentrancetothelab.

“Um,whatifMr.Finncomesback?Imean,shouldn’twetakethissomewhereelse?”

“Um,no,”hesaidslowly.“I,uh,Itextedhimduringdinner.AskedifIcouldworkinthelab

alonetonight.”

Shefrowned.“Heletsyoudothat?”
“Sure.Especiallywhenhe’sonthetownclubbing.”
Shestraightened.“Thatdoesn’tsoundlikethereclusiveMr.Finn.”
“Well,”Samhedged.“Truthfully?Helikestopretendthathe’sahotguyoutonthetown.Likesit

ifwetryandkeepupthatimageforhim.”

Sheshookherhead.“Doesn’tsoundlikethepressIreadonhim.”
Samlaughed.“Ididn’tsayhewasgoodatkeepingupthatimage.Inreality,he’sgotahouseup

nearNorthwesternUniversity.Callsupsomeofhisprofessorfriendsandtheygameallnightlong.”

Nowthatsoundedlikesomethingatruegeekwoulddo.“Whatkindofgames?”
“Warcraft,classicD&D,he’sgotawholeslewofthingsheandhisbuddiesplay.”
“Huh,”shesaid,filingtheinformationaway.Afterall,itneverhurttolearnmoreabouther

potentialemployer.“Whichmeans,slave,thatIhaveallnighttodoasIwill.Withyou.”

Shesmiled,tryingtodecidewhatpartshewouldplaytonight.They’dalreadydonethe

submissivesecretarybit.Tonight,she’dgofordefiant,powerful,strongdespiteherweakened
position.Withthatinmind,shetossedherhairbackfromherface.

“Doasyouwill,master,”shedrawled.“ButI’mstillgoingtobetheoneincontrol.”
“Really?How’sthat?”
Sheshrugged.“Nomatterwhatyoudotome,you’regoingtobehard.Forme.You’regoingto

desireme.You’regoingtowanttoramyourselfthickandhotandhard…intome.”

“Andthat’swinningforyou?”
“Havingyousweating,straining,hungryforme?Thinkingofnothingbutbeinginme?Oh,

yeah,”shedrawled.“That’swinning.”

“Deal,”hesaid.
Shefrowned.Whathadshejustdone?Hadheout-maneuveredhersomehow?“Uh,come

again?”

“No,sweetJulie.You’regoingtocomeagainandagainandagain.AndI’mgoingtojustsit

backandwatchbecauseIthinkthatisthesexiestthingever.Watchingyouflyapart.”

Woah.Everythinginherwentwetathiswords.Sheclearedherthroat.“Andhowdoesthatmake

youthewinner?”

“Becauseyou’regoingtobegme,sweetJulie.Themomentyoupleadforme,wellthen,atthat

moment—”

“Youwillbeincontrol,”shefinishedforhim.My,shedidlovethewaythemanthought.“I

understandtheterms,master,”sheansweredprimly.“AndIacceptthechallenge.”

“Wellthen,slave.Thisway.”
Shewentwillingly.Hell,yes,shewentwillingly.ThiswasturningintothebestFridaynight

ever!Sheaddedalittleextralilttoherhipsasshemoved,thoughitwasawkwardgiventhatherhands
werestilltiedbehindherback.Theymovedaroundthebookcaseandbackintoashortdark
passageway.

“Whatisthis?”
“Finn’slivingquarters.He’sgotthathouseinEvanston,butreally,heliveshere.”
Shepeereddownthehalltowhatwasobviouslyhisbedroom.Shecouldn’tseemuch,justthe

shadowyoutlineofahugebedandatonofbooksonthefloor.ButSamwasn’tleadingherthere.
Instead,heopenedanotherdoortoalarge…playroom?

Theroomwasbig,easilyaslargeastheconferenceroom.Theverycenteroftheroomhadlow

chairsscatteredaboutthefloor.Soft,velvetyblack,theywerelightweightandyetallowedsomeone
toreclineandgameatease.Thelargestchairwasfacingthefarwallwhichwasdominatedbyahuge
screenandspeakers.ShesawasmalltablebelowitthathadaWiiandafewremotes.Rightnow,the
screenwasdisplayingamedievalsex/tortureroomcompletewithwallsconces,nakedwrithing
womenandripped,Adonis-likemencarryingdevicesthatlookedlikemedievalvibrators.

“Wow,”shesaid,trulyimpressed.“Someone’sbeenplayingontheinternet.”
Hesnorted.“Ittookmeaboutthirtysecondstofindthisonline.”

Shearchedherbrowathim.“WhatwillMr.Finnthinkofwhatyoudownloadedontohis

screen?”

Samsmiled.“Areyoukidding?Thiswashisidea.”
Shestilled,turningbacktohim.“Youdidn’ttellhimaboutus,didyou?Imean,thatwouldbe

creepy.Youknow,sittingacrosstheconferencetablewithhim,pitchingastoryidea,andknowing
thatheknewthatwe—”

“It’sprivate,Julie.Justbetweenus.Iswear.”
“Butifitwashisidea—”
“Todownloadimagestodisplayonscreen.”Hereachedoverandpickeduparemote.“There’sa

tonofthem.”Atthetouchofabutton,hescrolledthroughabeautifulbeachscene,completewith
nakedgirlsplayingvolleyball.Thenanislandsacrificeofavirginatthevolcano.Thensnowbunnies
—thehumanfemalevariety—cominginofftheslopeswithacome-hithergrin.Thereweremore,all
ofthemsexual,allofthemratherinteresting.

“Quitethehorndog,isn’the?”shedrawled.
“Onlylately,”heansweredasheflippedbacktotheoriginalsex/torturechamber.“Hehas

normalviewsaswell,famousartwork,serenesunsets,thatkindofthing.”

“Howveryprosaic,”shedrawled,ashergazewentbacktoSam.Hewaslookingataparticular

writhingwomanonthescreen.Shewasstretchedout,spreadeagleontherack.

“Seesomethingyoulike?”shedrawled.
“Hmm?”heresponded,turningbacktoher.“No,Iwasjustthinkingthatsheisn’ttiedright,

givenhowmuchshe’smoving.”

Shelookedbackatthescreen,noddingassherealizedhehadapoint.TrustSamtobeawareof

allthedetails.

“Yourrestraintswillbemorethorough,”hesaidwithagrin.
Hergazecutbacktohiswithastartofsurprise,andhegesturedtothewallbehindher.She

turned.Thisendwasobviouslytheworkoutarea.Astationarybikeandatreadmilloccupiedacorner
besidearackoffreeweights,andsomehugestrengthtrainingapparatus.Itlookedlikeabig
rectangulararchmadeofsteel.Pulleysandcablesranalongallthesidesandjuttingfromallfour
cornerswereclipswithvariousattachments.Samwalkedovertooneandpickedupathickleather
braceletthatbuckledon.

“Areyouready,slave?”heaskedasheopenedthebracelet.Shesawimmediatelythatitwaslined

ontheinsidesoitwouldn’tabradeorhurt.

Sheflashedhimawickedgrin.“Areyou?”
“Oh,yeah.”Heleanedbehindherandundidthecordbindingherwrists.Herarmsfellforward

andshebreathedasighofrelief.Therestraintshadn’tbeenpainful,butitwasnicetoletherblood
flowfreelyagain.

“Okay?”heasked.
Shenoddedassherolledhershoulders.“Peachy!”
“Good.Stripnaked,slave.”
Sheflashedhimacoygrin.“Youdon’twanttohelpme?”
“Nope,”hedrawled,ashewalkedbacktothelargestchair.Hespunitaround,thensettleddown

intoit,lettingitrockbackwardasheputhishandsoverhishead.“Iliketowatch.”

Shelaughedathismoviereference,thenproceededwithherorders.Shewas,afterall,hisslave

fortonight.Butjustbecauseshehadtostripdidn’tmeanshehadtomakeiteasyonhim.Shegestured
tothescreenbehindhim.“Gotastripperapp?”

Hefrownedandpulledouttheremote.Ittookafewmomentsofbuttonpushing,butprettysoon

thewholebackwallwaslitupwithawomanpoledancing.“Thatwork?”heasked.

“We’llsee,”sheanswered.Andthenshebegan.
She’dneverthoughtofherselfasparticularlysexy.Notunsexy,butnotstripperpornsexy.After

all,herbreastswereaveragesize,notdouble-Ds,andherlegswerelong,butnotmodellong.Butit
didn’tmatter.WithSamsittingthere,hisgazehotonherbody,shefeltMarilynMonroesexy.And
withthescreenbehindhimshowingherexactlywhattodo,shehadnoproblemgettingintothe
striptease.

