“You said your sister picked this place out?” Vanessa questioned, cutting an eye in his direction as she moved back into the room where Kendrick sat. She walked to the other end of the sofa and plopped down.

  “Yeah. Zak didn’t even know where they were going.”

  Vanessa nodded. I think your sister’s a freak, she thought to herself as she scanned the welcome brochure they’d been given at check-in. The four-page pamphlet read like a grocery list of all things decadent.

  As if reading her mind Kendrick spoke the thought out loud. “I think my sister has some issues!” he said as he eyed his own brochure.

  Vanessa laughed. “It was supposed to be their honeymoon,” she said, still giggling.

  “There are some things about my sisters that I just don’t need to know.”

  Moving back onto her feet Vanessa crossed the front living space into the oversize bedroom. Kendrick followed behind her. Glass encased the room on three sides and a king-size bed sat in the room’s center, offering extraordinary water views on one side and exquisite garden views on the other. The bedding was an exquisite blend of silks and satins with a wealth of pillows that beckoned one beneath the sheets.

  Both Vanessa and Kendrick spoke at the same time. “I’ll take the bedroom.”

  She cut an eye in his direction. “Yes, I will,” she said, a hint of attitude in her tone. She eyed him with a raised brow. The look she gave him challenged him to contradict her.

  Kendrick snapped his finger, feigning disappointment. “I guess that means I’m sleeping on the couch.”

  “That’s exactly what that means.” Vanessa moved to the bedside and threw her body against the mattress. Her arms were extended out to her sides and she lifted both of her legs in the air as she crossed her ankles one over the other. She bent her legs at the knees and lifted her torso slightly as she adjusted the pillows beneath her head. “A girl could get used to this,” she muttered as she relaxed into the comfort.

  Amusement painted Kendrick’s expression. “I’m sure a guy could get used to it, too!” he said.

  Vanessa leaned up on her elbow to stare at him. A slight smile pulled at his full lips. The intense stare he was giving her was intoxicating. As she eyed him from head to toe a wave of heat flushed her cheeks. For a brief moment, there was invitation in her eyes and she knew it. She was unable to control the wanting that suddenly swept through her. She bit down against her bottom lip and dropped her gaze to the bedspread.

  “Maybe we can share,” she said after a brief moment of thought. “I’ll get the bed tonight, maybe tomorrow, too. Then you can sleep here one night after that.”

  Kendrick chuckled. “You sound very convincing,” he said, the words edged in sarcasm.

  A bright smile filled her face as she shrugged her shoulders. “You say that like you don’t believe me.”

  “I don’t.”

  * * *

  Kendrick was caught off guard as she met the look he was giving her with one of her own. Her eyes were narrowed ever so slightly as she appraised him. There was something curious in her stare. He suddenly turned and moved out of the room. As he’d stood watching her, heat had coursed through his loins. He could feel the beginnings of an erection pulling at his muscles and he knew that only distance would make the sensation go away. He took a deep breath and then a second. When he heard her moving behind him he hurried down the hallway and back into the living space.

  As he moved into the room there was an abrupt knock at the door that distracted them both. Kendrick took three quick strides to the other side of the room. He hesitated for a brief moment, his hand on the doorknob. Vanessa had moved to the entranceway, peering out. The two locked gazes for a brief moment before he opened the door.

  The man standing on the other side was grinning broadly. He was exceptionally short, standing well below Kendrick’s six feet three inches. He had bright blue eyes and thick blond curls. He wore a white linen suit, a white dress shirt open at the collar and white canvas shoes. He stood with a bottle of champagne in an ice bucket, a white towel folded over his forearm.

  “Welcome, sir! My name is Liam. I will be your butler for the duration of your stay.”

  Kendrick nodded. “Nice to meet you, Liam.” He took a step back to let the man inside.

  Liam nodded in Vanessa’s direction. “Madam, welcome!”

  Vanessa smiled, tilting her head slightly, but she said nothing.

  “You requested Domaine Carneros. This is the Brut Rosé Sparkling Wine that you asked for.” He moved to the bungalow’s bar and set the ice bucket atop the wooden counter. He looked to Kendrick for direction. “Would you like for me to pour for you, sir?”

