“That’s absolutely true,” Erin agreed.“You like men who are milquetoasts.”
“I prefer the word uncomplicated.”
“Uh-huh,” Erin said.“Remember Randy?He was milquetoast.”
“He was a nice guy.”
“It took him four dates to kiss you.”
“Three,” Lara corrected.
“Which is three too many.”
Lara fought back a small smile.Erin would tease her relentlessly if Lara admitted the truth.She’d had to initiate the intimacy.And when it had happened, the kiss hadn’t curled her toes or made her swoon.In fact, she’d been strangely unaroused.When they’d slept together, it had been perfunctory, leaving her unsatisfied.When she’d hinted that she’d wanted more, he’d scowled, obviously half offended, half puzzled.
She’d told herself that great sex—hell, even good sex—was overrated.Randy had been a good man, always understanding, never protesting when she’d worked late or canceled dates to deal with one of her father’s dramatic pronouncements.In the end though, lack of sexual chemistry had made them drift apart.
One night at dinner, when they hadn’t seen each other in more than a week, she’d suggested an amicable parting.He’d smiled, in relief, she imagined.
And since she was swamped with work, she’d opted not to pursue dating for a while.Her vivid imagination and her vibrator collection were enough.She might not have a man as a partner in her life, but she told herself that was okay, for now.
“Consider it,” Erin encouraged.
Instead of responding, Lara reached for her wine.
“You should at least schedule a meeting with him,” Erin persisted.
“Do you ever stop?”
“I could give you his cell phone number.”
The image of him made her shiver.All that power and intensity?“No.Absolutely not.Thanks.”
“In that case, I’ll give you the secret code to get past his personal assistant in case you decide to call the office.You can find the number online.”
“A secret code?”
“Don’t laugh,” Erin said.“A lot of enterprising reporters and salespeople will use all sorts of tactics to get past the gatekeeper.”
“She must be tough.”
“He,” Erin corrected.
“Your brother’s personal assistant is a man?”The information shouldn’t have shocked Lara, but it did.
“Oh, yes.”
“Oh?”
With her index finger, Erin skimmed the rim of her glass.“He’s…interesting.”
“In what way?”
“Uh-uh.You’re not getting any information out of me.Go see for yourself.”
“Stop it!”Lara protested.“Tell me.”
“Not a chance.”Erin made a show of fanning her face with her hand.“Okay.I’ll tell you this much…Thompson is a gem.Gorgeous.Ex-military.I don’t know, he’s…forbidding.”