Shebeganslowlywithhipcirclesandtheslowunbuttoningofhertrousers.She’dbarelygotten

thezipperdown,though,whenSamhelduphishand.

“Onesecond.Ineedabetterview.”Hescootedhischairforwardtorightinfrontofher.“This

way,Icantouch,too,”hesaid.

Theideahadhernipplestighteningalmostpainfully.“Readytocallitquitsandjustdome?”she

taunted.

“Areyoubeggingforme?”
“Nothardly.”
“Thenyoubetterstartstripping,slave.”
Shegavehimanarchlook.“Preparetodrool,master.”
Shebeganworkingitasbestshecould.Shewasn’tparticularlyflexible,shewasn’tparticularly

athleticanymoreeither.Butshewascoordinatedenoughtomimicthepoledanceonthescreen,using
thesteelpolesofthecabledmonstrositybehindher.Andwhenamovewentbeyondhercomfortzone,
sheadapteditor,acoupletimes,wentforitanyway.

Despitehisteasingstatement,Samdidnottouchheronce,thoughshesawhishandtwitch.In

fact,sheevenstruttedclosetohimhopinghewouldhaulherdowntothefloor.Buthedidn’t.Hejust
watched,hisbreathgettingdeeper,hisgroingettingharder,andhismouthdidindeedgoslackin
stunnedsurpriseeverynowandthen.

Well,shethoughtwithahealthydoseofsatisfaction,whoknewIhadaninnerstripper?And

damnifitwasn’tgettingherhotandbothered,aswell.Shewasdowntoherthongandheelswhenhe
helduphishand.Hisvoicewasthickwithlust,butsheheardhimnonetheless.

“Stop,slave!”
Shewasonallfours,stalkingtowardhimlikeastagecat.She’dintendedtotakethingsintoher

ownhands,sotospeak,andstartgivinghimalapdance.Orahandjob.Oranythingthatwouldpush
himovertheedge.Butclearly,hewaswisetoher.Withaflickofhiswrist,heturnedoffthestage
showonthescreenbehindhisback.Thesex/torturechamberreappeared.

“Takeitalloffnow,slave,”hesaid,obviouslytryingforaboredtoneofvoice.Itdidn’twork.

Sheknewhewasrock-hard.Butsheobviouslyhadn’tpushedhimtothepointwherehewasbegging
hertostraddlehim.

Itwashardertostripoutofherthongwithouttheeroticmusic.Butshemanagedtopeelthewet

thingoffwhiletryingtoenticehimoverhershoulder.Shehadn’trealizedhowmuchdancingsexy
wouldturnheron;ohyeah,shewantedhimbad.

Keepingwithherpowerpersona,shesnappedherthongathimandthenfacedhim,legsspread,

handsonherhips.Allsheworewereherblackheeledpumpswiththeflirtybowintheback.Lethim
trytoresisthernow.

“Heels,too,”hesaid,thoughhishandsweregrippingherthonglikealifeline.
“Areyousure?”shechallengedasshestalkedclosertohim.
Heabruptlysnappedherthongrightbackather.“Yes,Iam,slave.Nowtakethemofforadmit

thatyouhavelostthisgame.”

“Never!”sheshotback.Thenshekickedoffherheels.Shedidn’tneedstilettostobestrong,

anyway.Onceagain,shefacedhim,legsspread,handsonhips.

Helookedatherandlickedhislips.Itwasn’tanintentionalmovement,butareaction,shewas

sure.Shewasgettingtohimbig-time.

“Backupbetweenthepoles,”heordered.
Sheturnedaroundandstruttedintoposition.Sheputallherattitudeintoreallymakingallthe

rightthingsjiggle.Hegrowled,lowinhisthroatandshenearlycrowedhervictory.Butthenshefelt
hisbreathhotalongherback.Hishandsgrippedherhips,largeandpossessiveastheyheldhertight.
Shewantedtoleanbackintohim.Shetriedpushingherbuttbackward.Lord,shewouldhaveloved
himtofillherrightthen,rightthere.Buthedidn’tletherlowerbodymove.Shearchedbackward,
thrustingherbreastsupwardtogivehimaperfectviewandhopedthathewouldneedtotouchthem,
kissthem,anything!

Noluck.Heheldherfirmevenashershouldershitthehardwallofhischest.Thenhespoke,his

breathcaressingherear,hisverypresenceseemingtodominatetheairshebreathed.

“Turnaroundslowly,slave,”hesaid.“Thenpresentyourarmsandlegsforshackles.”
Shackles?Oh,right.Theleathercuffs.Shedidashebid,thoughshetriedtostrokeandtouch

himwhileshemoved.

“Wider,”heordered.
Shespreadherlegs.
“Nowholdyourarmsoutfromyoursides.”
Shedidthataswell.Hesteppedbackandlookedather,adarkgleaminhiseyes.
“Perfect.Don’tmove.”
Itwasharderthanexpected.Thewayhelookedatherwassothrilling.Hewatchedherwitha

hungerlikeawolfstarvingforhisnextmeal.Ormaybeforhismate.Eitherway,shefelthisinterest,
felteverytinglingcaressfromhisgazeacrossherskin.Hernipplestightenedtohardpoints,her
bellyquiveredinanticipationandherbreathcameinshortpantsofdesire.

Howcouldheturnheronsomuchwithjustonelook?Shelickedherlipsandhisgazezeroedin.

Then,becausesheknewhewaswatching,sheslowlydrewherlowerlipinside,bitingitslightly.
Whenhisnostrilsflared,shepursedherlipsandgavehimasoftkiss.

“Doyouwantme,Sam?Rightnow?”
“Areyoubeggingme?”
Shegrinned.“Nope.You?”
Heshookhishead.“Ihaven’tevenstartedwhatIplannedforyoutonight.”
Hehadn’t?Theideawasreallytitillating.“Well,whatareyouwaitingfor,master?”shetaunted.

“I’mgettingcold.”Itwasalie.Shewashotterthanabonfire.

Withouttakinghiseyesoffofher,heclickedacouplemorebuttonsontheremotewhichhe’d

clippedtohisjeans.“I’vebumpedthethermostatanotherdegree.Tellmeifyou’rereallycold.But
myguess,thisisn’tfromthecold.”Heabruptlytweakedoneofhernipplesandshegaspedin
reaction,herbellycontractinginonelongrippleofdelight.

“Don’tmove,”heorderedagain,thenhebenttowork.Heputcuffsonheranklesandwristsand

attachedweightstothecables.Everythingwasatrest,solongasshedidn’tmove.Buttheminuteshe
triedtocloseherlegsorarms,theweightsprovidedresistance.Shecouldmovethemifshewanted
to,ifsheneededto.Butitwouldtakeeffort.

“Canyouundoyourcuffifyouneededto?”heasked.
Sheexperimented.Shecouldbenddownandundoherankles,thoughshewasstrainingher

abdominalstodoit.Asforherwrists…

“Nope.”
Hemadetheweightslighter,andshesilentlysworetoworkoutmore.Agirlneededtobein

shapetobeasexslave!

“Howaboutnow?”
Shetestedit.Shecouldreachbothcuffsnowwithsomestrain,butshepretendedtobetooweak.

“Alittlelighter,”shesaid.

Hefrownedather,butcomplied.Notenoughforhertoflingtheweightaround,butlighterthan

heprobablywanted.

“Andthere’sonelastthing.”
Shearchedabrowathim.Itwasallshecoulddo,standingtherebucknakedandtiedather

wristsandankles.

“Justgivemeamoment.”Hewalkedovertothedoorandpulleditopen.Inrolledanother

mechanicalspiderlikething.Onlythisonerolledonthreewheels,whilesixotherarmsextended
upwardwithvariousattachments.Twoheldatrayofinterestingdevices,includingthevibratorinthe
video.

“Thatcannotbearealproduct,”shesaid,lookingatthething.
Sampickeditup.“Ihavenoidea.Ijustsawitonthevideoandmadeoneup.It’snothard.”
Obviouslynotforhim!Shewouldn’thaveacluehowtostartconstructingavibratingtoy.
“ThoughwhenIgetmoretime,I’dliketorefinethehotandcoldsettings.”
Sheblinked.Thedildohadtemperaturesettings?
Heflashedherawickedgrin,thenbeganadjustingtheheightofthevariousmechanicalarmsin

relationtoher.Hethumbedhisremoteandtworoboticarmswrappedaroundherwaistwithcold
precision.Therewasnothingeroticatallintheplacementexceptwhenhewinkedather.

