by Maggie Ryan
Instead of being frightened, she was excited. "Really? Can we see those first?"
"Not unless you tell me you have undergone the laboratory safety course and that you understand enough chemistry that you can explain what the MSDS sheet means."
Venia had no idea what the acronym stood for and was not truly interested in going back to school. Sighing, she adjusted her glasses and shook her head. "You did promise to show me some equipment. What do you have that might provide the answer to some mysterious moon germ?"
Instead of scoffing, he led her towards a lab bench. "You'd need a microscope to study the, um, moon germ. Go ahead and take a look."
Pressing her goggles to the large black eyepieces, she tried to make sense out of what she was seeing. "I just see squiggles and they aren't moving. I want my germs able to wiggle around—you know, sneak into body cavities undetected."
"I think you are talking about a virus and not a germ," Jeffrey said as he adjusted the focus. "These slides are fixed. That means they've been set in agar so they can be more easily studied. Dina is working on a project testing water samples around the Denver area. It's important to know if chemicals or bacteria show up in the drinking water."
"Eww, you mean these squiggly lines actually can move? Please tell me I'm not ingesting a billion of these every time I drink a glass of water."
"And here I thought that was the plan," Jeffrey said as he pulled her away from the microscope. "You could fantasize that every time you take a bath or a shower, these organisms are, as you said, slipping into your body cavities."
Venia shuddered, her vivid imagination far too easily picturing just such a scenario. "Um, maybe. Show me something else, please."
Jeffrey showed her several pieces of equipment. She was fascinated by the centrifuge and listened as he explained the force of the spin caused the elements to separate in their tubes. "After they've split, we use pipettes to extract the sediment on the bottom of the tube. Then we fix slides and study those."
"You know, this really is rather fascinating," Venia said as he led her towards what she learned was a chemical hood. Jeffrey explained that a fan was activated that pulled the air up through not one, but many filters before it traveled to a specific set of pipes called the flare stack where any remaining toxins were burned off. The negative air pressure in the hood kept fumes from escaping into the lab.
Venia looked at all the knobs, levers, and buttons and grinned. "Ah, but people have to activate all those thingies for the system to work, right?" At his nod, she continued. "So, if I wanted say, some disgruntled employee to decide to take his angst out on the world, I wasn't that far off when I suggested malfunctioning filters."
"I never said that couldn't happen," Jeffrey conceded. "I just questioned if that is a direction you really want to go."
"I better decide soon. My publisher called and read me the riot act again this morning." Following his lead, she began removing her lab coat and gloves. "I hate to admit it, but he seems extremely upset that I even want to go in a different direction."
"Why? I would think he'd encourage you to write what appeals to you." He took the goggles and dropped them into a bin and tossed her gloves into a waste basket.
"I guess he either doesn't believe I can do it or he is perfectly content with another Scarlett Rose romance."
"I still think he is lucky to have you as one of his authors. How about we continue this over lunch? Do you like French food?"
"As long as you aren't asking me to eat escargot," Venia said with a slight shudder.
Jeffrey laughed and leaned down to kiss her cheek. "No, I was thinking more along the lines of frog's legs."
"Oh, I do love them fried," she said, seeing that she'd surprised him by the look on his face. Giving him a playful shove, she teased. "Just because I personally don't wish to dissect them, Professor Einstein, I never said I'm averse to eating them."
"Frogs legs it is," Jeffrey said, escorting her to the door. Turning back he saw that Dina was only pretending to make her notes in the lab book. "Shall we bring you back a dozen?"
"Ew, gross. No thanks, Professor. I'll stick with the leftovers I brought from home." Dina gave them a smile. "And, don't hurry back. I'll keep the techs busy and finish up here."
"Thanks, Dina. If anyone asks, I'm being interviewed by a famous author. Perhaps we'll even convince her to drop an acknowledgement into her book about the importance of our lab."
