Take Me in Your Arms

by Judy Lynn Hubbard

  “I’ll bet you’re happy Derrick’s campaign is behind you so you can concentrate on your law firm.”

  “It was a lot of fun and even more work, and I did neglect my practice, which is why I’ve spent quite a bit of time getting back on top of things. I’m happy to report the ship is again sailing in smooth waters now.”

  “That’s good.”

  “It’s great, because now I can concentrate on getting to know you better without any interruptions vying for my time.”

  “You make it sound like a priority.”

  “It is—rather, you are,” he readily agreed. “You’re my number-one priority.”

  She liked the sound of that. She told herself that she shouldn’t, but she couldn’t help it, she did. She couldn’t remember the last time anyone had considered her a priority. It was nice to feel wanted, even though she had no intention of allowing anything more than friendship to develop between them.

  “I’m flattered,” she finally responded.

  “We’re going to have fun together, Angela,” he said, treating her to one of his infectious dimple-laden grins, which turned positively mischievous. “Starting tonight.”

  Her lips twitched in humor at the glint in his eyes. He was definitely up to something. “What are you thinking, Cam?”

  He leaned forward. “Who says I’m thinking anything?”

  “I do. I can see the wheels spinning in your head.”

  “Okay.” He held up his hands in surrender. “You got me.”

  “Well?” She waited for him to go on.

  “What I’m thinking is...” He paused, grinned from ear to ear, and pointed to the stage. “It’s your turn.”

  “Oh, no.” Her smile quickly deflated, terror lighting up her eyes. “I don’t think so.”

  “Aw, come on, you can’t come to a karaoke bar and not perform. Besides, you said you liked the place, so prove it.”

  “Cam...” She placed a hand to her suddenly thudding heart and nervously glanced around the packed room. “I’m not going up there in front of all these strangers.” She vigorously shook her head. “No way.”

  “Why not?” He refused to give in. “There’s no pressure. Everyone is here to have fun.”

  “I know, but—”

  “No buts for you, remember?” He touched her hand. “Let loose tonight, Angela—for me.”

  His sexy plea melted her insides, and she found herself weakening. Why was it so important to her not to disappoint him? This man really upset her equilibrium.

  “I don’t have a very good voice.”

  “This isn’t a talent competition,” he chided. “This is just for pure unadulterated fun. When was the last time you let loose and just had fun?” Longer than she cared to admit, she realized.

  “I don’t know what to sing,” she hedged.

  “I’ll choose a song for you.”

  “Cam, I really can’t sing.” She tried again to beg off, but he wasn’t having any of it.

  “Neither can half the people here.” He then offered, “I’ll sing with you.”

  “That’s sweet of you, but I don’t—”

  He squeezed her hand, and she could tell he wasn’t going to take no for an answer. “Come on.”

  She had no choice but to follow as he easily pulled her from her seat and led her to the stage. She stood there trying not to visibly tremble while he chose a song for them. Once back at her side, he took her hand and squeezed her fingers reassuringly.

  She whispered in his ear, “What are we singing?”

  “You’ll see.” He nodded at the teleprompter, where the title of the song appeared: “I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)” by Aretha Franklin and George Michael. “Remember, this is just for fun, so stop looking so terrified,” he whispered as the music and words started scrolling across the screen.

  Despite his reassurance, at first she was nervous, barely opening her mouth, but soon got into the festive mood because Cam wouldn’t settle for anything else. They flirted with each other as they danced and sang, and Angela soon forgot the crowd. It felt as if she and Cam were the only two people in the room despite the cheering for them.

  She was off-key occasionally, but no one seemed to mind because she and Cam were really into the song and were flirting outrageously with each other. To her surprise, the song ended much too quickly, and they received more cheers and applause when they were done.

  Cam hugged her close and whispered in her ear, “You were great.”

  “Thanks to my excellent partner, I was passable.”

  “Aw shucks, thanks, ma’am.” They laughed giddily as they left the stage.

  His arm remained around her waist while they walked back to their table. He held out her chair, and she gratefully sank into it.

  “That was so much fun,” she said.

  Cam wore a satisfied expression. “I told you it would be.”

  “You were right.” She took a big drink of tea. “I can’t believe I did that.”

  “I can, and you were outstanding.”

  “I don’t know about that.” She laughed at his high praise. “We were good together.”

  “I have the feeling singing isn’t the only thing we’re going to be good at together.” Her breath caught at the roguish glint in his eyes. “I can’t wait to share other experiences with you, babe—more private performances, so to speak.”

  “Cam, stop it.” She was suddenly hot all over, and not due to the physical exertion she had just undergone, but rather, to the burning heat of Cam’s gaze directed solely at her.

  “Stop what?” He reached across the table and covered her hand with his. “I’m just stating the truth.”