“That’stokeepyoufromfallingoverwhileyou’rewrithing.Ididn’thavetimetofititfor

paddingbutthemetalwon’tabradeyourskin.”

“I’mseeingalotoftalkhere,”shesaidwithfalsebravado.“TrustmewhenIsay,Ihaveno

inclinationtowritheatthemoment.”

“Hmm,”hesaidasheslidhisfreehandbetweenherthighs.Hewentslowly,flowinghisfingers

overeverypartofher.Hefoundhermoistureeasily—therewasenoughofit—andslowly,
torturously,sliditaround.

Shewassquirmingwithinseconds,herbreathcomingoutinstutteredpants.Andthenshefeltit.

Thevibrator,slippingeasilyinsideher.Shegrippeditwithherinternalmuscles.Howcouldshenot?
Itwasrightthere,andeventhoughitwasn’tSam,itstillfeltgood.

“Andnowthepiècederésistance!”hesaid.Sheblinkedathim.
“I’mgoingtoholdthis,”heexplained,asheshowedheralongstickfittedwithfeathers,ofall

things.“Andyou’renevergoingtoknowwhereorwhenorhowit’sgoingtotouchyoubecause
you’regoingtobewearingthis.”

Ablindfold.Hewalkedaroundbehindherandcarefullycoveredhereyes.Withinseconds,she

couldn’tseeathing.

“Therewego,”hequippedwithalowlaugh.“Ithinkit’stimetobegin.”

16

J

ULIEFELTLIKESHEWAS

wrappeduplikeaChristmasturkeyexceptthatshewasspreadeagle,naked

and…and…oh,wow!Samhadstartedsucklingthenippleonheronebreast.

Sheduckedherheadtosee,butofcourseshewasblindfoldedsothatdidn’thelpheratall.

Instead,thedarknessgavehernothingelsetofocusonexcepteachsensationasitflowedthroughher
body.He’dstartedontheotherbreast.Agentlepinchingthenslowrotationofhistongue.Clockwise.
Counterclockwise.Thenitstopped.

“Sam!”shecried.“Thisis…thisis…”Takingtoolong!
“Areyoucryinguncle?”heaskedfromrightbehindher.
Shejumpedandthemachinenaturallywentwithher.Andwhenshemoved,itfeltalmost

unbearable.Butshewasn’tgoingtoadmitthatyet.“Ofcoursenot,”sheansweredclearly.

“ThenIthinkyoumeanttosay‘master!’”
Oh,right.“Okay,master.Thisisgetting…”Hermindfuzzedout.Hewasstrokingherbodywith

hisfingers.Noplaceerotic.Justherneck,herbelly,herlowerback.Randombrushes,butshelikedit.
Alot.Hewastouchingherand—

“Oh!”Abruptlythedildoinsidehergotcold.Notice-cold,butwickedlyuncomfortable.Which

wasweirdbecauseitwasvibrating,too,whichwasanicefeeling.Alow,deepvibrationthatseemed
torumbleupherspine.Nice.Butcoupledwiththecoldwasjustbizarre.

Shefelthislipsacrossherbelly,murmuring.“Don’tyoumean,‘Oh,master ’?”
“Justoh,”shesaid.
“You’regorgeous,youknow,”hesaid,thistimeagainstherrighthip.Hishandspreadwide

acrossherbelly,warmingherskinbutalsostrokingherwithakindofworship.Helikedtotouchher,
shecouldtell.Noonespentsomuchtimebrushing,strokingandcaressingunlessheenjoyedit.

“Comeforme,Julie,”hesaidagainstherback.Hisbreathwashot,rightatthebaseofherneck

andsheshiveredindelight.Hekissedherthere.Thenshefeltthepointofhistonguestroketiny
circlesthatmadehershiver.

“Somecommandsaredifficulttoobey,master,”shegasped.Shewashot,allright.Butshe

wasn’tattheorgasmicedgequiteyet.

“Thenletmehelpyou.”
Hishandscircledher.Hewasstandingbehindher,butshefelthimmovearound.Shefelthis

handsbrusharoundherbreasts,andthen—mostexquisite—hislipsonhers.Shetriedtokisshim
back.Shetriedtodeepentheirconnection,buthepulledawaytoosoon.

“Comeforme,Julie,”hesaidagain.
“Sam…”shebegan,butherwordwascutoffbyagasp.Thedildoinsideherhadbeguntowarm.

Itdidn’tfeelalive,exactly,butitwasheatthatradiatedthroughherbelly.Afterthecoldfromearlier,
thisfeltdoublywonderful.Thenippleactionhadstartedagain,too.Steadysuction,gentletwisting.
Allonitsown,itwasn’tenoughtodomorethangetherexcited.Butaddedtothedildo,shewas
buildingfast.

“Touchme,master.”Shealmostsaid“Sam.”Shewantedhishandsonherbody,buthadto

rememberthegame.“Touchmelikeyouwantto.”

“Okay,”heanswered.AndthenSambeganworkingthevibratorbetweenherthighs.
Oh,lord,hewasstrokingherclitwithit.Upanddown,hestrokedher.Herpleasurebuiltlikea

tornado,swirlingthroughherbellyandexpandingthroughherbody.

“Oh!Oh!”Shewaspanting,herbodyexperiencingeverythingatonce.Itwasalmosttoomuchto

understand,soshestoppedtrying.Shejustfelteverythingatonce.Soon…soon…

Atinyzapofelectricityshotthroughherclitstraightintoherbrain.Likealightningbolt

throughoutherentirebody.Sheburstintopleasure,everycellexplodingwiththepowerofthatone
tinyjolt.

Shescreamed.Shewrithed.Andwhenthesensationsbecametoomuch,shestartedgasping.

“Stop!Stop!”

Everythingmechanicalstopped,butherbodycontinuedtorollinwavesofpleasure.
“Oh,yes!”hecried.Sam’svoice.Sam’sjoy.Atherorgasm.“God,you’reincrediblelikethat,”

hesaid.

Hewasholdingher.Shedidn’tknowwhenhe’dcrossedtosupportherback,buthewasthere.

Shewascradledinhisarms,andjustlikethatanotherboltoflightningstruck.Thisonewasn’t
physical.Itcameasarevelation,buttheimpactwasnolessshocking.

Shelovedhim.Shelovedthathewasgentleevenashepushedhertoexploreplacesshe’dnever

imaginedshe’dgo.Shelovedthatheenjoyedherpleasure.Shealsolovedthathesupportedher
dreams,wasnicetokids,andthatshefeltstronger,saferandjustdownrightawesomewhenshewas
withhim.Addedtothatwashisintelligence,hisquietstrengthandthewaytheycouldtalkseriouslyor
sitinsilencewithoutanyhintofawkwardness,andthatmadeSamonehugelypotentpackage.

Andshelovedhim.Completely.Awesomely.Shelovedhim.
Suddenly,shehadnowishtoplaywithhistoys.Shewantedhim.ShewantedSamthemanand

nothingelse.

Withanimpatientgrunt,sheforcedherarmstogetherandpulledofftheblindfold.She’dfaked

howharditwastomanipulateherarms,soitwasaneasystepnexttounbucklehercuffs.Eachwrist
restraintreleasedandtheweightsdroppedtothestackwithaloudclang.

“Julie?”Samsaid,hisbodytensing.“Julie!”
“Getthemoffme,”shesaid,notbecauseshewasrepulsed,butbecausesheneededhim.
Hescrambledtoobey,obviouslyworriedthatshehadn’tenjoyedherdescentintomechanical

sex-games,andshedidn’thavethebreathyettoexplain.Ormaybeitwasthecourageshelacked.

Shelovedhim.Butitwassocomplicated.ShewasgoingbacktoNebraskaintwoweeks!Hehad

ajobhere,andtherewasnowayhecouldhaveaccesstothiskindoflabinNebraskaevenifhe
wantedtofollowher.

Allthesethoughtsranthroughherbraininasecond,hermindflashingonpossiblefuturesina

wholegamutofdirections.

TheyallbeganwithhertellingherrevelationtoSam,thenspiraledoutfromthere.Hecould

laugh,anditwouldbetorture.Hecouldloveherback,whichwouldbeamazinguntilherefusedto
leaveChicago.Shewouldflounderwithnosupportandnojob,becomeabitchbecauseshealways
wasonewhenshewasn’tworking.Hewouldhateher,andtheywouldbreakup.Thenshe’dhaveto
movebacktoNebraskaheartbrokenandjoblessandanythingfromweekstomonthstoyearsolder.

