“That would be a hard no.”

“Exactly. I made you rethink the options for a better solution.” He ran his tongue over the second peaked tip. “And getting you to say ‘no,’ despite popular misconception about getting to ‘yes,’ brings you to a safe place where you are much more likely to negotiate with me.”

“I would happily negotiate with you like this all day long.”

“I may never be able to teach a class again without thinking inappropriate thoughts.” He grinned and slid a little lower, kissing her navel, her stomach.

Her heart banged erratically. Everything they did here in this bed washed away some of the pain from her past.

“What else?” she whispered breathlessly.

“Isopraxism.”

She blinked in confusion and cried out when his tongue dragged through the creases of her labia.

He pulled back and blew on the wet flesh. She shuddered in reaction.

“People basically like those who are similar to them. It’s a non-learned behavior where a species tends to act in a like manner—one person starts clapping at a theater and everyone joins in. It’s lizard-brain stuff. We build more rapport with people who look and act like us and building rapport is key to influencing someone’s behavior.”

Darby bit her lip as he gently sucked her clit. Her bones melted even though every nerve was on fire. Her breathing became hoarse. Then his tongue dipped lower, and he lifted her knees over his shoulders and wrapped his arms around her waist.

“Because my job is usually conducted over the phone, I concentrate mainly on the verbal cues.”

“So, you’re good with your mouth?” She groaned as he licked her again. Slowly. Deeply.

“Mirroring the last one to three words or the most important word in a sentence is a shortcut negotiators use all the time. It’s a mimicry trick that builds that connection while drawing out more information.”

“More information?” she sighed.

He smiled. “You are a fast learner.”

“I have a really excellent teacher.”

He urged her to the end of the mattress and knelt on the floor. She should have felt cold, but she was burning up.

“Negotiation is just a conversation that builds rapport and trust leading people toward the best outcome.” His tongue sank deep inside her, and she writhed.

“Okay.” She was all for it. She grabbed his hair and brought the scrape of his beard against the sensitive flesh of her sex. “What else?”

“You want more details?” He laughed as he licked his lips.

“Teach me everything.”

“The most important skill a negotiator needs to employ is active listening. Not only the words being spoken, but what are the real needs and fears of the person you’re dealing with?”

“I have real needs that need dealing with.”

“Do you like this?” he asked.

“Hmmm.”

She could see him grinning in the dim light from the fire. “Excellent use of minimal encouragers to let the other person know you’re still engaged but not to interrupt the flow of…information.”