“What subject have you chosen for your next project?”

“Have a seat.” Nicole nodded toward the small table they’d just vacated. “I’ll show you.”

She placed two photos in front of him. “If these pictures were side by side in a magazine, which would catch your eye?” One showed a man and a woman locked in a passionate embrace; the other depicted a woman by herself. The solitary woman wore only lacy underwear, while the couple was fully dressed.

“I’d glance at the woman first, but the couple is the more interesting shot.”

“Sorry. It’s an either or question. If you were in a hurry, which is more likely to draw your attention?”

“The woman.”

“All right.” She returned the first two pictures to the folder and selected a different shot. This time the younger woman had been joined by a man. He stood behind her, his arm covering her naked breasts. Her head was turned sharply to the side and their faces hovered inches apart as if they were about to kiss. “Do you find this image appealing?”

“They’re both very attractive. Why wouldn’t I?”

“Don’t be defensive.” She smiled and rubbed the edge of her shirt, drawing his attention to the shadowy hint of cleavage. Was the zipper irritating her skin or was the gesture calculated? “What do you find unappealing?”

“His forearm,” he grumbled.

“I’m sure that’s a common complaint, but I want to keep this project focused on various stages of a relationship and the strategies couples use to move from one stage to another.”

“I see. What stage does this represent?”

“You tell me.” Her fingers moved to the zipper, toying with the metallic ring.

“Infatuation.”

“What qualities need to be present in a relationship for it to be deeper than infatuation?”

“If the couple enjoys spending time together even when they’re not having sex, they’ve likely moved beyond infatuation.”

“Have you ever been involved in a relationship where the physical attraction cooled?”

“I think most adults have.”

“Have you tried any of these strategies for rekindling the fire?” She placed a row of pictures in front of him.

“Candlelight dinners work best if they’re a surprise.” He pointed to the next picture. “Is this representing sexy lingerie or undressing for your partner?”

She shrugged. “Which worked better for you?”

“What man wouldn’t enjoy watching his lover undress?”

“I don’t know. That’s why I’m asking you.”

“I prefer my striptease in private and sexy lingerie is always welcome as far as I’m concerned.”

“Have you ever bought lingerie for a lover?”

Desire hung heavy in the air. He did his best to ignore the pressure between his thighs, but she wasn’t making it easy. “I did so once. That was enough.”

“She didn’t appreciate the gift?”

“She refused to ‘dress like a prostitute’.”

“I suspect that’s the exception not the rule, so let’s move on.” She tapped the corner of the next photo. “Have you ever tried role playing?”

Pausing to study the picture, Leos considered his answer. The same woman was now dressed in an old-fashioned gown. Her lover was dressed as a pirate and her hands were tied behind her back. One of his hands was tangled in her hair, and the other was grasping the front of her gown as if he meant to rip it open.

His imagination took it a step farther, superimposing his face over the man’s and replacing the woman with Nicole. Would she enjoy being his captive? Was this an elaborate come on?

The other two pictures were even more provocative. One showed the couple in a hot tub, the woman straddling the man’s lap. Each pose carefully minimized the actual nudity, while the models’ expressions simulated passion. The last sent lust stabbing through Leos. Heat pooled in his groin and his erection surged. The woman was bound hand and foot and positioned in front of the man. They were both naked and he held her head between his hands. It was only too easy to imagine his cock sliding in and out of her mouth.

Leos refused to look at Nicole, knowing her gaze would be warm and welcoming. He couldn’t fuck her! Sex with Nicole would mean a commitment. She was under his family’s protection. The thought of fucking her was more than tempting, but he couldn’t…

He stacked the photos and handed them back to her. “I think you better find someone else for your little experiment.”

She ignored the proffered pictures. “Surely talking about sex doesn’t embarrass you?”

The challenge in her eyes aroused him as much as the intimate poses. He tossed the pictures to the tabletop and stood. She tried to stand as well, but he moved too fast. He grasped the back of her chair, caging her with his arms as he stared into her eyes.

“When little girls play with fire, they get their fingers burned.”