Thentherewasthatotherpossibility.Theyearned-for,hoped-forsoulmate.Oh,hell,couldshe

havethatwithSam?Couldtheymakealifeofit?

ShefinallyhadeverythingoffofhersothatshecouldturntolookdirectlyatSam.Hiseyes

werewide,hisexpressionanxious.

“Whathappened?”heasked.“Areyouallright?”

Shenoddedmutely.Howdidsheputeverythingshewasthinkingintowords?Itwassonewto

her.Maybeitwastheresultofareallyamazingorgasm?Butitdidn’tfeellikethat.Ifanything,itfelt
morerealthanmerephysicalsensation.Bettertofocusonrightnow.Onwhatshewantedatthis
secondandnotworryaboutanythingelse.

“Idon’twanttoysanymore,Sam,”shesaidsoftly.“Ijustwantyou.”
Theyweren’ttouchinganymore.They’dhadtoseparateforhimtopulloffheranklecuffsand

pushhisroboticsex-machineoutoftheway.Shemovedtowardhimnow,andhegatheredherinhis
arms.Buthistouchwastentative,hisexpressionstillconfused.

“Isthispartofthegame?”heasked.“Julie,areyou—”
“I’mfine,andthisisnogame.”Shepulledhisfacetohers.“Thatthingwas,well,itwasgreat.

Seriouslytwisted,butkindaawesome,too.Butit’snotyou,Sam.Aswonderfulasthatwas,Iwant
you.”

Heblinked,comprehensionslowlyfillinghisexpression.“That’sallI’veeverwanted,Julie.The

restwasjust—”

“Games.Toys.Iknow.Butnotthistime.Justbewithme.”
Helookedather,hisexpressionshiftingfromshocktodesiretohumbleawe.Heregomight

havebeenstokedbyhisobviousworship,exceptthatsheknewherfaceshowedthesamethings.She
lovedhim.Thatwasbothhumblingandabsolutelyincredibleallatonce.

“Sam—”
“Uncle,”hesaidsoftly.
Sheblinked.“What?”
“Uncle.Igive.I—”
Shepressedhisfingerstohismouth.“Stoptalking,Sam.Justtakemetobed.”
Henoddedagainstherhand.Andthen,heabruptlyscoopedherupinhisarms.Secondslater,he

wasstridingdownthehallwayandintothebedroom.Hedidn’tbotherwithlights.Therewasenough
spillinginfromthehallwayanywayforhertosee.Andhe,apparently,didn’tcaretoseeasmuchas
touch.Hishandswerealloverherthemomenthesetheronthebed.Shewasnolessimpatient,buthis
clothingwasintheway.

“Naked,Sam,”sheurged.“Getnaked.”
Hesuckedinabreathandpulledawayfromher.Together,theystrippedhimandthen,hallelujah,

shewasabletocaresshim.Hispeniswasinherhandsbeforehisshirthitthefloor.Finally,shewas
abletostrokehim,tocuphim,tosuckhimashehadbeendoingtoher.

“Oh,God,Julie…”Hepulledheroff.Shedidn’twanttogo,butheinsisted.“I’mtooclose,”he

rasped.Thenhefumbledwithhisjeansonthefloor,pullingoutacondomfromthepocket.

Shelookedathim,herthoughtsstillspinning.Shehadwantedtosuckhimuntilheexploded.

Whenhadthateverhappened?Yeah,sheunderstoodthateachpartnergottheirturn,andsheenjoyed
giving,butthiswasawholenewlevelofneed.Shewantedtopleasurehim,anddidn’treallycareat
allaboutherself.

Evenmoreshattering,partofherdidn’twanthimtouseacondom.Whatwoulditbeliketohave

hisbaby?Tospendtheirlivestogetherraisingafamily.Hischildren,theirlife,ahappilyeverafter.
Wasitevenpossible?Thehopeblossomedwithinher,aspotentashernewfoundlove.

“You’rebeautiful,”sherasped.
“It’stoodarkinhereforyoutoseemuchofanything,”hereturned.
“Iseeyou,”sheanswered.“Iseesomuch.”Possibilities.Potential.Afuture,orazillionpossible

futures.“Ilo—”

“Ican’twait,”hesaidbeforeshegotthewordsout.Thenhescoopedherhipsoutfromunder

her,drawinghertotheedgeofthebedinoneswiftmotion.Heleanedforward,placedhimself

exactly,andslowly,exquisitely,tenderlypushedhimselfinside.

God,thiswassoright!Shelookedintohiseyes.Shetouchedhisface.Shefeatheredherfingers

acrosshisjawandlips.Hisexpressionwassointense,hisbodysoperfectashebegantheslow
withdrawalbeforeanequallywonderfulthrust.

“Yes,”shewhispered.Meaningyestoeverything.Yestoherlove.Yestotherisk.Yesto

whateverthefutureheldforhimandher.Yes.

Butshedidn’tgetallthewordsout.Therewasn’ttimeasSam’sbodytightened.Histhrustscame

faster,hispowerbuilding.Hegroaned,lowanddeepinhisthroat.Andthen,hiseyesglazedover.

Hetriedtomovehishand,heobviouslywantedtorollhisthumboverherclit,butshegrabbed

him.Aftereverythingearlier,shewasalreadythere.Orcloseenoughthatitdidn’tmatter.Itwas
almostasthoughwhattheirbodiesweredoingwassecondary.Shewaswithhim.Shewasopeningup
toherloveforhim,nomatterwhatitmeant.Shelovedhim,andthatwasawondrousthing.

Heslammedintoher.Once.Twice.Thenheshuddered,releasingastutteredmoan.Andhis

pleasurepushedheroveraswell.Rippledthroughher.Joy.Wonder.

Love.

J

ULIERELUCTANTLYSTRUGGLED

upfromthedepthsofsleep.Shedidn’twanttowake.Shedidn’twantto

move.Shefeltwarmandlanguidwhereshewas,tuckedtighttoSam’ssideinamassivebed.Butshe
hadtogetup.

Shecrackedaneye.“Bathroom?”shecroaked.
“Mmmumph,”wasSam’sresponse.Hisfacewastuckedintoherneck,andshefeltthevibration

morethanheardtheword.Eitherway,itwasn’taspecificenoughanswer.

Forcingherself,sheshiftedawayfromhim.Aw,hell,itwascoldwithouthim.“Sam,where’sthe

bathroom?”

Hesighedandfloppedontohisback.“Bathroomlighton,”hecommandedinaloudvoice.
Aroomoffthebedroomsuddenlyflaredtoobright.Sheshieldedhereyes,butatleastnowshe

knewwheretogo.Stumblingforward,shemadeittothebathroom.Shedidn’treallywanttowakeup,
butsomethingswereinevitable.Bythetimeshe’dfinishedwashingherhands,hereyeshadadjusted
totheglareandherconsciousnesswasfullyengaged.

She’djusthadalovelyday,anincrediblyfabulousnight,andcouldlookforwardtoanamazing

weekend.ShewasinlovewithSam,buthadyettotellhim.Shewasalreadythinkingofadozen
possiblescenariosforsharingthenewswhensheleftthebathroom.

Shewastryingtofigureouthowtoturnoffthelightwhenhergazesnaggedonapictureonthe

dresser.Itwasafamilyphoto,clearlyfromseveralChristmasesago.TherewasMomandDadin
matchingChristmas-treesweaters,probablyknittedbymom.AyoungerSamstoodawkwardlybeside
hisfather,lookingrathergauntandgeekywithhisneathaircutandChristmas-ornamentsweater.

BesideMomwasanotheryoungman,devilishlyhandsomewitharakishgrinandablanklook

inhiseyes.Theblindbrother.AndinfrontwasSam’slittlesister,lookingtanandbuffandinthe
primeofherathleticdays.

Juliesmiled,pickingupthepictureandanglingittowardthelight.Nicepicture.Nicefamily.

Shecouldn’twaittomeetthemall.AndsheimaginedtheinterestingresponseswhenSammether
boisterous,rough-and-tumblebrothers.Herparents,shealreadyknew,wouldembracehimhappily.It
washerbrothershewouldhavetoimpress,thoughshewassurehecouldmanageit.

Shesetdownthepicture,takingamomenttolookaboutthebedroom.Samstilllayonhisback

inbed,theblacksheetbarelycoveringhimfromthebellydown.Hewasinthathalfwayplaceofthe
notyetawake.Whileshewatched,hiseyesopenedtohalfmast,thendriftedbackdown.

