DESIGN FOR LOVE Read Free Page B

to continue to elaborate on the extenuating circumstances, a sane voice in the back of her head simply said, ‘Why bother! ’ as she ended the conversation quickly, simply and clinically. “Apology unaccepted, goodnight, Mr. Cinclare!” before slamming the phone down. This time, he didn’t call back.
    In the last few seconds, hate of her outspoken critic had quickly changed to naked loathing, yet somehow she also felt strangely stimulated by the heated exchange and also, if she were to admit it, she now felt totally re-energized to do better. One way or another she was going to show this pompous windbag what really made Francine Dubois tick.

CHAPTER 4
    After another fitful night’s sleep during which she dreamed of being constantly harassed by the handsome Cinclare, Francine arrived at the office with new purpose in her stride. Unable to get the criticism of her line lacking a big finish out of her mind, the beginnings of a stunning new design for a sexy evening gown were already burning a hole in her brain.
    Coffee was bubbling in the pot as she walked in and Vince, resplendent as usual in a chartreuse shirt and the usual ‘painted on’ effect maroon pants, looked up from his desk and held up a sheaf of papers in his hand, a wicked smile on his face.
    “Let me guess? More bills?” she asked.
    “Think again, girl,” he cooed. “More orders for the blue number - so at least one is selling!”
    Francine smiled briefly. “Good! Now, listen, Vince, I’ve had an idea for a new, sexy evening gown for the finale. I need a couple of hours of peace and quiet and then you can criticize the hell out of it.”
    He rubbed his hands gleefully. “What? Me? Criticize? Really, darling!” he shooed her into the back office. “Great, get to it.”
    She was so deep in creative thought an hour later that she jumped with a start when a man’s lips brushed the back of her neck.
    “Miss me, honey?” she spun around to see Roger Kenner, her boyfriend, tall, handsome, a big grin on his face.
    She smiled half-heartedly. “Me? - Naw!” she gave him a friendly hug. “So, how was the assignment?”
    “The pits! Following political conventions is like watching grass grow - so, how about dinner tonight?”
    “Oh, Roger, I’m right in the middle of something,” but when she saw the look of disappointment in his eyes, she quickly added. “But, tell you what, give me a rain check on dinner and I’ll stop by later on my way home, Okay?”
    “Okay, Baby,”’ he grinned wickedly. “I’ll put a bottle on ice.”
    ‘Yes, and put your libido right there with it ,’ she was tempted to say, but instead she added. “See you later.”
    He kissed her neck before leaving. “You bet!”
    * * * *
    Later that night, lying back in Roger’s bed after making love, Francine had to admit that Roger was without doubt an accomplished lover, even if that particular evening she had faked her first orgasm with the handsome newscaster. At one time, just to feel the strength of his manhood inside her, had been enough to arouse her to the heights, and when he touched her nipples the way he knew she liked to be touched, that was all it would take.
    But now, as Roger sang the song of the contented lover in the shower, Francine’s mind drifted back to her earlier confrontation with Cinclare and she was already getting strange, new vibes. She idly wondered if Gerard Cinclare was also a man with whom you faked an orgasm, or if indeed one touch from his handsome body sent a woman completely over the edge. At least the beautiful blonde on his arm that night at the show certainly looked devoted to the self-centered entrepreneur. But what was she thinking of, the guy was a jerk, end of story!
    * * * *
    After dropping Alison at school on the way in to the workshop, Francine’s mind was already focusing on New York and all the planning ahead. She made a mental note of all the minor details to be taken care of such as travel plans, hotels, etc. and most