s*x Chained

The Seduction Begins

Chapter 14

After they had finished breakfast and Nat had taken away the dishes but left their coffee cups, she returned with her trusty memo pad and his cell phone. To his surprise, Nat had written out a statement for her boss to read on the phone to Merrill; but Chris suggested that he "wing it" to sound more natural.

Taking the cell phone from her hand, Chris glanced at his captor before making the call. "You do know if you call this off right now and let me go, we'll both be better off. What's to keep Merrill from flying back here? The minute she can't find me at my place or at the office, she'll call out the National Guard."

"That's why you have to reassure her that you're so busy that you couldn't possibly see her this weekend. Does she know you have that presentation on Tuesday?"

When Chris nodded, Nat continued. "Then you emphasize that the presentation could either make or break your career. You didn't tell her how important it was before because you didn't know until now that management needed more input and details. So you must have total concentration all weekend."

Chris weighed his options as he finished his cup of coffee. As promised, his assistant had brought him the omelet and the granola parfait, with dates, raisins and nuts. The coffee, too, was hot and satisfying.

"All right," he finally conceded. "I'll make the call. Let's just hope Merrill buys into it." After punching the speed dial number to the blond's phone, Chris started into his explanation the moment the woman answered.

"Yes, yes, I know," he continued after his apologies, "but Jay Nolan, you know the accounts supervisor, requested the additional information and knew I could pull it all together at the last minute. I'm going to be working from now until Monday night. Maybe even up till the meeting on Tuesday morning."

As he spoke, Nat leaned over and listened from her place on the stool. She could hear Merrill's shrill voice on the other end whining about what she was supposed to do all alone in Chicago.

"I don't know, Merrill," Chris went on. "Go shopping, take a spa day, go the museums, eat at a fancy restaurant. For heaven's sake, you're in one of the biggest cities in the world. You can think of something to do without me. I promise the minute I'm through with the meeting I'll take you to lunch, and then do whatever to make it up to you. I'm truly sorry, babe."

Nat straightened when her boss smacked his lips in a parody of a kiss. "Yes, I'll miss you too, babe... terribly, but I'll see you when you get back." With a sigh, Chris ended the call, then caught Nat's discerning gaze. "Okay, she's placated for the moment. Satisfied?"

She lowered her lashes. "Yes, of course. Thank you, Chris; but can you tell me one thing? Are you in love with Merrill?"

Chris finished his coffee as he pondered that one. "No, I don't think so. She's an attractive, articulate and interesting woman, but I couldn't see myself with her for the rest of my life. Okay?"

Standing, Nat furrowed her brows. "I heard her say she's horny for you, Chris. Why didn't you tell her the same thing?"

He smiled. "Because at the moment I'm not particularly aroused. Is that all right with you?"

Nat backed away. "I'm going to get dressed now while you freshen up. I'll be back in a few minutes."

"Wait!" Shooting up, Chris thrust out his hand and took her by the wrist. Startled, Nat froze. "Don't change yet," he insisted. "You look so... so pretty and feminine in your robe. How about some music? Do you have a radio or CD player handy?"

Wriggling out of his grasp, she bent to pick up the melamine plate and coffee cup. "I can borrow Cheryl's boom box on her desk."

"Do that. I feel like dancing. You know, get some exercise."

Nat still looked abashed if not skeptical, but told him she'd be back soon. Her flesh still tingled with the feel of his fingers around her wrist. Dancing? She hadn't danced with a man since her cousin attempted a slow number with her at the prom, and he had been all arms and feet. For a moment, Nat imagined Chris O'Connell as an accomplished dancer, easily leading his partner around the floor with graceful, flowing precision. All right then, they would dance!

As soon as his assistant left, Chris used the wash basin and toiletries Nat left for him at the edge of the cot. Placing the standing mirror on the tray, I shaved and washed up as best he could. She had even provided his favorite after shave, a sweet blend of Oriental spice and sandalwood. He slapped some along his neck. All right, Miss Nat, I'm ready to woo you if that's been your intention all along!

When Nat returned, she brought her co-worker's radio-CD player combo and plugged it in next to the lamp, then tried to tune into a decent radio station. Unfortunately, besides the hip hop formats, she could only find a country-western station. At least some of the music lent itself to slow dancing. After Nat set aside his tray and shaving things, she stood and faced her boss. He smelled wonderfully of her favorite scent. A few beads of water clung to his right cheek after he had rinsed off the shaving cream; but his clean, bare face -- flushed to a deep pink -- made him all the more handsome. He hadn't buttoned his shirt all the way and the hard chest beneath beckoned to be touched. Nat took in a breath as she imagined her hands running up and down the smooth flesh. Perhaps, she should buy him a pair of sweat pants so he would be more comfortable. And perhaps a robe, too, a nice soft one, and also slippers...