  She shook her head at him. “Has anyone ever told you you’re incorrigible?”

  “My mom,” he said with another one of his signature grins. “But I thought women liked bad boys.” His thumb rubbed back and forth across the sensitive flesh of her inner wrist, sending delicious shivers of awareness through her.

  “Some do, but most of us prefer dependability.”

  “Baby, I’ll be whatever you need me to be.” He stared deeply into her wary eyes and said, “On that you can depend.” Searing heat infused Angela’s body at his easily uttered words and suggestive expression.

  If she hadn’t known it before, she knew now that this man, with his unending supply of charm, was going to be very hard for her to resist. It was going to be harder still for her to remember exactly why she wouldn’t allow herself to become entangled in a romantic relationship with him.

  Staring into his playful eyes sparkling with mischief, she knew she had inadvertently bitten off more than she could chew when she had agreed to go out with him. Oh boy, she was in deep trouble, and its name was Cameron Stewart.

  Chapter 4

  When Cam and Angela arrived back at her house after their date, he insisted on walking her to the door, which she secretly loved. He was a true gentleman—opening doors for her and holding out chairs all night. Chivalry, it seemed, wasn’t dead. That was another mark in his favor, not that he needed one. He just couldn’t be as perfect as he seemed.

  “I’d invite you in, but I have to be up early tomorrow,” she said, once she unlocked the door.

  “I understand.” He seemed reluctant to let the evening end, and she understood the feeling. “Did you have a good time?”

  “I had a great time,” she replied truthfully.

  “You’re not just saying that, are you?”

  “No, I mean it. Tonight was the most fun I’ve had in a long time.” She leaned against the door. “How about you? Did you have fun?”

  “Of course I did.” He touched her cheek softly. “I was with you.” Her heart fluttered. Darn, this man was so effortlessly appealing!

  “Th
ank you for a lovely evening, Cam.”

  “Thank you.” He took her hand in his and stared deeply into her eyes, nearly hypnotizing her. “I’d like to see you again.”

  “I...” She couldn’t bring herself to answer any way except truthfully. “I’d like that.” His handsome face lit up.

  “Tomorrow night?”

  “I can’t. I’m working a double shift.”

  “Saturday?”

  “Okay.”

  “I’ll call you about the time.”

  “Fine.”

  They stared at each other silently. The attraction between them was as thick as molasses. She wondered if he was going to kiss her, and he did—briefly on the cheek, much to her disappointment.

  “Good night.” He ran a solitary finger down her cheek where his lips had fleetingly caressed, causing a shiver of longing within her.

  “Good night, Cam.”

  She went inside, leaned against the door and sighed happily. She had to admit this date had definitely been worth the wait. She had no intentions of entering a serious relationship with anyone, but if she did... She deliberately didn’t finish that thought and pushed herself away from the door forcefully.

  “Just friends, Angela. You don’t have the time or fortitude for anything else,” she sternly reminded herself again. “Just friends.”

  * * *

  The next day, Angela met Alesha in the hospital cafeteria for lunch. Alesha looked radiant, and Angela was happy for her friend.

  “Not that I need to ask, but how are married life and motherhood treating you?”

  “Wonderfully,” Alesha cooed. “I’ve never been happier.”

  “It shows, and I’m happy for you.”

  “Thanks. Your turn will come.”

  “I’m already happy,” Angela said, and that was the truth, although part of her would like to find what Alesha had found—too bad she didn’t think that would ever happen for her. And she was fine with that, she firmly reminded herself. “I wish you had brought D.J. with you.”

  Alesha laughed at her obvious disappointment. “I’m not good enough for you, huh?”

  “Of course you are,” Angela said quickly. “It’s just that I haven’t seen my godson in a couple of weeks, and I miss him.”

  “He was sleeping when I left,” Alesha said. “Why don’t you come to the house for dinner tonight?”

  “I wish I could, but I can’t. I have to work.”

  “What about tomorrow night, then?”

  “That’s not good for me, either. I have a date.”

  “You have a date?” Alesha choked on her water, eyes widening in shock.

  “Don’t sound so surprised,” Angela admonished, laughing and patting her friend on the back.

  “It’s just that you haven’t been on a date in ages. Who’s the lucky man?”

  Angela hesitated before answering. “Cam.”

  “Cam Stewart?” At Angela’s reluctant nod, Alesha smiled brightly. “Well, it’s about time!”

  “That’s what he said when he very persistently asked me out.” A smile turned up the corners of Angela’s mouth at the memory. “Saturday will actually be our second date.”

  “Second?” Alesha wagged a finger at her. “You’ve been holding out on me, girlfriend.”

  Angela laughed. “I have not.”

  “Then why am I just now learning about you and Cam being an item?”

  “We’re not an item,” Angela denied. “We’re friends, nothing serious.”

