Mel groaned.
“He also gave me a bit of a lecture about you. He went on and on about how amazing you are and told me never to hurt you. I think he’s taken quite the liking to you.”
Mel felt warmth rise up her face. She wasn’t sure what to make of James’ sudden protectiveness.
“I assured him that I would never do anything to hurt you. You know that, right?”
There was a softness in Vanessa’s eyes that Mel had never seen before. “I…”
The chef approached the table. He was carrying a small, elaborately decorated chocolate cake with several candles and sparklers sticking out of it. He gave them both a warm smile as he placed it on the center of the table, then disappeared back into the kitchen.
Mel stared at the extravagant creation. “Did you do this, Vanessa?”
“I assure you, that was all Joseph.” Vanessa sighed. “He’s the chef. I had to tell him it was your birthday for us to get the restaurant for the night, but I made him promise not to make a fuss.” She glanced down at the cake. “He’s been known to come out singing, so I suppose this is him being discreet.”
“It looks delicious,” Mel said.
Vanessa pushed the cake toward Mel. “Happy birthday.”
Mel blew out the candles and watched the sparklers burn down. “This is definitely the best birthday I’ve ever had.”
“It’s not over yet,” Vanessa said in a smooth, low voice. “I still have one last present for you.”
“Oh?” Mel smiled. “What kind of present?”
“You’ll find out soon enough.” Vanessa slid her bare foot up Mel’s leg under the table. “Now hurry up and eat your dessert.”
Chapter Fifteen
“This view is stunning.” Mel turned on the spot in the center of the enormous penthouse suite. The glass walls gave a 360-degree view of the city beneath them. The twinkling city lights looked like a reflection of the night sky above. Mel examined the room. There were bottles of champagne in ice on the dining table. Soft fluffy robes hung from hooks on the wall. The huge bed was on a raised platform and looked soft enough to drown in.
“It’s breathtaking, isn’t it?” Vanessa asked. “I remember how much you enjoyed watching the sunset on that rooftop, so I thought you might like the view here. I called in another favor to get this room. It was worth it, just to see your smile.”
Did Vanessa really rent a penthouse suite because she thought I’d like the view? Mel suddenly found herself overwhelmed.
“What’s the matter?” Vanessa sat Mel down on the couch.
All of Mel’s emotions poured out at once. “All this. The loans, the dinner, the hotel. It’s too much…”
“No, it’s not.” Vanessa took Mel’s hand. “Why is it so hard for you to accept things from others? Or to let them in? Do you think you don’t deserve love and happiness?”
“No. I…” Mel trailed off.
“Melanie. Look at me.” Vanessa looked deep into Mel’s eyes. “You deserve the world. And you don’t have to go through life alone.”
Mel searched the depths of her heart. Vanessa was right. Sometimes Mel did feel like she didn’t deserve to be happy. It was a side effect of a childhood spent alone and unloved. But she knew it was irrational. Maybe just for one night, she could let go of all her doubts and insecurities and enjoy the moment. “You’re right. I’m being silly.” Mel smiled. “Thank you, Vanessa. This was the perfect night.”
Vanessa kissed her. Mel laid her head on Vanessa’s shoulder and they sat in silence, sinking into each other.
After a while, Mel peered up at Vanessa from under her eyelashes. “Didn’t you say you have one more present for me?”
“Are you sure you’re up for it?”
Mel planted a fiery kiss on a very surprised Vanessa. “Yes. Definitely.”
“You’re insatiable.” Vanessa pushed Mel down onto the couch and pressed her lips against Mel’s.
A low rumble rose from Mel’s chest. Vanessa’s lips tasted faintly of wine.