"Do your best to convince her. I've got a boyfriend just waiting to see if what he calls my meddling has any good side effects." They watched as she rubbed her backside. "The quicker we learn the answer the better. This waiting is horrible."
The couple laughed and gave a last wave before stepping into the hall. Venia wanted to tell Dina that Plan A seemed to be working beautifully. However, until she was positive Jeffrey agreed, her friend would just have to wait to learn her fate.
After placing their order, including an appetizer of frog legs to share, Jeffrey pulled something from his pocket. With a grin, he reached across the table and set it down in front of Venia.
"Oh, he's so cute!" Venia smiled as she picked up the green object.
"I thought you might have seen it on my shelf last night," Jeffrey said. "You came up with that great story awfully fast."
"Sorry, no, I didn't see him. You know there is a saying about frogs." She met his eyes and continued, "Forever Rely on God."
Jeffrey took her hand in his, the small carving sitting on her palm. "That's a lovely saying but I'm afraid it doesn't cover this little fellow."
"Because we are going to be eating frog legs?"
His laugh filled the air and caused a few other customers to glance towards them. Jeffrey could care less that he was probably enjoying himself more than the other diners. It was lunchtime after all, not yet time to be so stoic and rigid. He was relaxed and found no need to pretend the attractive, very creative woman across from his was not captivating him in all ways.
"No, that little fellow is a toad. Notice he has bumps all over and his legs are stumpy. A frog is smooth and has strong, long legs—hence you don't see toad-legs on the menu." He grinned and bent closer. "Toads don't have long, sticky tongues either. They have to get very close to their prey to eat."
He thought her flush was delightful as he lifted his eyebrow and gave her a smile. "There is also a saying for a TOAD as well. Would you like to hear it?" At her nod, her eyes glued to his, he spoke softly. "Totally Open About Desires." Her throat worked to swallow and her eyes drifted closed for a brief moment before opening to meet his again. He reached down to close her hand around the stone toad. "I just want to be sure that you understand that I am very, very interested in you, Venia. I'm not talking about just helping you with your book. I'm talking about continuing the explorations we began last night. I'm hoping you aren't ready to hop away—though, just so you know, toads can't hop very far or very fast—another drawback to their stumpy legs. They are very easily caught."
"And you'd attempt to catch me?" she asked in a soft voice.
"Absolutely," he said, lifting her hand and kissing her knuckles. "There's another saying, 'Take every Opportunity As Deemed necessary'."
"I might not be a scientist, Professor, but I am quite schooled in English and I can say with certainty that you added a few extra words." His shrug said he didn't care about that either. "Perhaps I should turn you over my knees for inattention in grammar class," she said with a giggle.
Shaking his head, his eyes boring into her gorgeous blue ones, he shook his head and leaned even closer. "I can say with certainty that the only one turned over any knees will be you, Miss Varner." He felt her hand trembling and kissed it one more time before spotting the waiter approaching. Releasing her hand, he sat back in his chair. "Of course, all you have to do is say the word." He waited until she looked up from the toad clutched in her hand. "Either say yes or say amphibian."
"You don't wish me to croak or ribbit?"
"Ah, Miss Varn
er, I wish to have you make all sorts of sounds."
As the waiter set the steaming dish between them, Venia set the small toad down next to the plate that was placed before her. Looking up, she met his eyes "Yes—I'm Totally Open to All Discussions about that subject."
Chuckling and again impressed with her quick wit, he nodded. "I'm very glad to hear that."
The lunch was delicious, both enjoying the frog legs and sampling each other's entrees. He had ordered Confit de Canard which was a duck cooked in its own fat surrounded by roasted potatoes and a grouping of rainbow carrots. Venia enjoyed a plate of steamed mussels and linguine. By the time he accepted the last mussel, she was almost groaning.
"That was the best meal I ever remember eating."
"I'm very glad you enjoyed it," Jeffrey said, placing an order for two cappuccinos. "You'll need the fuel because I'm going to get serious."
"Serious? About what?"