  Kendrick shook his head. “I appreciate the offer, Liam, but I think I can handle it.”

  “Yes, sir. If there is anything you or your bride needs I am just a call away,” Liam said.

  Kendrick nodded. “We appreciate that.”

  “Will you be dining in tonight, sir? Or would you like to be seated in the dining room?”

  Kendrick hesitated for a split second as he tossed Vanessa a look. She shrugged as he deferred the question to her.

  “Can we dine on the beach?” she asked softly.

  “Not a problem, madam,” Liam replied, his full grin a mile wide. “I’ll take care of everything.”

  Kendrick opened the door as Liam moved back through it. “Just push the red button on the phone, sir. That will reach me directly,” he said as he made his exit.

  “A butler bearing champagne!” Kendrick exclaimed when the door was closed shut behind the man.

  “Your sister has great taste,” Vanessa said as she inspected the vintage bottle of spirits. “Do you want a glass?”

  Kendrick shook his head. “Sorry, I don’t drink when I’m on duty.”

  Vanessa shrugged. “Suit yourself,” she said as she popped the cork and poured herself a full glass. She took her first sip and smiled.

  Kendrick shook his head. “And why the beach? We could have eaten in the dining room.”

  Vanessa tossed him a look as she grabbed the wine bottle and her glass and turned back in the direction of the bedroom. “It’s our wedding night, remember? I didn’t think it would look very convincing if we were sitting in a public place scowling at each other,” she said.

  As she disappeared from view, Kendrick chuckled softly. “I don’t think you’d be scowling,” he mumbled under his breath.

  * * *

  You could see the tent and table from the patio. Kendrick had taken a shower and a nap and had already moved outside, staring down to where Liam and the staff were setting up on the beach. He watched as they put up a bamboo canopy and draped it with a white gauze fabric. Then they moved a table and two chairs beneath it. Large tiki lights were propped strategically around the beach front and the dining area was dressed in white linens and the resort’s signature china. As the sun was beginning to set off in the distance Vanessa stepped past the sliding glass doors and joined him.

  He turned to stare as she moved to his side. She’d changed into a pale blue slip dress, the hem skirting inches above her knees. The fabric was sheer and when the light caught her at the right angle he could see the outline of her body, nothing else between the garment and her skin.

  “Are you wearing anything under that dress?” he asked as he forced himself to look into her eyes.

  Vanessa laughed. “Do you always get so personal with your clients?”

  Embarrassment flushed Kendrick’s cheeks, deepening his complexion a rich shade of red. “I didn’t mean to say that out loud.”

  “I’m on my honeymoon, remember,” Vanessa said, her tone teasing. “I imagine I wouldn’t be wearing a lot of clothes on my honeymoon. Besides, your sister didn’t give me a whole lot to work with.”

  “Even if you were on your honeymoon there are staff at these resorts who might see you.”

  She giggled. “I don’t think Liam minds what he sees. But if you’re a little sensitive about it, darling, I’ll try to put more on next time.”

  Kendrick crossed his arms over his chest. “I think you might be taking this pretend thing a little far,” he said.

  “Maybe. Maybe not.” Vanessa laughed and shrugged. “But I didn’t pick out the wardrobe, remember? Besides, you’re one to talk, standing there half-naked yourself!”

  * * *

  She eyed him from head to toe. He was bare-chested and barefoot, wearing nothing but a pair of tan linen slacks. His upper body was chiseled, every muscle rock-hard and perfect. Standing there staring at her, he looked like a fitness model flexing his pecs, biceps and picture-perfect, six-pack abs.

  “Agent Boudreaux, if I have to be kept prisoner, I plan to enjoy it,” she said. “Now, let’s get dinner, husband. I’m hungry.”

  Kendrick shook his head, feeling slightly deviant as he found himself wondering what she might feel like in his arms. He imagined his hands stealing beneath that sheer dress to tease her skin and trailing his fingers across her sweet spots. Heat rushed from one end of his body to the other and he was suddenly grateful for the easy breeze blowing off the ocean waters. He followed behind her as she led the way down to the beach.

