Page 22 of Prince of Storms
“I think,” Tor said, “that now would be a good time for you to get us a different salesman.”
“One who will show us what we need, not what’s going to get him the biggest commission,” I added darkly, knowing full well that was exactly what had happened. “Maybe you’ve got a manager or someone who can save this sale. Otherwise, we’re going elsewhere, and we’ll be sure to let whoever is in charge know that one of their staff is a lying piece of shit.”
The salesman scurried off, and I exhaled. “I hate it when they do that shit.”
“Me, too,” Tor said, looking at me. “Thank you.”
I shrugged. “Thank you for believing me without question.”
Tor nodded. It wasn’t a long wait before an older gentleman, probably in his sixties, came in our direction. He was tall, only an inch or two shorter than Tor, though without the muscular bulk. He had an open face and a big smile.
“I’m Rob, the manager,” he said. “I understand you had some troubles?”
“Your salesman is a lying piece of crap,” Tor growled. “Selling us whatever will make him the most money.”
Rob grimaced. “That’s it. I’ve had it with him. I thought he’d be good for the store, but all he does is sell the expensive junk that corporate forces me to carry. I wouldn’t even put it out if I had the choice.”
“Oh, I understand better than you might think,” I said. “I work over at Simmonds Furniture.”
“Ah, yes, then I’m sure you know what I mean.”
I gave him a cold smile, but nodded.
“So, what can I help you find, some seating for your theater room?”
Tor nodded.
“Good, okay, come on over here, try out these. This is the Tuscany by Valencia, a premiere maker of home theater seating,” he said, gesturing at a three-seater black leather piece.
Tor glanced at me. I nodded. I’d heard of Valencia before. We didn’t carry them, but I had to sell against them from time to time, so I knew their reputation well. They would be good.
Sinking into the chair, Tor let out a satisfied groan. “Now,thisis more like it.”
I flopped into the opposite seat. “Oh, thatisnice.”
“Now, come on,” Rob said, coming around in front of us. “That’s not how you’re going to watch movies, is it? Come on, get on over there, miss.”
He gestured for me to scoot closer to Tor. I did so a little reluctantly, unsure of where he was going.
“Now put your arm around her,” Rob said. “Cuddle up. Make sure it’s comfortable for both of you. You need to test it properly.”
Tor awkwardly lifted his arm and draped it over my shoulders, pulling me down to rest my head on his chest while Rob leaned in and reclined the chair.
“There, how’s that?” he asked, stepping back and letting us sit.
“Nice,” Tor rumbled. “It’s nice.”
“Yeah,” I said, somewhat breathlessly, as I listened to his heartbeat and tried not to focus on the feel of his muscular arm resting on my body. So close to my hips, his fingers all but brushing my ass. If he just moved them an inch to the side …
My nipples hardened as he adjusted slightly in his seat, the motion causing his hand to caress the side of my cheek before settling again, with his thumb curling around my thigh.
Rob, meanwhile, was busy looking over the page of items that the other salesman had written down. “This is all garbage,” he muttered. “Let me put together arealsetup for you, one that won’t leave you disappointed now and in six months. You two should just stay there, enjoy the seating. You look nice and comfy together.”
I had to admit, despite the proximity to Tor and the thunderous beating of my heart, itwasan incredibly comfortable setup. The TV in front of us was playing a continuous loop of pictures and videos designed to highlight its quality. I stared at it, willing my mind to focus on that instead of the fast-building inferno building between my legs from Tor’s touch. He was electric, I swore, because every time we made contact, my body reacted to him.
He sat up slightly, his muscular arm snuggling tighter to me. I knew he was strong, but the way he’d casually lifted the car was beyond impressive. I felt secure with his bicep draped on me, fully aware of the power it contained.
His other arm moved, and the recliner sank farther down until he was practically flat.