"As you just told me your publisher is calling and lecturing you and since you've also explained that you accepted his proposed deadline, then, young lady, today's outing might be the last one until you have finished your book." At her incredulous look, he shook his head. "I believe Dina hit the nail on the head when she said you were looking for someone to keep you on track." He paused as their coffee was served. "I believe that I'm just the man to do so. We'll set up a schedule for you to write—say so many words a day. I think that instead of jumping from lily pad to lily pad, you need to keep your pretty bottom glued to a chair and write."
He watched as her emotions ran across her face, feeling no need to rush her. He knew that once she truly considered his suggestion, she would have difficulty finding fault with his plan. "It's up to you, of course. We can waste time hedging around the subject or we can knuckle down and get it done." He lifted his cup and took a sip. "And, once the book is turned over, we can celebrate in a large way."
She relaxed and laughed as she took her own sip. "You and Ange," she said, shaking her head. "She bribes me with chocolate, you with some sort of celebration." Setting her empty cup down, she asked the last question. "What sort of celebration?"
"That, my dear, will be the carrot." He stood and going to her chair, offered his hand. After she thanked him and stood, his hand drifted to pat against her bottom. "And, this, my dear, is only one of the sticks." Instead of pulling away, she pressed into his hand.
"I understand, Professor."
He seated her in her car and assured her he'd follow her home. Though he wished they were in one car, he knew that the drive would give her time to truly assimilate what he'd told her. At almost fifty nine, he had no desire to play games—well, not beating around the bush games. If she truly agreed, he'd make sure the celebration would be one she'd never forget. With a grin, he made another decision. He'd have to visit Ange's Angel Cakes to discover what Venia's favorite treats were. Having a few on hand might serve as an additional incentive to get the damn book done so they could concentrate on far more exciting games.
Chapter 9
By the time Jeffrey left her that evening, Venia had no doubt that he was a man true to his word. She'd fixed a pot of coffee after he told her that wine might cloud her head. When he'd asked to see her office, she had a momentary thought that he intended to begin the afternoon with a gentle spanking as an incentive to get to work. After opening the door to the bedroom she'd converted into an office, he'd given it just a cursory glance as she explained that she seldom used it, preferring to write with pajamas on, her feet up in her recliner, her laptop on her lap.
"Don't knock it, Einstein," she'd teased. "I've written every one of my books that way. I don't see any reason to change a sure thing."
"Is it a sure thing?" he asked, that eyebrow lifting again and having her stomach beginning to do somersaults. "So far, I don't feel you've settled on a story line."
"I will," she retorted, flapping her hand. "It's going to be something about a virus and a malfunctioning hood." Seeing his eyes roll, she put her hands on her hips. "Unless you think a book about moon germs would be better? At least I'm not writing about monster mice or soul sucking zombies."
Walking to the couch, Jeffrey had shaken his head and pulled her down onto his lap in one smooth movement. "You are the author, Venia. However, since you have agreed to have me facilitate this project, here's the deal. You'll write at least 4,000 words a day. You said that your publisher is expecting at least 80,000 words. That gives you twenty days to get it done."
"Jeffrey, that's not how it's done. I mean, I might write that many words on some days but then I tend to go back and change them. You know, edit some, delete some, add some. It might take me three or four days just to get those 4,000 words right."
"That might be how it worked in the past, but, honey, if you have any chance at all of making that deadline, you only have a month. Twenty days to write, ten days to tweak." Her face fell and she squirmed a bit on his lap. "Surely you were aware of that fact, Venia. It can't be a total surprise."
"I've tried not to really think about it," she admitted. "I had about 60,000 words written but it just wasn't doing anything for me."
"Maybe you should go back and revisit that book. You'd have plenty of time to tweak it before the deadline."
"I can't," she practically wailed. "I deleted it—every single word!"
Jeffrey patted her hip. "Relax, it's not time to panic just yet. Starting tomorrow, you will sit down, choose a plot and work your magic. I have every faith you have it in you."