Shemeanttogobacktobed.Shewantednothingmorethantoclimbinbesidehimandsnuggle

backtosleep.Orsnuggletosomethingelse.Butsomethingkeptherrightwhereshewas.Something
tuggedatherbrainandkeptherstandingrightthere.

Sheglancedbackatthephoto.Samhadfilledoutnicely,shethought.Hehadn’thadmuchupper

bodystrengthinthisphoto,butobviouslyhedidnow.Clearlyheusedthefreeweightsinthe
playroom.Thestationarybikeaswell,shethought,assherememberedhiminbicycleshorts.

Hergazeslidbacktohissleepingform,herthoughtscenteringnotonhim,butontheblack

sheets.Somethingabout…Oh,yes.Sherememberedhimtellingherthathisbedroomwasallcold
colorsandmetal.Evenhissheetswereblack.

Sheletherselfscantheroomatlarge.Sureenough,eventhedresserwasanuninterestingblack

metalthingmoreappropriatetoanofficethanabedroom.Thentherewerethebooksscatteredabout
theflooraswellasapileofclothinginahamperinthecorner.SherecognizedSam’scoverallsin
thereaswellastheteehe’dwornyesterday.

Andthat’swhenithit.Sam’sclothingwashere.Sam’sbedsheetswerehere.Sam’sfamilyphoto

washere.InMr.Finn’sbedroom.Except,obviously,itwasn’tMr.Finn’sbedroom.

Sheflashedontheawkwardwayhe’dsaidMr.Finn’sbiohadbeenwrittenbymarketing.Thatit

wasn’teventhenamehereallywentby.Shebitherlip.TheCEO’sfullnamewasJamesS.Finn.What
didtheSstandfor?HadsheeverlearnedSam’slastname?

Moreandmorepiecesfellintoplace.Hisfamiliaritywiththelab.Thewaythevoicecommands

respondedtohim.EventhefreakyundercurrentsbetweenhimandRogerduringhermeeting.

“Oh,God.Oh,God.”Itwastrue,sherealizedwithhorror.SamwasJamesSamFinn,CEOof

RFE.

Oh,God.Therewastoomuchtoprocess.WhathadshesaidaboutMr.Finnyesterday?Whyhad

heliedaboutwhohewas?Wasthissomesortofsickgameheplayedwithwomen?WasRogerinon
it?Dideveryonebutherknow?

Sam’seyeswerenowopen,hisexpressionrapidlyshiftingtoalarm.“Julie?”
Shebackedawayfromhim,herbodyshudderingwithaphysicalrevulsion.Ithadallbeenalie!

Shepointedashakingfingeratthephotoonthedresser.

“That’syou,”sheaccused.“That’syourfamilythere!”
Hepushedhimselfuptoasittingposition,hisfacescrunchedashesquinted.“Julie?Hell,Julie,I

can’tsee.”

Shedidn’tknowhowtorespondtothat.Shedidn’tknowhowtorespondtoanything.
“You’rehim.You’reJamesS.Finn.”
Hestilledatthat,hisfacegoingpale.Then,slowly,heexhaled,hisshouldersslumping.
“Yeah,”hesaid.“Yeah,Iam.”
“Youlied,”shesaid.“Oh,God,everythinghasbeenonebiglie.”
“No,noithasn’t!”Heshottohisfeetandstumbledaroundthebedtowardher.Butshebackedup.

Shecouldn’thavehimtouchingherrightnow.Hell,shewashavingtroublenotgettingdistractedby
hisnakedbody.

“Ithas!”shecried.She’dbeenabouttotellhimshelovedhim.“You’reMr.Finn!”
“Julie,youwanteditthisway.YoucalledmeElevatorMan.Youwantedafantasy,notreality.”
Itwasthetruth.Sheknewitwas.Butnottothislevel.Shehadn’tthoughtthefantasyextendedthat

far.“Youliedaboutyourname.”

“Julie—”
“Ineverlied.Notonce.NotaboutwhoIwas.”
“NeitherdidI!It’sFinnwho’sthemade-upperson.I’mjustSam.”
“Stopit!Juststopit!”

Shecouldn’tthink.Shecouldn’thandlemore.She’djustrealizedshelovedhim,andnowhe

wasn’tevenhimanymore!Hell,evenherthoughtsdidn’tmakesense.

“Justhangonaminute,Julie.Justletme—”
“No,”shegasped.“No!Juststoprightthere.”
Hewastryingtoclosethedistancebetweenthem,tryingtoholdher.Butshegrabbedthephoto

offhisdeskandusedittoholdhimbackfromher.Itwasn’tlargeenoughtoreallybeanobstacle,but
itwasamessagenonetheless.Andwiththenearpanicinhervoice,hethankfullycomplied.Hestood
apartfromher,theedgeoftheframepressedagainsthischest.Hisarmswereathissideandhis
expressionwasoneofdesperation.

“Julie,justplease,canwetalkaboutthis?”
“No,”shegasped.
“Julie—”
“No!”Shetookadeepbreath.“Youlistentome,okay!Justgivemeaminute.”
Hewassilent.Obviously,hewasgivinghertheminute.Butthiswastoomuch.Andtheywere

naked.Shecouldn’tthinklikethis!

“I’mgoingtoleavenow,”shesaid.
“No!”Helungedforward,butshesteppedbackward.
“It’snotforever,Sam,”shesaidfirmly.“It’sjustuntilIcangetahandleonthis.”
“Solet’stalkaboutit.”
“No!”shehuffed.“Ijustneedtobealoneandquietand…”Notnaked.Bothphysicallyand

emotionally,sheneededtobenotnaked.

Shewatchedhishandsbunchandhisshoulderstighten.Hewasfightingthis,fightinglettingher

go.“Justletmegetmycontactsin.I’llorderbreakfast.We’ll—”

“You’llcharmme.You’llsweepmeintoanothersexfest.”
Hewinced.“We’lltalk.Iswear—”
“Iknow,”shesaid,thoughtruthfully,shedidn’tfeellikesheknewanythingatall.“ButIcan’t.

Not…”Sheglancedattheclockatthesideofhisbed.Bigrednumbers.“God,it’sthreeinthe
morning.”

“Socomebacktobed.Getsomesleepandwe’ll—”
“I’mgoinghome,Sam.Don’tcallme.Letmecallyou.”
“Notgoingtohappen,Julie.”
Sheshovedhispictureathimsuddenandhardenoughthatheswayedbackward.Shereachedfor

anger,deliberatelymisunderstandinghimbecauseshecouldn’tprocessanythingelse.“You’regoing
tolockmeup?Keepmehereasyourslave?”

“Youknowthat’snotwhatImeant!”
“DoI?”sheasked,hervoicebreaking.“Idon’tevenknowwhoyouare!”
“I’myourSam.ThesameguyIwastenminutesago,tenhoursago,tendaysago.”
“Butyou’realsoJamesS.Finn.”
Hesighed.“Youdon’tknowhowmanytimesItriedtotellyou.”
Sheblinked,hereyeswatering.Shewasemotionallyinsideout.Shecouldn’tthink.Sheloved

him,sheknewshedid,andyet…“Ihavetogo.”

Shespunonherheelanddashedoutthedoor.Thankfullyitwasn’thardtofindherclothes,

thoughtheywerescatteredaboutthelabandplayroom.Shedressedasquicklyasshecouldwitha
squinty-eyedSamfollowinghertheentireway.

Hedidn’tsayanything.Hetriedacoupletimes,butshecuthimoff.Shecouldn’thearanything

hesaidrightthen.Shepromisedhimshewouldeventually,justnotrightthatsecond.Itwastoomuch.
Just…toomuch.

Soshedressedandleft.Hewentdownintheelevatorwithher,triedoncemoretotalktoher,but

sherefused.Justlikeonthatfirstnight,hewatcheduntilshegotintohercar.Infact,hestoodtherein
herrearviewmirror,hisexpressionsodevastatedthatshestartedsobbing.Andoncethetearsstarted,
shecouldn’tstop.

Shetriedtoholdthemin.Shetriedtokeepittogetherjustuntilshemadeithome.Thepaincut

sodeep.Everythingshethoughtsheknew,everythingshefeltabouthim…Wasittrue?Wasanyofit
real?Howcouldhehaveliedtoher?

Sheturnedacorner.Almosthome.Shedidn’thearthetruckhornuntiltoolate.Andthenher

headwaswhippedbackastheSilveradoplowedintohercar.Thenwham.Airbag.Pain.

