Page 21 of Entice

“I get it. You’ll see all sorts of things at the club, so keep an open mind. What’s next?”

For the next hour, Sierra went over the questionnaire with her. There were still some things they had to look up on the internet.

“Done.” Crystal closed the folder. Damn, she hadn’t worked so hard over something in a while. She had notes on everything, so there was little she’d need to ask Jordan about. What a relief. The less time they spent discussing things like sex and kink, the better she’d be able to keep her attraction to him under wraps.

“Good. I’ll be at the club tomorrow night.”

“I thought you didn’t go on Thursdays?”

“I usually don’t, but I want to be there to support you.”

“You are the best.” It would make her less nervous if her best friend was there. “You and Max aren’t going to play, are you?” She wasn’t sure how she felt about seeing her friend and her friend’s boyfriend in that situation.

“What are you going to wear?”

“I…oh shit. I can’t wear what you wore. So not me.” How could she have forgotten how Sierra was dressed that first night? Oh no. This wasn’t going to work. She couldn’t show off her body like that. But she wasn’t going to the club to play. She was there to observe and learn for the case.

“Easy, Crystal. I’m sure we can find something in your closet. You have a little black dress, if I remember right.”

“I do.” She’d bought it for a song on sale a few years back. Crystal blew out a breath.

“It will work, and I’m sure Jordan will discuss it with you. You’re going in the capacity of learning about kink for your case, nothing more.”

Crystal wasn’t sure she wanted to have this conversation. She was so out of her depth with Jordan. “Right, research to learn about it.” Why did she have to keep reminding herself of that?

“Oh crap, Crystal, I have to go. I forgot I’m meeting a client. We still on for girls’ night?”

“It’s Wednesday. Book club night.” Crystal remembered because she was looking at her calendar.

“That’s right. Okay, see you at the book club.” Sierra hung up.

Crystal set her phone on her desk. It was almost two. Maybe she’d take lunch and go check out the boutique down the street to see what they had for clothing. But first things first. She put aside the questionnaire and her notes from the call, then picked up the folder with the signed club rules and went into reception.

“Valerie, is Jordan with a client?”

“No, but he left for a meeting.”

“Okay, I’m going to drop this folder on his desk and then go to lunch myself.” She strode into Jordan’s office, set the folder under his keyboard, then walked back out. “Did you go to lunch?” she asked Valerie.

“Not yet, but I will. I’m waiting for a client to arrive for Johnson’s one-thirty appointment to show up before I go.”

“All right, make sure you go. You need a break too.” Crystal walked back into her office and grabbed her bag before leaving.

A brisk walk for three blocks and she found the little boutique. She stepped inside and looked around, hoping she could find something in here to wear.

“Hello, can I help you?” The voice belonged to a young woman with purple and pink hair who was coming out from the back of the store.

Crystal thought for a moment. “Maybe you can. I’m looking for something sexy and revealing, yet not too revealing.”

The young woman tapped her chin with her finger. “I’m guessing something for a night out, going dancing and clubbing?”

“Sounds perfect.” Just what she needed, someone who understood.

“Got it. Let’s see what I have. If you’ll follow me.”

Forty minutes later, Crystal walked out of the boutique with a smile and a large bag. She wondered how Jordan would react when he saw her in the outfit she’d bought. Crystal shook her head; his reaction had nothing to do with it. It was an outfit for a later date so that when—and if—they played together, she’d fit in and not be the odd woman out like she’d been most of her life. Especially if she let Jordan into her life.

Her nerves danced in excitement. It was going to be a long wait until tomorrow night.

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