Free A Talent for Surrender by Madeline Bastinado Page B

spot. She’s got green hair this week and an outfit to match.’
    ‘I’ll look out for her.’
    ‘I must say you’re looking particularly magnificent tonight. I’m almost tempted to change the habit of a lifetime and beg to kneel at your feet.’
    Jo laughed. ‘Well, don’t let me stop you.’
    ‘Actually, I was saying something quite similar about you the other night. Were your ears burning?’
    ‘You were talking about me? To who?’
    ‘Dan Elliot. But don’t worry, I didn’t out you as a pervert.’
    ‘Ah, yes . . . Dan.’ Jo felt her cheeks flushing.
    Jim smiled. ‘I see he’s had the same effect on you as he’s had on my wife. He’s very . . . charming, isn’t he?’
    ‘And by “charming” you mean?’
    Jim shrugged. ‘Clever perhaps. He’s a powerful, intelligent man and he’s fully conscious of his effect on women. The floppy-haired bumbling innocence is all an act, as I’m sure you know.’
    ‘Yes I do. And I have to admit I prefer the strong confident Dan.’
    ‘And we all know how much you like that in a man . . .’
    Jo smiled. She sipped her drink. ‘Perhaps. There’s little point in mastering a man who’s a wimp is there?’
    ‘And you plan to master him?’
    ‘I haven’t decided yet.’
    ‘Sorry, darling. I’ve been neglecting you.’ Sam squeezed between a group of guests and stood beside Jo.
    ‘No problem. Jim’s been keeping me amused. I’m going to find myself some food in a minute.’
    ‘I’ve got to go and mingle again. But . . .’ She leaned close and put her mouth next to Jo’s ear. ‘Will you stay the night?’ Jo could feel Sam’s hot breath on her neck. A slow shiver of excitement slid down her spine.
    ‘Of course I will.’
    Sam kissed her neck then moved away.
    Jim raised his eyebrows. ‘I think I’d better go off and find my wife.’ He turned to walk away then seemed to think better of it and turned back. ‘Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.’ He winked.
    Jo made her way over to the buffet. When she’d filled her plate she spotted an empty sofa and headed for it. As she sat down someone flopped down on the seat beside her. She looked up.
    ‘Adam. You’re a pleasant surprise.’ Jo did a double take. Adam was dressed in a white pleated halter-neck dress and high heels. He was wearing a platinum blonde wig and his face had been made up in a fairly passable likeness of Marilyn Monroe. Jo felt her nipples stiffen. ‘You should dress like that more often.’
    ‘Thanks. I’m glad you like it.’ Adam preened his hair.
    She looked him up and down. The dress plunged into a deep V at the front, reaching down to the waist. Jo noticed that he was wearing falsies underneath, giving him the illusion of breasts and his figure looked unusually curvy and feminine. ‘What are you wearing under that? You look as though you’ve got hips and boobs.’ She reached out a hand to touch his hip but Adam slapped it away.
    ‘Take me home with you after the party and you can see for yourself.’ Adam softened and raised his voice, making it sound more feminine.
    ‘I’d love to, but I’ve already promised to spend the night here, with Sam.’
    ‘How about making it a threesome? All girls together . . .’ Adam fluttered his fake eyelashes.
    Jo looked at him. His make-up had softened in the heat and she could just see the beginning of a five o’clock shadow along his jaw. In spite of his feminine attire she could detect his masculine scent rising from his warm skin.
    ‘OK. I don’t suppose she’ll mind. When I’ve finished eating I’ll find her and let her know.’
    ‘Why not ask her now? She’s just there.’ Adam pointed to where Sam was talking to a man in a suit near by.
    ‘Sam . . .’ Jo called. Sam turned to look at them. ‘Can we have a word when you’re free?’
    Sam nodded. She said something to her companion who looked disappointed and walked away.
    ‘Thanks for rescuing me. He’s a buyer for one of my major customers