Lab problems always got my complete attention. The last thing we needed right now were any unnecessary delays.
“What’s happening, Colin? Is there something going on with the Link Protocol work?”
“No, no. It’s nothing like that. In fact, it’s not related to work in the lab.”
I wrinkled my brow. “I’m confused, Colin. If it’s not lab work, then what's the problem?”
“It’s Fiona.”
I leaned back in my chair and ran my hand through my hair. “Fiona? What’s going on with her?”
Colin spent the next several minutes explaining she’d fainted at her workstation. Amanda and Melissa helped her to the infirmary and then returned to the lab and told Colin what occurred.
“Hmm,” I said as stroked my chin. “When did this happen?”
“Well, according to Amanda and Melissa it occurred just after lunchtime. About two o’clock or so.”
“Oh yes? Interesting…”
“Sir?”
“Hmm?”
“Well, you said it was ‘interesting’.”
“Oh, right. I was thinking of something. It’s not important. Fiona. Is she all right?”
“I believe so. She returned to the lab not more than a half hour or so ago. What would you like me to do about her?”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, do you want me to send her home?”
“Um, I suppose that’s up to her. What has she said?”
“She says she’s fine.”
“All right, well, if that’s what she says we’ll have to trust her.”
“Will do.”
“Oh and Colin?”
“Yes?”
“Don’t mention you spoke with me. Whatever is causing these episodes at the moment can’t be helped by her being aware of our conversation.”
“Understood.”
As I hung up, I leaned back in my chair, interlacing my fingers behind my head in the process. To the best of my knowledge, we’d never had someone pass out in the manner Colin described.
A number of causes ran through my mind as I considered the long-term impact to work in the lab. Maybe the issues Danielle revealed to me were behind it. On the other hand, maybe it was the stress of her new position but then again, Fiona hadn’t shown any difficulty handling herself.
Or perhaps I was partially to blame.
After all, she wasn’t accustomed to attention from men and I had been applying a bit of pressure. Even so, I’d never had a woman pass out from being so excited around me.
At least… not with my clothes still on.
Yet, as intriguing as Fiona might be, the last thing I could afford to do right now was have a huge delay at the lab. The Link Protocol would have to stay on track no matter the cost to my libido. I’d just have be a bit more reserved than normal, take things slow with her. I made it a point to get the best talent possible in my labs and now was no time to disrupt the environment there.
There’d be time to seduce her yet.
“Hmm,” I grunted as I released my hands from behind my head and stood from my chair.
So right then and there, I decided to let things cool off for a few days before I went and checked in on her, which I did a little before five in the afternoon on Friday. If there was one thing I could count on with my scientists, it’s that none of them enjoyed working after hours.
But, Fiona was a special case. I had a hunch her obsessiveness and her minor medical mishap would keep her there working longer than most.
Pushing open the door to the lab, my suspicions were confirmed. She glanced up and our eyes met for an instant before she returned her attention to the compound microscope in the middle of her workstation.
After slipping on some protective outerwear, I made my way towards her, and as I did, Fiona alternated between looking in the microscope and scribbling her findings down in her planner.
“How’s everything coming?”
“Fine,” she muttered, still not making eye contact.
I watched as Fiona drew her elbows in close to her sides and leaned in towards the microscope. I sauntered along the edge of the workstation, dragging my fingertips along its smooth surface as I neared her. I turned the corner of it and as I passed by Fiona, I brushed up against her.
“Oh,” she said, as she lifted her head. “I’m sorry.”
As she spoke, I circled around behind her. “What are you sorry for? It was my mistake.”
“Just a habit, I guess,” she said with a shrug. “I apologize for things a lot.”
“Hmm, I see,” I began, as I leaned against her workstation. “Well, I believe you owe me another one don’t you?”
Fiona’s small, thin fingers raked through her blond hair as she pulled it away from her face. Half-turning in my direction, she locked eyes with me.