'Tis the Season: A Collection of Mimi's Christmas Books by Mimi Barbour Page B

other, while still holding on to his hand. “I believe as babies and wee children, a lot of those folks were ignored by their parents. Being that their particular personalities needed this interest desperately, they ended up whining and demanding it. In fact the more they carried on, the better it worked… didn’t matter if it was a negative reaction, any reaction would do as long as they were acknowledged. Children whose parents or siblings doted on them in their youth tend to be much less insecure and in need of attention.”
    “I see. And what about those people who don’t want folks bothering them with petty complaints and silly grievances?”
    “Then those people shouldn’t be working in the hospitality industry, should they?”
    “Not everyone has a choice, Miss….”
    So now, he wanted to know her name. Took him long enough to ask. Of course, it was a two-way street. She could have asked him first. However, wasn’t it up to the male to make that move? Leilani wished she had more experience with men. Between the energy her mom had demanded each day, her jobs to pay for her nursing, and the time-consuming studying it took her to get her degree, dating had been low on her priority totem pole.
    “He repeated his request, this time a little louder. Miss…?”
    “Leilani Taylor. And you?”

Chapter Six
    “My name is Kale. You’ve given me a lot to think about, Leilani.” Her still holding his hand and rubbing it as if he needed to be soothed also had him thinking—and feeling. Adrenalin began pumping so hard through his body; he knew he should break the contact, except there wasn’t enough money in the world to make him stop the wonder of her touch. Even his body loved her soft caresses, and hardened with pleasure.
    When it came to his libido, he’d always had incredible control. Or he had, before this little minx had fallen into his world. Nothing he tried would stop the urge that had attacked him. The urge to pull her onto his lap, and kiss her quiet.
    Not that her mellow voice irritated. In fact, he could listen to her talk all night. Considering how much he hated it when his previous girlfriends had nattered on about their inconsequential nothings, this alone perplexed the hell out of him.
    Finally, he noticed that Leilani had indeed stopped chatting. Perversely, he wanted her to continue. Seems he liked the sound of her voice. Who knew how long they’d have to wait for the repairs on the elevator? He might as well get to know this doll-like creature better. Undoubtedly, Kale figured he’d eventually find out she was the same kind of female as all the others he’d had the misfortune to date.
    He broke into the silence. “Okay, I’ve given your theory consideration, and I believe there is some merit to what you say. My perspective has become cynical over the years.”
    “It wouldn’t if you loved what you do.”
    “I don’t hate it. I’m just exhausted and it’s coming out in my attitude. But I feel much better now having spent this time with you.”
    “Kale, tiredness can’t explain your inner feelings. Isn’t there something else you could do that you love?”
    Kale thought about the project he’d begun working on, before being called away to attend to his hotels. How he’d hated being forced to leave. “I guess there is, but it’s only a hobby. I have a responsibility to my staff and the investors who rely on me. Don’t worry about me; I’m a big boy. Tell me about your mother and where you have to take her ashes.”
    The girl looked at him when she realized that he was now returning her handclasp, that he’d become a participant in the hand-holding she’d so unconsciously started. As if he’d known it would be difficult for her to answer his question, and he wanted to be encouraging, he lightly squeezed her fingers.
    “My mother was a very difficult woman. Most of her life was filled with regret and anger. She demanded a lot from… uhh people, and then withheld approval even