"You do?"
"Yes," he said and bent to kiss her. "You have a very creative imagination and a way with seeing things differently than most people. Set yourself free and see what happens."
"But what happens when nothing comes to me?"
His hand gave her hip a sharper swat, causing her to gasp. "Then, little girl, you'll find there is a very good use for that unused office. I expect to find an empty corner and a straight backed chair in your office by the time I come by tomorrow. As I said, I'm determined to keep you on track. If that takes applying an incentive to your backside, I'm willing to do that."
"Willing?" she said, biting back a giggle. "I'm glad it won't be too much of an imposition for you, Professor."
"Keep being cheeky and you'll discover just how comfy it is sitting in your recliner. Instead of having your feet up, you might wish it were your butt that could be elevated."
"Yes, sir," she said, snuggling into him. "So, since I don't have to start until tomorrow, would you like to watch a movie?"
"As long as you come back to my lap once you put it in," he said and she quickly agreed. For the next two hours, she forgot about the deadline and enjoyed the comfort of his lap as they watched North to Alaska. When John Wayne dragged his costar, Capucine, into the log cabin and sounds of her squealing were heard, she couldn't help but wiggle a bit on Jeffrey' lap. He just tightened his grip and bent down to whisper, "I suggest you remember those squeals when you start working tomorrow. It just might be your own if you aren't productive."
After the movie, they necked on the couch like teenagers. Venia was practically panting when he released her mouth.
"I'd better get going," Jeffrey said, his own breath coming a bit more rapidly.
"I'd be glad to fix you some dinner," Venia volunteered, not ready for him to leave.
"Thanks, but if I stay, it won't be dinner I'll want served." His words had her loins clenching, the gusset of her pale pink panties growing even moister. She was about to state that she'd serve him whatever course he desired when he bent to kiss the tip of her nose.
"We are both adults, Venia," he stated needlessly. "However, taking you over my knees is different than taking you to bed. As much as I want nothing more, I feel we need to take it a bit slow." She opened her mouth to protest but he placed a finger against her lips with one hand while he tapped her butt with his other. "Honey, yesterday's play was fun and quite sexy. However, that spanking was nowhere near as intense as one given for true punishment.
I believe we need to make sure that you are truly ready to accept me as your disciplinarian before you take me as your lover."
Knowing he spoke sensibly, she managed to nod. When he guided her off his lap, she walked with him to the door. Accepting another deep kiss, she sighed.
"Eat some dinner and then get some sleep. You've got a book to begin in the morning."
"Okay, will you come for dinner tomorrow night," she asked and then smiled, "and I mean sit at the table and share a meal with me?"
"I'd like that very much and will look forward to it."
She watched him drive away and followed his suggestion. After she ate a bowl of cereal, having no desire to cook if he wasn't going to stay, she took a cold shower. Drying off, she couldn't see any evidence of yesterday's spanking. Pulling on her pajamas, she climbed into bed. Maybe by the time she woke, some brilliant idea would be clamoring to be turned into a book. Remembering the delicious session on the couch, she thought she was far more likely to be having dreams involving a specific scientist.
Jeffrey didn't head towards his house. Instead, he drove down Spanking Loop and pulled into the parking lot of the dome. Climbing from his car, he entered the building. Before he reached his destination, he was hailed by Charles.
"I've heard good reports from the schools," Charles began, shaking his friend's hand. "They were impressed with both you and Dina."
"They are a great bunch of people."
"They are," Charles agreed and then grinned. "I've also been told to ask if we need to set another place for Saturday night."
Jeffrey shook his head. "Man, I forget about how fast rumors travel."
"So, it's not true?" Charles asked. "That's a shame. I thought you had it in you."
"Had what?"
"The smarts to know that Venia is a wonderful woman. From what I witnessed personally coupled with what I've heard, you two hit it off quite well."
"Ah, I also forgot that Brandon is on the board with you. Did he tell you that Dina decided to play match-maker?"
