and its current branding, mission statement and operating procedures.
Unlike a singles resort, where the main draw was drinking and partying in a girls/guys gone wild style, and hooking up with the opposite sex was a free-for-all, St. Raphael offered a unique and modern-day spin to matching compatible couples while offering fun, interactive activities in a romantic atmosphere. While the concept didn’t interest Chloe on a personal level, from an advertising angle it was an executive’s dream. There were so many interesting aspects to build a campaign on, like developing a catchy slogan to pull in consumers, beautiful pictures to capture their imagination, and the lure of finding love and a happily ever after.
She and Aiden had already filled out the required questionnaire that the resort used to match up couples, and the two of them were scheduled to attend events and various activities to mix and mingle and “make a connection.” It was the only way for them to evaluate the process in order to present the client with a cohesive advertising campaign for the resort. Perry had even hired a local professional photographer to be on hand to capture any shots she or Aiden needed to elevate their presentation.
There was no way Chloe could forget that this was a business trip with a huge incentive on the line. But she also knew in order to really absorb everything the resort had to offer, she had to open herself up to the fun, seductive aspect of the island retreat so she could better translate the experience into her campaign.
And that included relaxing around Aiden, too. They weren’t at the office, and there was absolutely no harm in a little flirtation between them, which they already indulged in, anyway. And if her seductive teasing threw him off his game a bit, well, it would be his own fault for letting their attraction get the best of him.
“We’re not even at the resort yet, and you’re already working?”
The low, chiding voice came from Aiden, who was no longer dozing. She glanced at him, meeting his dark, velvet blue gaze, still heavy-lidded from his brief nap. “I started a portfolio for notes and ideas for my campaign as soon as Perry announced we’d each be doing a presentation. Do you know what the name St. Raphael stands for?” she asked, testing his knowledge of the resort.
A slow, lazy smile curved those sinful lips of his. “St. Raphael is the patron saint of love and lovers, which is very appropriate for a matchmaking resort.”
The husky way he said the word lovers sent a warm shiver through her. Yeah, flirting with him was very natural and easy and always reciprocated with genuine interest. “I’m impressed. You’ve obviously done your homework, too.” She would have been more shocked if he hadn’t.
“I always do,” he murmured. “Speaking of homework, how crazy was that matchmaking questionnaire we had to fill out?” he asked with an incredulous shake of his head.
The required survey had been a long, tedious process that had covered every end of the spectrum of a person’s life, from personality, career aspirations, religion, finances, pet peeves, family values and even sexual compatibility. That last part had been her favorite section of the test. As she’d answered each question, her mind had strayed to Aiden, wondering if his responses had matched hers. Was he more gentle and romantic in the bedroom, or did he prefer the aggression of unleashed passion? Was he open to role-playing and fulfilling fantasies if his partner was willing? And how important was foreplay to him?
Oh, yeah, she’d definitely had fun with those questions. The other more personal ones, not so much, but she’d been honest with her replies in order to see how the whole matchmaking process worked.
“The quiz was pretty intensive,” she agreed, and since he was in a chatty mood she slipped her work folder back into her computer case. “I felt like I was back in college taking a final exam. Except the subject was my life. I know the questionnaire is necessary, but it all seems so...desperate and forced.”
He absently rubbed his palms along his jean-clad thighs, considering her reply for a moment. “How so?”
Since he looked genuinely curious to hear her opinion, she gave it to him. “I’m not a big fan of professional matchmaking,” she said honestly. “I’d rather let nature take it’s course instead of my interest in someone being dictated by the answers on a quiz.” After how badly her last relationship ended, for