  Liam greeted them warmly. “Welcome, madam. Welcome, sir. I hope everything meets with your approval?”

  Vanessa’s eyes widened with wonder. “Everything is beautiful!” she exclaimed as she took in the view. “Isn’t it beautiful?” she said as she tossed Kendrick a quick look.

  Kendrick nodded. “Thank you, Liam,” he said as the man pulled out a chair for Vanessa to take a seat.

  When they both were seated comfortably, the butler filled their empty water glasses. Vanessa requested wine with her food, but Kendrick passed. The meal started with a salad of mixed greens, beets, mango, red bell peppers and yellow tomatoes tossed with cracked pepper, sea salt and a macadamia nut vinaigrette. Dinner was a seafood special of ahi sashimi, sweet lobster cake with a jalapeno and mango chutney, and grilled prawns with a truffle and soy dipping sauce. The meal was beyond delicious, satiating all of their senses.

  Vanessa licked her fingers, remnants of the truffle sauce dotting the tips. She sucked her index finger past her full lips then slowly pulled it from her mouth. The erotic gesture caught Kendrick’s attention and as he watched her, his entire body froze, his muscles tensing. She suddenly lifted her eyes to his and his breath caught deep in his chest. He took a deep breath of air and then another, fighting to look everywhere but at her.

  “Sorry.” Vanessa giggled. “That wasn’t very ladylike, was it?”

  Kendrick shrugged. “Clearly, you enjoyed your meal.” Amusement danced around the edges of his dark eyes and his tone was teasing.

  She giggled. “Like you’ve never licked your fingers before!” She shifted forward in her seat as he dipped his last prawn in the decadent sauce and drew it to his full lips. She reached for the cloth napkin and extended it toward him. Her grin was miles wide as her eyes dared him to take it from her hand.

  His own smile spread slowly as he looked at her. He reached for the napkin with his left hand as he slowly sucked one finger and then another from his right hand into his mouth. When he’d washed all five digits with his tongue, he swiped the cloth over his hands before dropping it into his empty plate. “The food was good!” he said, glancing at Vanessa. She seemed to be holding her breath as she watched him.

  “It was divine!” she exclaimed as she reached for her wineglass, savoring the last sip. “Absolutely divine!”

  There was a moment of quiet between them as they paused to watch the light shimmer against the water. Small waves broke along the shoreline, the tranquil sound soothing. The temperature was perfect, stars danced in the clear sky overhead and the moon was casting just enough light to give the darkness around them a seductive ambience. Kendrick imagined that for those couples who were honeymooning, Pleasure Island couldn’t have been more perfect.

  Minutes passed before either spoke, Kendrick finally breaking the silence. ‘It’s good to see you relax at last,” he said.

  Vanessa smiled, an easy bend to her mouth that moved him to smile back. “This is the first time I’ve felt safe since...” She hesitated, meeting his gaze for a quick second before dropping her eyes. She took a deep breath before venturing to look back at him. “I feel safe and comfortable. I haven’t felt this way in a long time, even before all this mess happened.”

  Kendrick nodded, turning to stare back at the ocean.

  “I imagine your girlfriend isn’t happy about you being here,” Vanessa said, eyeing him curiously.

  “I don’t have a girlfriend.”

  “Your boyfriend, then.”

  He laughed. “Not that it’s any of your business but I don’t date men. Why are you fishing for information about my personal life?”

  She laughed with him. “Well, since I didn’t see a ring on your hand I didn’t want to assume you had a wife.”

  “Well, I don’t have either, a wife or a girlfriend. This isn’t the type of job that’s conducive to a relationship.”

  “Is that why Zak isn’t your partner anymore? Your sister said you two used to be partners.”

  “We were. Now he wants to focus his time and energy on being a good husband.”

  “What about you? Would you give this up for a woman?”

  Kendrick met the intense stare she was giving him as he reflected on her question. “She would have to be a very special woman,” he finally said.

