Chapter 4
Laurel and Collin jumped apart guiltily like two teenagers caught making out at prom. It was an odd feeling for Laurel considering they were both adults, and especially given the nature of what they were doing, but her hands flew to her chest, and she hastened to cover her naked breasts as her eyes wildly swung around the room for her shirt.
Julia stood there looking rather chagrined, a slight tint on her cheeks at having caught them in such a position. “I do apologize for interrupting your, er, bonding time, but I do believe it’s time to discuss the contract.”
Collin straightened up and ran his hands over his shirt to smooth out any creases. Aside from his hair, he looked every inch the business man he was, and Laurel couldn’t help notice the efficiency with which he was able to handle himself. There was also the fact that he looked practically impeccable even though they were close to being half naked.
Laurel couldn’t meet Julia’s gaze as she gazed at the shirt that lay discarded next to Collin. Collin’s eyes traveled to where hers were, bent down, retrieved the shirt and tossed it to Laurel as if they were just done discussing a business deal. His gaze did not meet hers, and Laurel felt a slight chill go over her at his sudden change in demeanor.
She shrugged it off as she quickly slipped her shirt back on and tugged on it self- consciously. She wanted to put on her bra, but she wasn’t sure she could do that without attracting any more unwanted attention, so she simply snatched her bra and bunched it up in her fists.
“I’d like a word with Laurel please, Mr. Randall.”
Collin nodded as he shoved his hands in his pocket and eyed Julia warily, as if he were afraid she might kick him out or something. Laurel wasn’t sure what Julia intended to do, to be honest, but she could tell by the slight clenching of her fists that she wasn’t too happy.
“Alone.” Julia added as Collin stood there, rooted to the spot. He looked surprised before he titled his head. “Right, of course. I’ll be in the waiting room outside.”
Collin strode across the room in two strides, and he quietly shut the door behind him. Laurel flinched at the sound even though it wasn’t that loud. She hung her head in shame as she shifted from one foot to the other suddenly realizing how precarious her position must seem.
Julia sighed. “Laurel, I thought you had a lot more self-control than that. How many times have I warned you girls about getting carried away?”
“Plenty of times.” Laurel mumbled.
“I don’t mind the kind of subtle tactics you can use to convince a man to seal the deal, but we outlined what is safe, and what isn’t. Kissing, groping, and occasion light touching is okay because it gets them all hot and heavy. However, I thought we made it clear that your clothes must not come off.”
“Yes.” Laurel felt like a child being scolded at Sunday school.
“You know all this already, Laurel, so why is it that when I walk in here you were half naked from the waist up?”
Her face burned. “I didn’t mean to, Julia. I got carried away, but I wasn’t going to let him get that far.”
Julia clicked her tongue. “I certainly hope not. Because you know what happens to girls who are compromised. Their market value all but vanishes, and they can no longer retire like they want.”
Laurel lifted her head, and met Julia’s gaze squarely. “I know, and you know that I would never risk that.”
Julia heaved a heavy sigh. “Good. I was just checking to make sure you still had that goal in mind. I was worried when I walked in especially because of that tension, and electric charge in the room.”
“What do you mean?”
“You couldn’t feel it? The way you two were drawn to each other? Well, anyway, I expect you’ll find out on your own. I’m going to call him back in to discuss the rest of the contract. I will let you know what happens.”
Julia walked to the door and held it open. Laurel ducked her head and passed through, dragging her feet awkwardly behind her. She caught Collin’s gaze and immediately looked away lest she be tempted to put herself in a precarious position again.
“Mr. Randall, come in, please.”
She could feel Collin drilling holes into the back of her head, but she resisted the urge to turn around and make eye contact with him. Instead, she willed herself forward, down the hall and to her room.
***
“So, do you think he’ll still go through with it?” Faith was sitting in their room staring at Laurel and trying to figure out what happened. Laurel told her what had transpired, and Faith started smiling, but then she began to frown as the story drew to a close.
“I don’t know, Faith. There’s something about him. Maybe it’s just the hormones talking, or maybe it’s the way he is with women. I have no idea. He’s just very compelling and magnetic.”
“Well, I think he’ll go through with it. In any case, you’ll find out sure enough, I’m sure. There’s no way Julia will keep the news to herself for long. She’ll want to spread it all over town.”
“Unless it’s bad news.”
Laurel made an ‘ompf’ sound when Faith tossed a pillow, and it smacked her right in the face. Faith made a face at her. “Stop with the negativity. Try being optimistic for a change. People wouldn’t know what to think”
The sound of their laughing was interrupted when there was a knock at the door. Faith tossed Laurel a puzzled smile before she stood up and answered the door. “Oh, hey Julia.”
Laurel’s heart skipped a beat as Julia emerged, looking very pleased with herself. “Get your bags ready, Laurel. You’ll be leaving first thing tomorrow.”