Black.

17

S

HECAMETOASTHEPARAMEDICS

pulledheroutofhercar.Theyflashedapenlightinhereyesand

askedherquestions.Shetoldthemhernameandthedate.Evennamedthecurrentpresident.Then
whentheyaskediftherewassomeonetheycouldcallforher,shejustsaidno.Therewasnooneshe
wantedtosee,notevenKaren,thoughSam’sfaceburnedinherthoughts.

“Justletmesleep,”shemurmured,thensheclosedhereyes.Theydidn’t,ofcourse.Shehada

possibleheadinjury,sotheykeptherawakeandalertenoughtoreliveeverystupidmomentofthis
evening.Shecametonobrilliantconclusionsexceptthatshewasanidiotfortryingtodriveandsob
hereyesoutatthesametime.Andnowshehadmedicalbillsthatshecouldn’tpayontopof
everythingelse.

Eonslater,theyfinallyleftheraloneinherhospitalbed.Thenthepainkillersfinally,beautifully,

kickedin.ButherlastthoughtwasofSamandthatthetearsfelthotagainstherbruisedface.

T

HEYDISCHARGEDHER

thenextday.ShecalledKarentodriveherhome.Herfriendwasfullof

questions,ofcourse,butonelookatJulie’sbatteredfaceandsheaskedjusttheone.

“Doyouwanttotalk?Orjustforgetforthemoment?”
Juliecouldn’tbringherselftosmile,butshedidmanageagratefullook.“Forget,”she

whispered.

“Agreed.Fornow,”Karensaid.ThenshegotJulieherprescriptionofpainkillersanddroveher

home.

S

AMWASGOINGINSANE

!TwodaysoftotalsilencefromJulie.He’dleftazillionmessagesonhercell,

butnocall.Shehadn’tcometowork.Infact,WebWitandWonderhadbeendark,sohecouldn’teven
talktoherfriend.Everyotherminute,hethoughtaboutgoingtoherhome,butshe’dtoldhimshe
neededspace.Consideringthedepthofhislies,acoupleofdayswasn’ttoomuchtoask.Exceptitwas
killinghim.

Hewascompletelyuselessatwork,alternatingbetweensnappingathisemployeesandhidingin

hislab.ExceptthatwasnosanctuarybecauseeverywherehelookedremindedhimofJulie.She’d
beeninhislab,she’dtouchedjustabouteverypieceofequipmenthere,andshe’dbeentouchedby
himhere,too.Buthisbedroomandhisplayroomwereworse,sohestayedhere.

Hesentflowers,watchedthesecuritycamerasinfrontofhersuite,dideverythingbutstormher

littleapartment.He’djustmadeuphismindtodoitanywaywhenheglancedonemoretimeatthe
securitymonitors.WasthatherfriendKaren?Yes!Shewasrightnowwalkingdownthehallwayto
theirsuite.Hewasonhisfeetinasecond,pushingpastRogertogetdowntherepronto.

“Whereisshe?”hedemandedthemomenthecrossedthethresholdofWebWitandWonder.

“Where’sJulie?”

Apparently,hisappearancewasratherfrighteningbecauseKarenspunaroundwithasqueakof

alarm.Sambithislip,deliberatelytookadeepbreathandtriedtomoderatehistone.

“Hello,Karen,”hesaid,thoughthewordscameoutclipped.“Rememberme?I’mSam.”
“Theelevatorman,”shereturnedwithanod.
Hesighed.Besttogetthetruthrightoutthereintheopen.“Yeah.I’malsoJamesS.Finn,CEOof

RFEupstairs.”

Karen’seyeswidenedinshock,especiallyasshetookinhiscoverallsandgenerallydisheveled

appearance.“Oh,”shemanaged.“That’sasurprise.”

“Look,I’mgoingtocuttothechasehere.I’minlovewithJulie.Ineedtotalktoher,tobegher

forgiveness.Whereisshe?”Hadhereallyjustsaidthatoutloud?ApparentlysobecauseKaren’seyes
softened.

“Thenthosemustbefromyou.”Shewavedtothearrayofflowersthathe’dhaddelivered.

Withoutsomeoneheretoopentheoffice,thebouquetshadlinedupoutside,likeafuneraldisplay.
He’dsentabunchtoherapartment,too,sotherewasprobablyanotherlinethere.

“Yeah,theyare.Sowhere—”
“Shehadacaraccident.”
Thewordstookamomenttopenetratehisbrain.Andwhentheydid,hisbodyrespondedbefore

hecould.Hiskneeswentweak,andhisheartclimbedupintohisthroat.“Oh.Oh,God.Isshe…Was
she…”Hecouldn’tevensaythewords.

“She’sfine,”Karenanswered.“Buthercellisdead.Hercar,too,forthatmatter.”
“I’llbuyhernewones.Issheatherapartment?”Hewasalreadyspinningoutthedoorbefore

Karencouldanswer,butheskiddedtoastopatKaren’scall.

“Wait!She’snotthere!”
Samturnedback,nearlyknockingoveravaseofrosesintheprocess.“Whereisshe?”
Karenbitherlip.“Look,Idon’tknowwhoyouare—”
“Ialreadytoldyou.I’mSam!”
“Yeah,Iknow.ButIdon’treallyknowyou.Juliesaidsheneededsometimetoregroup.Andto

letthebruisesfade.Shedidn’twantanyonetobotherher.”

“I’mnotgoingtobotherher!”Hewasjustgoingtohog-tieherdownandtalktoher.
“Um,forgiveme,Sam,butyoulookexactlylikeyou’regoingtobotherher.”
Samstoppedhimselffromtighteninghishandsintofists.Hestoppedhimselffromdoing

anythingthathintedatthewelloffrustrationhehadseethingwithinhim.Hesimplymoderatedhis
toneandsaidinhisbestCEOvoice,“Karen,tellmewheresheis.I’mjustgoingtotalktoher.”Itwas
alie,ofcourse.Heknewthatthesecondhewaswithher,hewasgoingtodowaymorethanjusttalk.
Buttruly,therewouldbetalkingfirst.Therehadtobe.Thentherewouldbeseduction,courting,
showeringinpresents,anythinghecouldthinkoftokeepherinhislife.

“Waitasecond!”Karensaidasshesmackedherpalmagainstherforehead.“Duh.You’reJames

Finn,CEOofRFE.”

Hetriednottogrindhisteeth.“Ijusttoldyouthat.”
“Yeah,Iknow.ButJulietoldmetosendyouanemail.Youjusttookmesobysurprisetherethat

Iwasn’tthinking.”

Samsteppedforward,barelyrestraininghisimpatience.“Whatwasthemessage?”
“Um…”
“Damnit!What.Was.The.Message?”
Karentookastepback,hereyeswideninginterror.“That,um,shewantsameetingwithyou.”
Everypartofhisbodydeflatedinrelief.Shewasgoingtotalktohim.Shewasn’tleavingfor

Nebraska.“When?”herasped.

“Tomorrow.Tena.m.”
“Done.Butwhereisshe—”

“Andthere’sonemorething…”
Helookedather,tryingnottogrowlwhenshedidn’tcontinueimmediately.
“Um,yeah,shewantedmetomakeitclearthatWebWitandWonderwouldnotberenewingits

contractforthisofficesuite.We’reclosingup.”

Samstraightened.“What?No!Shedoesn’thaveto—”
“Shewasfirm.AndIagreed.We’reclosing.”
WhichmeantJuliewasstillgoingbacktoNebraska.Ah,hell.

18

N

OAMOUNTOFFOUNDATION

couldcoverashinerliketheoneJuliehad.Theairbaghadslammedinto

thesideofherfacesinceshe’dbeenlookingatthetruck,notstraightahead.Ithadnotbrokenher
nose,buthadburstwhathadtobeeverycapillaryontheleftsideofherface.Sheconsideredtelling
everyoneshewasintrainingtobeaGoldenGlovesboxer.Fortunately,noonewaslookingtoo
closelyatherasshepressedthebuttontocallforanelevator.

“MissThompson?”
Julieturnedaroundandsmiledatthesecurityguard.Hewasn’tSam,soshehadtoimmediately

squelchthesurgeofdisappointment.Ithelpedthatherexpressionpulledatherbruises.Painwasa
greatdistraction.

