Twelve Days of Pleasure by Deborah Fletcher Mello Page B

you were so difficult that first day. So don’t do that again,” he said, shaking his head. “If we are friends then respect me enough to tell me when you’re angry with me so we can talk it out and move past it. I will show you the same courtesy.”
    Vanessa wasn’t used to any man scolding her. Only her father had ever spoken to her that way. It was on the tip of her tongue to balk but she didn’t, instead nodding her head in agreement.
    Kendrick continued. “And if you haven’t figured it out yet, I do like you. I like you a lot. I told you about my most embarrassing moments and if I didn’t like you, that would never have happened. Besides...” he said as he reached for her hand. He tangled his fingers between hers, his touch like fuel on a flame. Vanessa gasped loudly, her whole body quivering like jelly. He leaned to press his cheek to hers, warm breath blowing softly against her earlobe. “I get a hard-on every time I’m near you.”
    Vanessa suddenly laughed, the gesture coming from deep in her midsection. Tears misted her eyes as her laugh became deeper. “I can’t believe you said that,” she said, cutting her eyes at him.
    Kendrick shrugged. “If I offended you I apologize but it’s the truth. You excite me. With our situation being so unique I just couldn’t say so.”
    â€œAnd you’re saying so now?”
    â€œYou not talking to me was a real downer, girl. I actually missed you.”
    She smiled, having felt the exact same way. A moment of quiet passed between them as they both reflected on what was happening between them.
    Kendrick took a deep breath. “Let’s go get some dinner,” he finally said.
    * * *
    In the resort’s formal dining room they were shown to an intimate table for two. The crowd was small, with only three other couples. The room’s decor was an extraordinary palette of warm greens, winter white and rustic bouquets of orange-toned flowers. The table was adorned with the finest china, gold-colored tableware and cut crystal. The space felt seasonal and fitting for the holiday.
    Kendrick pulled out the cushioned chair for Vanessa to take a seat, then moved to the chair opposite her. A waiter suddenly appeared to take their drink order.
    â€œI’d like a glass of merlot,” Vanessa said.
    Kendrick nodded. “I’ll have the same. Thank you.”
    She gave him a curious look as the waiter moved back toward the bar. “You’re actually having wine tonight?”
    â€œOne glass. It’s a holiday.”
    She nodded easily as her eyes roamed around the room, taking in her surroundings. “It’s so pretty!”
    â€œIt is. Almost as pretty as you are.”
    She smiled. “I think I owe you an apology,” she said softly.
    Kendrick eyed her questioningly. “For what?”
    â€œFor my bad behavior. I don’t know why I got so upset with you.”
    He chuckled. “Because you like me. That’s why.”
    â€œI do like you and I really like our friendship.”
    â€œBut you want to be more than friends.”
    Her face flushed a brilliant shade of red. She rolled her eyes, a smirk pulling at her mouth. “You’re a little full of yourself, aren’t you?”
    Kendrick leaned forward in his seat, resting his elbows against the tabletop. He dropped his chin against his folded hands. “Am I wrong?”
    She skirted her gaze from his, the intensity of his stare distracting. When she didn’t respond he persisted.
    â€œAnswer me. Am I wrong? Are you only interested in our being friends?”
    She shrugged. “I admit it. I’ve thought about more.”
    Kendrick still stared at her intently. “How much more?”
    She finally locked gazes with the man, her own eyes narrowing seductively. “I’ve fantasized about us being together. It’s hard not to when you’re wearing nothing but Speedos all