Deep Longing (Bend to My Will #4) Read Free

lunch, Alfred called to discuss a few details about Sensual Scents.
    “Hi, Vivie, did you get a chance to look at the website samples I sent you?”
    “Yes, I was just reviewing them this morning. I’ve got it down to two. As soon as I decide, I’ll send you my final pick and you can let me know what you think.”
    “I have a couple of staff working with suppliers, so we can get stocked up for our opening,” Alfred said. “The main thing we’re behind on is those new scents. If you can make that a top priority, that would be good. I need time to order the ingredients, so we can produce them in quantity.”
    “I’m nearly there,” Vivienne said. “I’ve already put a lot of effort into it. Hopefully I can send you the requirements before the end of the day.”
    “Enough business talk for now. How are you, Vivie?”
    “Busy, as you can imagine. I’m going to ask Michele to take over a few duties. There are some things I don’t need to do personally. I’d rather give her some incentive to take more responsibility.”
    “That makes good business sense,” Alfred said. “When this online venture takes off, we may have our hands full.”
    “What about you, Alfred? We haven’t spoken much since Paris, just emails. Are you good?”
    “I’ve been immersed in my company, and getting this startup going. Very busy, just how I like it. And I may be off to France again to connect with some suppliers directly. Not everything can be delegated. And I’ve learned not to rely on email alone.”
    “I trust that you will let me know if you need anything on my end,” Vivienne said.
    “You can count on that. And since you mentioned it, I do see another trip to Paris in your future. As we refine things, I’ll want you there firsthand.”
    Vivienne hadn’t thought of that, and wondered how she’d manage. “Sure, we’re partners. Just keep me informed.”
    When she hung up, Vivienne felt unusually tired. Maybe the stress of the job was getting to her. She brushed it aside, and called Michele into her office. Her assistant was willing to take over any part of the workload she could. “You know how much Vee’s means to me,” Michele said. “Just let me know what you need, and I’ll get right on it.”
    After bringing Michele up to speed on a couple of projects, Vivienne went back to finalizing the scents Alfred needed. But her nose wasn’t as sharp as normal. For a bit, she studied the website samples, deciding on color, presentation, and functionality. After choosing, she emailed Alfred so he could move ahead with the web designer.
    It was nearly the end of the day before Vivienne realized she wasn’t well. She started sneezing, and felt weak. It wasn’t possible to discern scents well enough to finalize the blend proportions, so she gave up.
    Michele was tidying the counter when Vivienne came out with her purse over her shoulder. “I think I’m coming down with something,” she said. “I’m going to head home and take a hot bath. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
    “Take care, Vivie. And if you don’t feel well tomorrow, take the day off. I can handle it here,” Michele said. “And Luke’s always willing to assist, if needed. He’s getting pretty handy with a lot of the work around here, not just the warehouse stuff.”
    “That’s reassuring,” Vivienne said. The thought of missing a day made her anxious. There was too much that needed to be done. Alfred needed those blends, so she hoped her nose would be back to normal after she got a good night’s sleep. “I should be fine. Don’t worry.”
    By the time Vivienne got to her apartment, she wasn’t so sure. She felt like a rag doll, and her nose was stuffy. Even soaking in a hot bath didn’t make her feel better. This wasn’t good, but it was probably just a cold.
    After taking a decongestant, Vivienne went to bed. It was barely seven, but she fell into a solid sleep. The next morning, she was achy and had to breathe through her mouth. She fished