Yolanda and Greg smirk.
Landon gets a funny look on his face as he realizes this is the box of toys he ordered ages ago.
I stuff my phone in my back pocket and reach for everything, hoping to put it back in the box. I must be as red as a tomato.
“I forgot I ordered these,” Landon muses. He opens the cock ring and begins playing with it. “I’m not sure this is going to fit?”
I hear Jim choking back a laugh through the phone.
“You’re right. It’s probably too big,” I say, more and more embarrassed by the second. I know lots of people have toys, but I don’t want to know what they look like or what they are.
The house phone rings. The disruption is welcome, and Dee lets us know dinner has arrived and is on its way up. I yank the toys away from Landon and stuff them back in the box. I hide it in the kitchen as Neil arrives with our food.
I excuse myself and head for the guest room. I need a moment. I don’t know why this is a big deal for me, but it is. It’s private.
It takes a while for me to return, and I realize everyone has waited to eat. “I’m sorry.”
Yolanda and Greg pick up their meals. “We’re under strict nondisclosure agreements,” she says. “People often forget we’re here, and we see all sorts of things. I promise, nothing we saw today will be discussed with anyone.”
I nod.
Yolanda and Greg take their dinner to the security room, leaving us to eat alone. Once the door closes behind them, I look at Landon. “How did you forget you ordered these?”
“You know how long ago that was. I’m sorry. I’ve had a lot on my mind. I also didn’t pay attention to what they said would be the return address.”
I rub my temples. “Jim was on a video call.”
“We have a healthy sex life. Think about all the fun we can have tonight.”
I shake my head. “Oh no. Absolutely not. Those are going in the trash. I want nothing to do with them.”
“No way. I want to see what that cock ring does. And, I’m starting to get hard just thinking of you on all fours using that double-penetration dildo.”
He’s made me smile. “I can’t believe you bought that.”
“That was one of the surprises.”
“What else is in there?”
He gives me a look.
“Never mind. I don’t want to know.” I pick up my food. “Eat your dinner.” I look at the bar. “I was going to make a margarita.”
“Good, because I made one while you hid in the bathroom.”
“I didn’t hide,” I say defensively.
Landon smirks. “Were you getting yourself off thinking of what we can do with the toys? I thought about doing that.”
I roll my eyes and shove his shoulder. “No, I was trying to figure out how I could tunnel out of the apartment and never show my face to Yolanda, Greg, or Jim again.”
“Pah-leeze. These guys have seen so much worse. I bet they own worse. Can’t you imagine Yolanda in a dominatrix outfit?”
“No! I don’t want to know what anyone does in private.”
Landon pulls me in. “Sex is healthy and normal. We’re starting our exploration. We’ve got lots of time to show off for them.”
I push back. “There will be no showing off.”
He nods. “You’re right. It’s better if they don’t watch. I wouldn’t want them getting jealous.”
“It’s amazing that your ego fits into even this giant apartment.”
“Thank you.” Landon nuzzles my neck, and I realize he’s strategically hitting all the points that make my panties wet.
“For what?” I breathe.
“For being here. After dinner, I’m going to show you my appreciation at least three times. Maybe more.”
Chapter 38
Landon
Over the last month, since my interview with the FBI, I’ve been getting updates from Jim’s team on what they’ve learned about Heather McCoy. They now have a credit card receipt from Idaho, on the other side of Yellowstone, shortly after the threatening emails were sent, and we—Jim’s team, Fiona, and me—all think she sent those emails to herself. Marci sent our updates off to Dhar Patel at the US Attorney’s office and was sure to copy Walker Clifton. But unfortunately, we still have to wonder where Heather’s hiding.
In the meantime, I’m finally cast free and at work we’ve made incredible strides with the Translations software. Today is a demo for potential buyers. We’re covering our bases and inviting a few other companies, just in case PeopleMover falls through. Claire and Tinsley are a bit of a mess. We have a room at the Westin on Union Square, and we’re expecting over two hundred people, including the press. Mason has invited several of his client companies, and we’re ready to share what we’ve created.
Backstage, Tinsley is pacing back and forth. Danica will give today’s presentation in flawless Spanish, and our prototype will translate it to English for those who attend.
“You’ve got this,” I tell Tinsley.
She nods. “It’s make or break.”
I don’t know about break, but we’ll be fine.
The lights dim, and the classical music that has been playing fades to the background. An announcer welcomes everyone, and to a round of roaring applause, Tinsley, Claire, and I are announced.
I welcome everyone and walk them through the satellite part of our communication product, which offers connectivity that puts 5G tech to shame. We show a highly glamorous video featuring people using the technology deep in canyons and far above tree lines. This gets a favorable buzz.
When I hand the event off to Tinsley, she moves to the center of the stage. The entire auditorium is silent. This is what people are here for. She starts a video that shows what the
