Chapter Ten
Taryn listened as Camarin described the prior evening's events, particularly Kimberly Justin's response to her flirtations. She felt at once excited and jealous. "I see you haven't lost your charm," she said bitingly. "Do be careful though," she added. "It sounds like you're a little smitten by her innocence. I'd hate to see us lose her because we pushed her too fast."
"Of course not," Camarin replied. "I admit she's piqued my curiosity, but I won't jeopardize her excursion because of it." Camarin hesitated for a moment, wording her next comment as carefully as possible. "It sounds as though you have a strong personal interest in the outcome. Any particular reason?"
The comment struck too close to the heart of the matter. Taryn was also taken by the new client. She had developed an inherent interest in becoming her first female lover, but she could not openly admit it to herself or Camarin Knight. "Camarin, I understand Kimberly's hesitancy. She reminds me of what it was like for me when I came out of the closet. After weighing all the possibilities, I've decided to take part in this excursion. I, more than anyone, will know when Kimberly is ready."
Taryn's interest now obvious, Camarin tried to reassure her.
"Taryn, I agree with you. Just tell me what needs to be done and I'll do my best to see that it's accomplished. Whatever you want, you know I'll follow your directive."
Taryn mused over Camarin's commitment. When it came to that final deciding moment, could she trust Camarin to follow through on her commitment? "Camarin, don't you ever long for a woman who lavishes over you and wants nothing more than to fulfill your every fantasy – someone who'll do anything to gain your approval, regardless of the personal cost? Don't you ever want that, Camarin?"
Camarin blanched, taken aback by Taryn's directness. "Don't we all?" she replied.
Taryn looked across her desk at Taylor who was thumbing through a magazine while she waited for her to end the call. "I suppose we do," she told Camarin. "We'll have to get together some time and share our fantasies," she added in a teasing voice. "Meantime, Taylor is waiting for me and I mustn't try her patience." She winked at Taylor who looked up when she heard her name. "Keep me posted.
Let's take it one step at a time."
"Will do. Bye now."
Relieved that the call was finally ended, Taryn replaced the receiver and turned her attention to Taylor. "Sorry about that, Taylor. Now where were we?"
"I asked you if I could be assigned to Kimberly's case," Taylor reminded her.
"Yes, of course. Now as I was explaining to Camarin, Kimberly is a very challenging client. I'm hesitant to assign you as one of her primaries when you have so little experience. You understand that, don't you?"
Taylor nodded. She looked away, trying to hide the disappointment so clearly visible in her eyes. "I understand," she whispered.
Standing, she looked briefly at the woman sitting across from her, someone she admired and aspired to emulate. "Thanks for hearing me out though. I know you're very busy." She started for the door.
"Taylor, wait," Taryn blurted out. "How would you feel about working with Camarin on this? It's very obvious to me that you want to learn and I can't think of anyone better suited to train you. If you can promise me you'll follow Camarin's directions, I'll assign you to Kimberly's excursions."
Taylor's eyes grew big. "Oh, I promise, Taryn! Please let me do it.
Please."
Her plaintive tone and her hopeful gaze formed the perfect paradox to tug at Taryn's heartstrings. She smiled and shook her head woefully from side to side. "You've just figured out I'm a softie. But you better keep it to yourself," she chided. "Run along now. I'll have Camarin call you and bring you up to speed." She searched Taylor's eyes for anything that remained unspoken. Finding nothing, she added as a final word, "If you have any problems, do call. Okay?"
"Oh, I will. Thank you, Taryn!" Taylor hurried out of the office.
Her step light and springy, she felt giddy with excitement. She knew it would be a tough assignment working under Camarin, but she also knew it could open new doors for her at Lavender Excursions.
Taryn watched her leave, knowing beyond doubt that Taylor's pledge was sincere. Why were so many women so eager to work with Kimberly Justin? "And why am I?" Taryn asked herself. Visions of Kimberly Justin were filling her every waking moment. She knew something was amiss, but she could not bring herself to question what was in her heart. The ache was too unbearable to dismiss. But for now, there were other matters to attend, beginning with Camarin Knight and the young woman now assigned to work with her. She reached for the telephone.
Camarin was surprised to hear Taryn's voice when she answered the phone. "Taryn! What's up?" she asked. Concerned that something was wrong, her chest tightened and she twisted the telephone cord nervously between her fingers.
Taryn chuckled. "Relax, Camarin. There has been a change but it is very minor. As I told you earlier, Taylor was in my office this morning. Now…"
Camarin listened closely, making note of Taryn's repeated admonitions regarding Taylor. This assignment was becoming increasingly complex. However, Camarin found the effect to be quite stimulating. She couldn't wait for the next step!
Kimberly Justin had no idea of the impact she was having on the women at Lavender Excursions. She delved into her work with a fanatic intensity that drew comments from her secretary. Ignoring Michael's protests that she needed to slow down, Kimberly spent the remainder of the week in a blur of activity. If anyone from Lavender Excursions called, she knew nothing about it. Michael had strict orders not to take any personal calls unless it was an emergency.
She negotiated terms of the contract with her company's new vendor. Fortunately, the negotiations were by telephone, so she didn't have to meet with the representatives face to face. No matter how hard she tried, Kimberly could not keep her thoughts and feelings from straying to her experience with Lavender Excursions and the strange dreams and fantasies she'd been having. She dared not risk someone delving too deeply and learning of the strange admixture of confusion with the curiosity she already felt. When she'd spoken to Mark again on Wednesday, he'd suggested they go away for the weekend. She agreed and they made plans to spend the weekend at his parents' cabin. Skiing conditions were excellent and good travel conditions were forecast over the next few days.
After her strange experience with Camarin and the aftermath that followed, Kimberly was anxious to get together with Mark. If not for her work, she'd have seen him earlier in the week. As it was, she waited until Friday. It didn't come soon enough. Her assignments semi-caught-up, Kimberly left work early that afternoon. She needed to pick up the new pair of skis she'd ordered, then go home and pack her things. Mark was planning to come over around six o'clock. They planned a couple of hours driving, and then stopping for dinner before completing the drive to the cabin. Kimberly was anxious to get away.
Too many unexplainable things had happened and she needed time to sort through it.
Mark arrived on time, as usual. He looked really nice, Kimberly thought. Mark was a very handsome man. She found him even more attractive when he wore rugged outdoor clothing. On weekends when they went skiing, Mark didn't shave, beginning on Friday morning.
Kimberly found the effect to be very sexy, compelling her to run her fingers lovingly over the stubble of his beard as they kissed.