Photographs & Phantoms by Cindy Spencer Pape Read Free Book Online

was the last thing he wanted to talk about, but he supposed she deserved some sort of explanation. “It was a spur-of-the-moment impulse,” he began carefully. “It had nothing to do with me being ‘in need’ and everything to do with you.”
    “There’s no need to sugarcoat things, Kendall.” She shook her head. “I know I’m nothing spectacular to look at.”
    “You’re not the perfect fashion plate,” he admitted, smiling when her eyes flew open at his bluntness. “A bit more curvy than is strictly the thing, but most men tend to prefer that. And your freckles are enchanting. Surely you know you’re a damned appealing woman?”
    “Thank you.” Even in the dim light, he saw her flush and she once again nibbled on her lower lip. “Was it a momentary thing, then? Or do you still find me attractive?”
    Kendall groaned. “Far too much for my peace of mind. In fact, we really shouldn’t be having this conversation, especially in your bedroom. I’m trying to remain a gentleman, but it’s difficult when you’re sitting there in your nightclothes.”
    “Truly?” Her broad smile nearly lit up the room.
    “Truly.” How could she not realize her appeal to the male sex? He was tempted to stand up and let her see the effect she had on him.
    She wet her lips with her tongue and his problem grew even larger. “Then, since you’re not attached, and you are attracted…” Her deeply indrawn breath pressed her full, unbound breasts against the fabric of her dressing gown, and Kendall swallowed hard. “I wonder if I can ask you a favor.”
    “Go ahead.” His voice came out thick, nearly choked.
    “I’m twenty-six and likely to never marry,” she said in a low, husky voice. “I was wondering if, perhaps, you could teach me a thing or two, about…sexual relations.”
    Kendall stared at her and blinked. His brain couldn’t keep up. All rational thought was being pushed aside by his cock leaping for joy at the very idea.
    “I’m sorry.” She sighed and squeezed her eyes shut. “I shouldn’t have assumed you’d be interested. Please forgive me.”
    “What,” he managed to growl, “makes you think I’m not interested? I said I was trying to be a gentleman. This isn’t exactly…”
    “Proper? No, I’m afraid not.” She grimaced and wrapped her arms around her waist. “It’s just…I’ve never felt anything like I did when you kissed me today, and I want to know more . Since I don’t plan to marry, there’s no one to be hurt.”
    “Are you certain of that?” His willpower was vanishing rapidly. “There can be consequences to this sort of thing, you know.”
    “Oh. I’d assumed you might have some sort of…preventative.”
    She was trying to kill him. Either his brain would explode, or his other head would. “I don’t exactly carry those in my pockets on a mission.”
    “No, of course not.” She glanced down at her hands a moment, before looking up again. “I may be inexperienced, but I did go to art school, and the other girls did talk. I believe there are…alternative activities we can engage in, ones that don’t carry the same risks.”
    “Jesus Christ.” In a flash, he’d envisioned those full lips of hers wrapped around the head of his aching erection. She really was trying to kill him. But she was right. There certainly were ways they could bring each other satisfaction without risking pregnancy. Perhaps then he’d be able to think about the mission instead of being fixated on Amy’s lush breasts.
     
    Amy couldn’t believe she’d gotten up the courage to proposition Kendall, but when he assented with a sharp nod, her heart sped up to the point where she thought it might burst from her chest. He was such an honorable, forthright man, she really had expected him to say no.
    He stood and held out his hand. “If you’re sure about this, come here.”
    The armchair was right next to her bed. When she reached his side, the backs of her legs were up against the mattress.