‘Hypothetically?’
‘Not hypothetically either. I’m not really a relationship type of guy.’
‘So you’re celibate?’ Imogen raised a hand to her mouth as pink stained her cheeks. ‘Hell. Sorry. I really did not mean to say that.’
‘Don’t worry—and, no, I’m not celibate. I just don’t do relationships.’
‘So what do you do? One-night stands only?’
For a moment he was tempted to duck the question, but a strange defensiveness tightened his grip around his coffee cup. ‘Yes.’
‘Oh. So, then … um … would you mind if your bedroom partner was into all that stuff?’
‘I wouldn’t have a problem exploring the idea of using some of the things Jean showed us, but I certainly don’t expect or want all my bedmates to come accessorised with a whip or a latex uniform.’
‘But would you prefer a partner who wanted to explore those ideas?’
‘If we’re going to have this conversation—’ and heaven only knew why they were ‘—then I need to know why we’re having it.’
‘It’s …’ For a second she stared down at her coffee. ‘Research.’
‘Research for what?’
‘I was wondering if I should … well … maybe pick up a few items from Jean’s arsenal.’
‘That’s something you would need to discuss with your bedroom partner.’
‘Given my current bed partner is a cuddly rabbit that’s seen better days, that’s probably not going to work. That’s why I’m asking you. For a general opinion.’
‘I don’t think turn-ons can be boiled down into a general formula, Imogen. Everyone’s rules of attraction are different.’
Imogen sighed. ‘I guess I’ve just never thought that sexual attraction was particularly important in a relationship.’
Joe frowned. How could a woman so clearly made for the bedroom think sexual attraction was unimportant?
‘That probably explains the rabbit situation,’ he said.
Clearly not the right thing to say.
Imogen’s eyes narrowed. ‘You’re saying I’m single because I don’t believe sex is the be-all and end-all to life?’
‘I’m saying sexual attraction is a key component to a relationship.’
‘What makes you an expert? You just said you don’t do relationships.’
‘I don’t. But I do do sexual attraction, and I can vouch for it being an important thing.’
‘Sure. But there are other things that are way more important. Kindness, loyalty, shared goals, a sense of humour, being good parent material. They all rate way higher than sexual attraction on my tick-list.’ Her voice vibrated with absolute belief.
‘Tick-list?’ She had a tick-list? ‘You have an actual, for real list of requirements? Manly chest? Sizeable bank balance? A yen to walk down the aisle.’
He was honest-to-God fascinated.
‘Chest size irrelevant,’ she said.
Though he couldn’t help but notice her gaze linger on his pecs with perhaps a hint of regret.
‘Moderate rather than sizeable savings account to demonstrate that security is important to him. And, yes, I need him to be pro marriage. And kids. I want financial security and whilst I’m happy to share my salary I need a partner who pulls their weight.’ Her voice had a steely ring Joe usually heard in a corporate boardroom not a bedroom. Any minute now she’d give him a PowerPoint presentation. ‘I want a man who wants children, who will be a wonderful dad who puts his children before himself.’