“Yeah, but they’re big. Or if they’re not big, their hair is big.”
That made Rosemary chortle, and she flopped onto her back on the bed. Kal laid down beside her. “And what’s Ben’s deal? Talk about a misanthrope.”
“Oh, he’s lovely. Did you try that scallop sashimi? The best I’ve ever had.”
“Was that the white thing with the orange squares on it?”
“Yes. We’ll have to eat at his restaurant. I’m very pleased to have a connection to Ben.”
Kal wrapped his fingers around her hand. They relaxed on the feather bed, side by side. “How much money did you give Bill after dinner for his Syria project?”
Rosemary smiled. “Enough.”
“What’s that mean, enough?”
“Perhaps I promised him enough for a mobile medical unit. And he’ll need a plane to fly it over with, of course.”
“Of course.”
“Not that all of the funds will come from me. I have some connections I can tap.”
Kal rolled onto his side. “I’ll bet you have connections all over the world.”
“What’s the point of being an almost baroness if you don’t develop a network? You don’t think I wormed my way onto the Everest team with just my good looks, do you?”
“I doubt your looks hurt.”
“Well, no. We use what we’re given.”
She turned onto her side, too, so they’d be nose to nose. “We should break into the minibar. It’s very well stocked.”
“They know how to drink in Wisconsin.”
“I’ve noticed. I like that about them.”
“I made some phone calls today. While you had the car.” Kal told her his news, how he’d cranked up the stalled machine of his ambition to see what he might be able to make of it. It pleased her to know he’d made such an effort, so quickly, even if he couldn’t predict yet where it would all lead.
He moved his hand up to her waist, and she scooted her body closer to his, pressing their stomachs together. She unbuttoned the top few buttons of his shirt. He wore a T-shirt underneath, which was disappointing. She hiked both shirts up from the bottom so she could press her cheek to his skin. He was hers to be next to. Hers to chat with, and sleep with, and love.
“I want to go in the hot tub,” she said dreamily.
“Do you know how much water those things waste?”
“No, and I’d rather you didn’t tell me.”
He made a disgruntled noise. Rosemary kissed him. “They should have hot tubs on Everest. It would make the climb much easier to endure.”
“We are fundamentally incompatible.”
“I know. It’s why I like you.” She kissed him again, lingering this time. “Does it waste less water if I take off all my clothes?”
“Gallons.”
“Oh, good. Get your kit off.”
“Right now?”
“I saw a bottle of something called Sex Suds over there.”