Read Online The Scent of Rain by Kristin Billerbeck - Free Book Online

wasn’t so hung up on his dead wife.”
    Daphne gasped at the callous comment. “Jesse lost his wife?”
    â€œSome say ‘lost.’ Some say she did it on purpose. I suppose with as quiet as he is, we’ll never know.”
    â€œThat’s terrible!” Daphne felt suddenly very protective toward her new boss and didn’t want to hear any more. “He must have been crushed. Any rumors are just that, I’m sure.”
    â€œAre you for real? Or did Laura Ingalls Wilder just get off the train from California?”
    â€œI just think . . . I think it’s none of my business.”
    â€œRumors are usually based on something, in my experience.” Kensie turned and looked into the mirror on the elevator as the doors opened. “Fine. We’ll talk about something safe. What’s your favorite perfume?”
    Daphne followed the elegantly timed clicks of Kensie’s heels across the wide hallway and into the bright white lab. “I guess it’s—”
    â€œMine is Toxic Love,” Kensie said. “Have you smelled it?”
    â€œYes,” she said without commentary. In truth, she might have picked the scent for Kensie without asking.
    â€œIt’s, like, got pheromones or something in it. All I know is when I wear that stuff to a club? I’m, like, irresistible to men.”
    â€œI’m sure that has something to do with the way you look, Kensie.”
    â€œWhy? You don’t like Toxic Love?”
    â€œNo, it was a compliment. I meant because you’re so pretty. That’s why men find you irresistible. But I bet if you smell great, it only adds to the allure.”
    â€œSure,” Kensie said. “So this is the lab.”
    The pristine white room was lined with windows overlooking the city of Dayton. “Wow, it’s amazing. The lab and the view.” She loved how the lab was expansive and allowed the scientists to work together, but separately.
    Kensie looked at her. “You’re easily impressed, I’d say. Are you planning to live downtown?”
    â€œUm, I’m not exactly sure. It seems my fian—father purchased a house here, but I haven’t seen it yet. I plan to stay in a hotel first and get situated.”
    â€œYour dad . . . your dad bought you a house?”
    â€œAs an investment. He does real estate development for a living.” She longed to change the subject. “So tell me about the lab.”
    â€œIt’s a lab.” Kensie shrugged her delicate shoulders. “I don’t see how it’s any different from any other lab. It’s got scientists who are all brains and no street smarts, certainly no chivalry or dating sense. That’s what I’m here at Gibraltar for—to bring common sense into your world so you can focus and I can get your products to the market.”
    Daphne couldn’t find her voice, as two of the scientists were within listening distance. Luckily, the roar of the hoods probably drowned out Kensie’s running commentary.
    â€œHere’s a lab coat. Put it on.” Kensie tossed her a coat and slipped out of her heels and into hard-toed shoes. “Nylons aren’t acceptable as leg attire when you’re working. You’ll need to bring pants. Oh, and no jeans.”
    â€œI think I’ve got the lab rules down.” Chemistry was chemistry, and the rules didn’t vary that much from lab to lab.
    One scientist stood over a centrifuge in his safety glasses and gloves, but without her nose, Daphne couldn’t tell what he was mixing. There was a pang in her stomach from all she missed. The roar of the fume hoods filled the lab. There were only two scientists in the room, and neither looked up or took notice of their arrival. She didn’t want to draw their attention anyway, since without her sense of smell she had no way of knowing the volatility of the chemicals they were using. And she didn’t need any