“Isthereaproblem?”sheasked.
“Er,notexactly.You’reheadinguptoRFE?”
Shenodded.ItwastimetofaceSam,butshewasdoingitasco-ownerofWebWitandWonder,

notJulieThompson,recentsexaddict.Sheworeanavyblue,by-the-booksbusinesssuit,herhairwas
pulledupinabun,andtherewasatleastaninchofmakeuponherabusedface.Thiswascorporate
Julie,andshewouldbetheonetalkingwithJamesS.Finn,CEO.GirlfriendJuliewouldcomelater.
Maybe.

“Yes,IhaveameetingwithMr.Finnatten.”
“Iknow.Heaskedthatyoufollowme,please.”Hegestureddownthehallway,awayfromthe

elevatorbay.

“I’msorry.What’sgoingon?”
“RFEhasitsownprivateelevator.Mr.Finnaskedthatyouusethatone.”
Shetiltedherheadinsurprise.Seriously?Samhadhisownprivate…Sheimmediatelyputastop

totheideasracingthroughherhead.

“Verywell,”shesaidwithforcedcasualness.“Whereisit?”
“Inhere.”Heledherthrougharestrictedsetofdoorstoasinglehuge,ratherplainelevator.“It’s

usedmostlyformovingequipment,”hesaidashetappedthebutton.Thenhegrinned.“Andafew
dignitaries.”

Thedoorswhooshedopentoabayfilledwithroses.Dozensofrosesinvasessetinthecorners

oftheelevator.Juliejuststoodandstaredatthem.

“Theywereoutsideyoursuite.Anewoneeveryday.Mr.FinnsuggestedIputtheminhereso

you’dseethembeforeyouwentupstairs.”

Shearchedherbrowsathim.Somuchforhercorporatepersona.Nothingscreamedromance

likefour-dozenlong-stemmedroses.“Well,”shesaidslowly.“Wasn’tthatthoughtfulofhim?”Then
shesteppedintotherose-scentedelevatorandpressedthebuttonlabeledLab.Itwastheonlyother
buttonbeyondground.

Sheturnedandfacedfront.Theguardgaveheraquicknodthenwatchedherwithanimpassive

expressionuntilthedoorsshut.Shetightenedhergriponherbriefcaseastheelevatorbegantolift…
thencametoahaltmidway.

JuliefrownedandpressedtheLabbuttonagain,thoughsheknewitwasuseless.Thiswas

obviouslySam’sdoing.Shedidn’tevenbotheropeningtheaccesspaneltolookforaphoneor
anything.Allshehadtodowasstandhereandwaitforhisnextmove.Well,thatandcontrolthe
suddensurgeoflustcoursingthroughherveins.Afterall,theirstoryhadbegunwith“accidental”
fondlesinanelevator.Whoknewwhathehadinmindnow?

Shedidn’thavetowaitlong.Aboutaminutelater,sheheardSam’svoicecomingdistinctly

throughtheelevatorceiling.“Problem,ma’am?”

Shelookedupashisfaceappearedaboveher.Themanwassquattingontopoftheelevator,

lookingdownatherthroughanaccesshatch.

“Iappeartobestuck,”shesaid.
“Iknowthefeeling,”hesaidashecarefullymaneuveredhistoolboxthroughtheopeningthen

droppedittothefloor.

Whatwasthatsupposedtomean?shewondered.Exactlyhowstuckcouldamultimillionaire

CEObe?

Shedidn’tgettimetoaskherquestionaloud,though,becauseSamwasbusydroppingdownin

frontofher.Hemovedwithalithegrace,asusual,buthelookedabithaggard.Asifthelastfewdays
hadbeenunusuallytoughonhim.Itwasevilofher,butherheartliftedatthesight.Shedidn’twant
himtosuffer,butitwasgoodtoseesomeindicationthattheirrelationshiphadn’tbeenjustan
elaborategametohim.

“Okay,”hesaid.“Let’ssee…”Hisvoicetrailedawayashestudiedherface.
Sheflushed,knowinghewasstaringatherbruises,especiallyashismouthtightenedintoagrim

line.

“Itlookswayworsethanitis,”sheoffered.
“Jules…”hesaid,hisvoicestrangled.
Sheheldupherhandtostophim.“Whatarewedoinghere,Sam?Isthisanotherelevatortryst?

Areturntoourglorioussexualpast?”

“No!”Heshookhishead,hisexpressionshiftingtodesperate.“Ijustfigureditwouldn’thurtto

remindyouof,um…”

“Thatthesightofyouinacoverallsmakesmehot?”shechallenged.
Heflushed.“Well,yeah.”
“Well,okay.SoI’mreminded,”shesaidgently.“Butsexhasneverbeenaproblembetweenus.

MyissueiswithCEOSam.”

Hethrewouthishands.“ThisiswhoIreallyam,Julie.Yougottaknowthat.”
“No,you’renot.JamesFinnisahugepartofyou.”Shegrimacedandlookedaway.“WhenI

thinkofhowIkeptatyoufornotgoinganywherewithyourlife.Fornotpursuingsomethingmore
thanbeingajanitor—”

“Itwasn’tbadadvice.”
“FortheCEOofamultimilliondollarcompany?”
Hewinced.“Forme.ForSam.Whatyousaidaboutmebeingunfocusedistrue.Rogerhasbeen

tellingmethatforyears.”

“Sowhyhaven’tyoulistened?”
Heshrugged.“Becausewanderingworked.IgottoplayeverydayonwhateverIwanted,andthe

moneykeptcoming.Untilrecently,atleast.”

Shetiltedherhead,waitingfortherest.“Recently?”shepromptedwhenhedidn’tcontinue.

“Whatchanged?”

“Theeconomy.Thepriceofmytoys.”Hisgazetightenedlikealaserontoherface.“You.”
Shesnorted.“Me?I’mjustyoursexfestdate.”

Hesteppedforwardandcuppedherelbows.Shelethim.Hell,shewantedtobeburiedinhis

arms,butthiswastooimportant.That’sexactlywhyshe’dwornherruthlessbusinesswomanattire.So
shewouldberemindedwitheverybreaththatshehadtothinkfirstbeforesheacted.

“You’vebeenmorethanthatfrom,wellhell,fromalmostthebeginning.”
Shearchedherbrowsathim.Shedidn’tbelievethatwastrue.Notforasecond.
“It’sthetruth!”hehuffed.“Inoticedyoubecauseyouwereacommitted,focusedbusinesswoman

andyetworeyellowdressesandwerethiscreativedynamo.IsawyouinthelobbyandIkneweven
then—onsomelevel—thatyouwerejustwhatIwanted.”

Shesighed,herheartmeltingdespiteherdeterminationtobestrong.“Everythingwedidwas

builtonlies.Myfantasiesandyourlies.”

Hetouchedherchin,pullinghergazebacktohis.“There’snothingwrongwithfantasies,Julie.

We’reconsentingadults.Theywerefun.”

“Butthat’snotenoughforarelationship.”
“Isn’tit?Wasn’titagoodbeginningforwhatwe’vebuiltsince?”
Shepushedawayfromhim,gettingtothecruxofherproblemwiththeirwholesituation.“We

haven’tbuiltanything,Sam!We’veplayedsomegreatgames.We’vegoneonabowlingdate.”

“Thoseweren’tjustlittlethingstome!”hesnapped.
“Nortome,”shesaidsoftly.Butbeforehecoulddistracther,sheheldupherhand.“Tellme

honestly,asCEOofRFE,istherebusinessformeatyourcompany?”

Hebithislip.“Maybe.You’vegotgoodideas.Rogerreallywasimpressed.”
“Butit’lltaketime.Anditprobablywon’tbeanythingsubstantialatfirst.”
Hesighedandrubbedahandoverhisface.“Iwarnedyou,Julie,fromtheverybeginningthatit

wasalongshot.Westillmaybeabletoworksomethingout,but—”

“ButI’mnotinterested.WebWitandWonderdoesn’thavethatkindoftime.Asofafew

morningsago,we’reofficiallyclosingourdoors.”

Heblinked,andshesawallhishopescrashinthatonemoment.“Julie,wecanworksomething

out.”

Sheshookherhead.“No,wecan’t.NotasRFEandWebWitandWonder.It’sjustnotgoingto

happen.”

Hedroppedbackagainstthesideoftheelevator.“Julie…”hewhispered,thoughheclearlyhad

noideawhattosay.

“Soarewedonewithourofficialmeeting?”sheasked.“Arewedonewithourpretendgameof

corporatealliances?”

“Itwasneverpretend,”hesaid,histoneahalfgrowl.“I’mstilllookingforaway—”
“Stoplooking!”shecried.
Heswallowed.Slowly,shesawacceptanceseepintohisexpression.Hisshouldersslumped,his

gazedroppedtothefloor,andhereleasedasighthatseemedtocomefromhistoes.

