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“You do know that you need it, right?” After everything she’d shared with him, she was aware of what was at stake.
“And you should’ve been up front as to why you were here. I thought that…well…I didn’t think it had to do with business,” she stammered.
Fuck.He got it. She should be pissed. But business was more important than hurt feelings. “I had no intention of helping you.” Had no intention of seeing you again. “That doesn’t change the fact that you need my help.”
Shanda said softly, “No it doesn’t.”
Kenneth stepped forward and added, “Shanda, I didn’t need to take you to dinner or lunch. If all I wanted was to learn about your business plan, we could’ve stayed here at the shop. I enjoy your company.” She definitely had a stronger effect on him, but he wasn’t about to tell her that. “If you turn down my help, that doesn’t mean I will stop taking you to dinner.”
She eyed him and he could almost see the wheels turning. Shanda was trying to determine if she believed him or not. Then the tension lifted and she said, “How about a picnic and boating?”
“Excuse me?”
“I’m asking you if you’d like to go on a picnic with me?” she repeated.
He hated them. Kenneth also hadn’t forgotten how the barbeque ended. “Will you be removing your clothes again?” he teased.
Shanda blushed and said, “You wish. So, if this really isn’t just about Home Blown, then say yes.”
She surprised him. Shanda was a strong woman who wasn’t about to be pushed, even by him. Of course, two stubborn people usually don’t blend well. Then again, they weren’t dating, just casually getting together. What harm could come of it? “I’ll agree on one condition.”
“And what is that?”
“After the picnic—”
“And boating,” she jumped in.
Kenneth nodded. He tried, but she hadn’t forgotten. “Okay, and boating, we come back to the shop and talk some business. I know you don’t want to hear it, but I also think Home Blown is very important to you.”
“It’s everything to me. I’m…sorry I gave you such a hard time about helping me. It’s just that…it’s hard to admit that I need it.”
“Shanda, this shop is filled with beautiful things that you created. That is a talent I don’t have. And I have one you don’t. I know how to make money. Let me show you.”
Shanda nodded. “I guess we have a deal. How about Sunday afternoon?”
“That sounds great. How about dinner with me on Thursday? I have a formal auction I need to attend if you’d like to join me.” He always brought a date. It gave him a reason to leave early, not that their night would end the same way.
“Formal? Like black-tie formal?” she asked.
“Cocktails. And Krissy and Billy will be there as well. I think you’d enjoy it. Besides, you never know who you’ll meet. Owning a business is all about making connections.”
“Are you asking me out or is this part of my new business plan?” she challenged.
Kenneth stepped closer. “A little bit of both.” Now only inches away he asked, “Want to be my date?” Shanda looked up at him and nodded. “Great. I’ll pick you up at six.”
Leaning over, he kissed her briefly before the door to the store opened. He pulled himself away and watched her eyes flutter open. She didn’t want it to end either, but business came first. As it should.
“Welcome to Home Blown. Feel free to look around and ask any questions,” Shanda said to the customer.
Kenneth said, “I’ll see you Thursday.”
He turned and left her to greet her customer. It was good timing too. The last thing he wanted was for things to get hot and heavy in the shop. He had a feeling if they ever did let loose, it was going to be explosive. That’s not what you want in a shop filled with fragile glass.
What the fuck am I doing? He was getting more deeply involved than he wanted. But the taste of her lips made him wish the next few days would go quickly, because he wanted her in his arms, and to taste even more.
