Page 48 of 12 Days

“Speaking of smells.” Simon interrupts, mimicking Tristan’s mock reproval from earlier. “We have reached the perfume room.” He gestures at yet to another door that looks just like all the others in this well-appointed lab.

“Now the other day, you had a chance to see our tester room. This is the final testing room. The samples are not only the completed perfumes but the bottles and packaging. The room itself is built to mimic a boudoir so testers can experience the scents in an appropriate atmosphere.”

Simon seems really proud of this. He opens the door, the lush interior that greets us is quite a contrast to the stark white corridor we’re standing in.

I walk through the door. The floor changes from sleek linoleum to a thick carpet, perfect for laying on. There are a couple of couches and a vanity in the room. The vanity is covered in perfume bottles. They are of all shapes and colors. The packaging for each effectively evokes the emotion they mean to express even before you can smell the scents.

“Go ahead, you’ve tried some of these before. Feel free to try them here in the perfume room to see how different the experience is.” Sean whispers in my ear. I didn’t even notice him step in behind me. I indulge in his warm breath on my neck and the scent of him standing so near me. I think about the last time I tried their perfumes.

“It was the incident the day before,” I try to convince myself “Just smelling perfume isn’t going to drive me to have an orgy.”

I know that, but then there was the strip club. Maybe it isn’t the perfume. Maybe I should try it again. For science.

I walk over to the vanity and start sniffing the bottles there. Feeling optimistic and courageous again, I smile to myself. The power of suggestion is so strong. I wonder if this is scent memory or something else. There is so much to learn about the psychology behind scents.

I try a couple of bottles I missed before, a pink strawberry-looking bottle smells like fresh cut grass and the ripest strawberries. I want to laugh and twirl in a circle with my arms over my head like a child.

While I am trying their wares, I hear the door open. The rest of the men come in and settle into the couches around the room. I think all they are here for is see what I will do.

I’m sure Ty, Theo, or Owen told them what happened the last time I tried their new scent. My panties are damp just thinking about that.

Project Partridge. I turn back to the vanity. I think about the formula hiding in my bag. I don’t want to think about work right now. Carpe Diem, I’m going to seize this day, and I know just the way to do it.

In the center of the vanity is the bottle, its curves perfect from every angle. Just looking at the perfume bottle floods my panties again. Even if I had never smelled it before, I would know that this bottle was about sex. The glass evokes passion. I pick it up and turn back to the waiting men.

“Do you mind?” I ask aiming the bottle at my collarbone.

“Not at all,” answers Simon

I spritz a fine mist of perfume on my chest and a familiar feeling of pure desire overcomes me. I inhale deeply, and set the beautiful bottle down.

“I’m really glad you are all here.” My voice is husky with want and I slowly unbutton my blouse.

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