Every Time We Kiss

“Exactly.”

Jennette looked away from her friend. Even though the Marstons were leaving, it didn’t change the fact that she couldn’t face the people downstairs. Or at least one of them.

“Now, tell me the real reason you cannot seem to leave this bed,” Avis said.

Jennette turned her head toward her friend. “What do you mean?”

Avis shook her head. “We have known each other forever, Jennette. What the Marstons said to you last night would never have kept you from breakfast or anything else.”

“I was embarrassed!”

“Of course you were.” Avis sent her a disbelieving look. “But when has that stopped you?”

“You don’t believe me?”

“No,” Avis replied casually. “Something else is making you remain in your room.”

Jennette sighed. “You know, don’t you?”

“I do now.”

“Did he leave the party?”

Avis shook her head. “No. I believe most people were quite surprised by that fact. He entered the morning room as if nothing had happened last night. Do you realize that your being at the same party as he has elevated his position? Most people assume that if you can be in the same room as Blackburn, he cannot be as terrible as the rumors say. In fact, I heard several people commend him for staying.”

“How can I face him, Avis?” Jennette felt heat cross her cheeks as she thought about what he’d done. “He saw me naked. He kissed my body.”

“Which is what making love is all about,” Avis replied in a soft tone.

“How did you get over your embarrassment with Banning?”

Avis chuckled. “I woke up with him in my bed. We were all alone in the cottage so I really had no choice but to face him.”

“But weren’t you embarrassed?”

“A little,” she answered and then stretched out at the end of the bed. “But I overcame it rather quickly.”

“Was he?” Jennette asked.

“Embarrassed?”

Jennette nodded.

“I don’t think so.” Avis frowned in thought. “I don’t think men get embarrassed about being seen without clothes. Perhaps it’s because of all the layers we women wear. We’re used to having so much clothing on our bodies.”

“Perhaps.”

“Jennette, men enjoy seeing us without our clothing. Didn’t you find it pleasant to look at him?”

“Avis, I cannot believe the questions you’re asking me today,” Jennette said, then grabbed a pillow and tossed it at her friend.

“And you’re not answering them,” Avis muttered from behind the pillow. After removing the object from her face, she said, “So answer my question.”

Jennette glanced away from the prying stare of her best friend. “I did enjoy it. What I saw of him…”

“Hmm, it sounds as if you didn’t get to see everything you wanted.”

“Avis!”