“Ifthat’sthewayyouwantit,”hefinallysaid.
“Ido.It’sdone.”Thenshetookadeepbreath.Nowwasthemomentoftruth.Therealstep.

“Whichmeans,wecanmoveontothenextrelationship.TheonebetweenJulieandSam.”

Sosaying,shedroppedherbriefcaseonthefloorandshruggedoutofherjacket.Herhands

wereonthebuttonsofherblousewhensheabruptlyfrozeandlookedupattheceiling.

“Isthereacamerainhere?”
Heshookhishead,hiseyeswideninginsurprise.“Nocameras.”
“Good,”shesaid.“Thenit’sokayformetodothis.”Shepulledoffherblouseandslippedright

outofherskirt.Oneminutelater,shewasstandingbeforehiminherbrand-newblacklacethongand
braset,thigh-highhose,andblackpumps.

Shesawhimswallow.Shesawhimgape.Butwhatshedidn’tseewasunderstandingflow

throughhisratherimpressivebrain.

“Rememberbackinyourplayroom,waybackwhenIpulledoffallthe,um,equipment,andI

saidIwantedyou?”

Henodded,buthedidn’tspeak.
“IrealizedthenthatIwasfallinginlovewithyou.ThatIaminlovewithyou.”Shestepped

forward,comingintothecircleofhisarms.Immediately,heputhishandsonherhipsandheldher
withfingersthattightenedpossessively.“Idon’tknowwhatI’mgoingtodonowthatmycompanyis
dead.I’vegotdebtsandlifedecisionsahead—”

“Wecanworkthoseout,Julie.Iswear.Icanhelpyouwithallofthat.”
Shesmiled,stretchingclosertohim,allowinghernakedbellytolandagainsthisheavycoverall.

“AllIknowisthatIdon’twantittoendhere.IwantyouinmylifewhileIfigureoutalltheother
pieces.”

Sheexpectedhimtosaysomethingthen.Hedidn’t.Instead,hereleasedaheavyburstofairand

droppedhisforeheaddownagainsthers.Andheshuddered,actuallyshudderedinrelief.“Sam?”

“Iloveyou,Julie.Iknewitbefore,butIhadn’ttoldyouwhoIwas.AndwhenItried,you

wouldn’thear—”

“Iknow,”shesaid.“Ihadalotoftimetothinkoverthelastfewdays.Irememberedallthetimes

youtriedtotalktome.Irealizedthatyouweretryingtogetthetruthout.”

“You’renotjustanofficefling,Julie.Youneverhavebeen.Ineedyoursparkinmylife.Ineed

yourcreativityandyourfocus,andIneedyoutodragmeoutbowling.”

“IneedyoutotellmethatI’mstrongandthatI’llfigurethingsout.Notsolvethemforme,but

bewithmewhileIdoit.”

“Always,Julie.Iloveyou.”
“Iloveyou,”shesaid,atalmosttheexactsamemoment.Thenshestretcheduptokisshim.He

metherhalfway,andtheyspentafewwonderful,gloriousminuteslockedineachothersarms.

ButthenSampushedherback.“There’s,um,somethingIneed,”hesaid,hisvoicethick.

“Somethinginmytoolbox.Wouldyoumindgettingitforme?”

Shegrinned.“Ifit’soneofthese,IthinkI’vegotyoucovered.”Shereachedintoherbraand

pulledoutacondom.

Helaughedandpulleditfromherhand.“That’sgreat,butthat’snotwhatImeant.”Hegestured

behindherathisbox.“Wouldyoumind?”

Shesmiled,flashedhimacoylookandturnedaround.Thenmakingsureshediditslowlyand

asprovocativelyaspossible,shebentoveratherwaist,pushedherbottomhighandpoppedopenthe
topofhistoolbox.Behindher,sheheardhimgroaninappreciationashishandscurvedoverher
cheeks.

“You’rekillingmehere,Julie.”
“That’sthepoint—oh!”She’dfinallylookeddownintothetoolboxtoseeadarkjeweler ’sbox.

Itwastheperfectsizeforaring.

Shestraightenedabruptly,turningaroundtolookathim.“No,Sam.It’stoosoon.It’s—”
“Openit.”
Herhandswereshaking,butshemanagedtopopitopen.Insideitwas…Shedidn’thavea

freakingcluewhatitwas.“Whatisthis?”

Hereacheddownandgentlypulledoutwhatwasobviouslyaring,butwherethestonewouldbe

satatinycircuitboardheldbytwomechanicalhands.

“Iknewyou’dthinkitwastoosoon.Buttheonethingyoudon’tknowaboutJamesS.Finn,

CEO,isthatsometimesthingsjusthithimasperfect.Allhisbestinventionshavehappenedthatway.”

“I’mnotaninvention,Sam.”
“No,you’renot.Butourrelationshipissomethingwe’regoingtohavetoworkon,to‘invent’

together,sotospeak.”Heheldtheringupbeforeher,showingherhowthehandsmoved,twistingand
shiftingthetinyboardtokeepitlevelnomatterwhatangletheringwasheldat.“IknowthatIwantto
marryyou.Iknowthatyou’retheoneforme.Butuntilyouagree,Iwantyoutowearthisprototype.”

Shelaughed,startingtoseewherehewasgoing.“You’regivingmeaprototypeofan

engagementring?”

“Yes.Youtellmewhenyouwanttoupgradetoabigfatdiamond.Justsaythewordand—”
“Yes!Yes!”shecriedassheheldoutherhand.“Iacceptyourprototype,JamesSamuelFinn.I

willwearitwithgreatpride.”Andafterheslippeditonherfinger,shespentmorelongminutes
lockedinaveryhotkiss.Hebrokeoffonlywhenshebeganstrokingthelengthofhimthroughhis
coveralls.

“Julie—”hebegan,butsheshrugged.
“Ifonlywecouldthinkofsomethingtodowhilewaitingfortheelevatortostartupagain.”She

gavehimanarchlook.“I’mreadytostartinventingourrelationship,Sam.Perhapsyoucouldusea
toolorsomethingandhelpgetusonourway.”

Hewasalreadypullingdownthezipperofhiscoverall.Underneathhehadon—oh,my!—

nothingatall.“Youarebyfarthebestthingthathaseverhappenedtome,”hesaid.“God,Iloveyou.”

Shehelpedhimoutofhiscoveralls,andshehelpedherselftoalong,sweetcaressofhislength.

Shealreadyknewthatshewouldn’tbewearingSam’sprototyperingforlong.Shewouldwaitafew
monthsjusttobesure.Butthismangavehereverythingsheeverwantedinlife,anditwasn’tmoney
orworkorevensex.Hejustwantedtobewithher,totalktoher,tosupportherandtohelpherfigure
thingsout.Helovedher.Andshelovedabsolutelyeverythingabouthim.

“Youknow,”shedrawledasshefittedherbodytohis.“Ifthisreallyisyourprivateelevator,I’ve

gotsomesuggestionsforrenovations.”

Hegrinned.“We’llstartworkingontheplanstogether.Thisafternoon.”
“Yes!”shesaidastheybegantomovetogether.“Oh,God,Sam,yes.Toeverything!”

Epilogue

ABachelorParty.SortOf…

Despitemygravestandmostsincereefforts,JamesSamuelFinnisgettingmarried.I’vespentmonths
tryingtotalkhimoutofit,butsomeidiotscan’tbereasonedwith.So,we’vegotonelastchanceto
talkhimoutofmatrimonialhell,andyou’reinvited.

Pleasejoinme—RogerMartell,hisbestandveryignoredfriend—inthePresidentialSuiteofthe

ChicagoHiltonforSam’sbachelorparty.Sadly,Imayhavetomissthisgloriouseventbecausemy
doctorhasjustinformedmethatthestressofbeingSam’sCFOiskillingme.ThedoctorthinksI
shouldstoplivingahigh-speedlife,andchangetoalow-stressjob.

Fortunately,Ihaveabetteridea.I’mgoingtoChicago’sartdistricttofindsomenewagehealer.

Letherworkhervoodootobringmybloodpressuredown.Crystals,aromatherapy,Zenrocks.
Whatever.Justsolongasitworks.ThenIwon’thavetochangeatall.

So,comealongandjointhefun!

Date:March2011

Location:InGoodHandsbyKathyLyons

ISBN:978-1-4268-7460-4

TAKINGCAREOFBUSINESS

Copyright©2010byKatherineGrill

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