  She was still staring at him when Liam came rushing down the path, interrupting the moment.

  “Sir, madam, dessert has been set up in your bungalow. Whenever you two are ready.” He gestured in the direction of their quarters.

  Kendrick turned to Vanessa. She seemed as confused as he was.

  Liam grinned. “Madam ordered the Honeymoon Special to be served in the bedroom when your reservations were made.”

  Vanessa’s eyes widened. “Oh...yes...I did...didn’t I...” she stammered.

  Liam didn’t look fazed as he gestured with his hand a second time.

  “Madam is full of surprises,” Kendrick said as he rose from his seat. He moved around the table to pull out Vanessa’s chair. “Shall we, my dear?”

  “Why, thank you, honey!”

  Reaching for her hand, Kendrick entwined her fingers between his own as he pulled her along beside him. Behind them, Liam wished them both a good-night, then proceeded to clear the table. Kendrick and Vanessa both tossed the man one last look before closing the sliding glass doors behind them.

  Inside, it looked as if hundreds of candles had been lit, the room glowing from the multitude of wax pillars that decorated the space. A trail of rose petals led from the living room to the bedroom. Curiosity pulled them both down the short length of hallway to peek inside.

  A silver tray sat in the center of the bed. It held a decadent four-layer slice of cheesecake decorated with berries, chocolate shavings and mint. The serving was lavish and meant to be shared, as evidenced by the single spoon resting along its side.

  Kendrick suddenly realized he was still holding tight to her hand.

  * * *

  Vanessa cut an eye in his direction. “It’s only pretend, right?” She lifted both their intertwined hands upward.

  He tossed his head back and laughed heartily.

  Laughing with him Vanessa kicked off her shoes and moved to the bed. Climbing atop the covers she moved to the center, sitting Indian-style before the tray. She reached for the spoon as she gave him another look. “I have a serious sweet tooth,” she said nonchalantly.

  Still chuckling Kendrick shook his head. “Half of that is mine,” he said as he took a seat beside her, grabbing the spoon from her hands. He bumped his shoulder against hers, the gesture meant to be playful. He wasn’t expecting the sudden rush of heat that shot through his body, an electrical current coursing through every nerve ending. It caught him off guard and in that split second, Vanessa hijacked the spoon.

  Chapter 6

  Kendrick had wakened with a smile on his face. He was still grinning from ear to ear as he took one last lap across the beach and around the path Liam had laid out for him. He’d risen early and the weather had been perfect for an early-morning run. It felt good to stretch his legs and warm his muscles. He and Vanessa had talked until well past the midnight hour. Sharing that dessert had ignited a level of friendship between them that neither had expected, most especially after he’d been able to snag the only spoon. They’d both been relaxed and had laughed and joked about absolutely nothing.

  As he came to an abrupt stop, his lungs burned. He leaned forward, both hands resting against his thighs as he fought to catch his breath. The warm air felt good and although the sand had challenged his long legs, the run had done him good. He stood upright, admiring the new-day sun as it rose into the crisp blue sky. Shifting up and down on his toes he waved his arms back and forth pumping blood into his extremities. All the while he was still thinking about Vanessa and the night they’d shared.

  There was something about her that he liked. She had an air of maturity that belied her youthful exuberance. He sensed that much like his sister Tarah she wasn’t yet ready to grow up and assume the adult title even though she was one. And just like Tarah, being the baby in her family, she was spoiled rotten.

  The dessert they’d shared had led to a conversation about food, which had turned into a discussion about their favorite things to do, ending with them laughing hysterically over past antics. He’d revealed to her some things he’d never before shared with anyone. She had told on herself a few times, as well.

  Reflecting on that Kendrick was surprised by how easy she’d been to talk to. And how easy she was on the eyes. The woman was intoxicatingly beautiful. It had been easy to ignore his own body’s persistent reaction to the closeness of her while they’d been playful but he imagined that if she spent any more time half-dressed, that might become more difficult to do. He was attracted to her and he couldn’t be, and more important, he definitely couldn’t let her know what he was feeling. He took a deep breath in, shaking his head as he pondered his options.

 

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