  “Mmm-hmm.” Alesha treated her to a stern look. “You know I’m not buying that, don’t you?”

  Angela shrugged. “It’s the truth.”

  “Cam’s a good man.”

  “I know he is, but we’re just friends.”

  “That’s a good place to start.” Alesha refused to be dissuaded from her matchmaking endeavors, and Angela smiled but remained silent. “Oh, Angie, you want to spend the rest of your life alone?”

  “What’s wrong with being alone?” Angela asked defensively. “Just because I’m alone doesn’t mean I’m lonely or that I’m unhappy.”

  “That’s not an answer to my question,” Alesha said gently.

  “I’m not in the market for a serious relationship,” Angela insisted.

  “Maybe you aren’t, but—”

  “I’m beginning to dread that word,” Angela interrupted with a loud sigh.

  “What word?” Alesha frowned, and Angela waved a hand dismissively.

  “Oh, nothing. Go on with your thought.”

  “I know you’ve had a few disappointing relationships, but just remember, nothing ventured, nothing gained.”

  Alesha, as her best friend, knew a little about her past mistakes where men were concerned; however, no one really knew the entire sordid mess that had been her family life before moving to Washington for a fresh start.

  “Cam and I have been on one date.”

  “And you’re already going on your second,” Alesha reminded her.

  “Neither of us is looking for, nor do we want, a serious relationship,” Angela stressed. “We’re friends, and that’s all we’ll ever be.”

  “Just keep an open mind.” Alesha patted her hand. “That’s all I’m saying.”

  Angela sighed but made no further response because Alesha wouldn’t believe her anyway. She’d enjoy spending time with Cam, but she wouldn’t get serious, because nothing good would come from that. It never did.

  * * *

  When Cam arrived at her house in Georgetown to pick up Angela Saturday night, he was dressed in a navy designer suit. He held a bouquet of what Angela guessed must have been no less than two dozen red roses, which he handed to her.

  “Thank you.” She took the flowers, touching the soft, velvety petals before asking, “I guess no karaoke tonight?”

  “I thought we’d go a little more uptown. Are you game?”

  “I am.”

  “Good.” He eyed her red flowered maxi dress with side slits approvingly. “You look beautiful.”

  “Thanks.” She motioned to the flowers in her hand. “Let me put these in water.”

  “Take your time. Our reservation is for eight o’clock, so we have some time to kill.”

  “Okay.” She pointed to the left with her free hand. “Why don’t you wait in the living room? I’ll be right in.”

  “Will do.” He followed her directions and disappeared from sight.

  When she returned from the kitchen, Cam was slowly walking around, taking in the ambience of her home. She wondered if he noticed the lack of family photographs. Instinctively, she knew there wasn’t much that would escape his legally trained mind. He turned and smiled when he found her watching him, but remained silent. She placed the large vase of flowers on the end table.

  “Can I get you a drink?” she offered, to dispel the uncomfortable silence.

  “No, I’ll wait until we reach the restaurant.” He glanced around briefly again. “I like your house.”

  “Thanks, it’s home.”

  “That’s all that matters.”

  “It is.” She took as much of his intense stare as she could before lowering her gaze.

  “How long have you lived here?”

  “Eight years.” She pretended interest in arranging her roses in their vase. “The neighbors are nice, and it suits my needs. More importantly, it’s close to the hospital.”

  “Please, don’t mention that place,” he groaned, and turning to face him again, she laughed.

  “Sorry...speaking of my place of employment, how have you been feeling?”

  “Never better,” he said. “I went back to work for a few hours yesterday.”

  She placed a hand on her hip. “Cam, didn’t Dr.
Jackson tell you to take a week off?”

  “He did.” He held up a silencing hand. “But I can’t sit around doing nothing. It’s not in my DNA.”

  “Men!” She shook her head at him.

  “Don’t give me that. I’m sure you’re the same way,” he accused with a grin.

  They stared at each other, and a smile broke out across her face, followed by tinkling laughter. He had her pegged just right.

  “I can’t deny it.” She chuckled. “I am.”

  “I thought so,” he replied triumphantly.

  “Just promise me you won’t overdo it.”

  “I won’t.” Before she knew it, he was standing in front of her, touching her face lightly. “I like that you worry about me.”

  “I...” Her voice failed her. He was much too close for her to think of an appropriate response. “Shouldn’t we be going?”

  Cam studied her so intensely that she felt like an insect under a microscope. He must be an excellent lawyer because with just a look, he seemed to stare straight through to her soul, uncovering all of her carefully hidden secrets. It was very unnerving.

  “I guess we should,” he finally answered, taking her hand and bringing it to his lips before leading her out.

  Their destination ended up being Giovanni’s, a lovely Italian restaurant. The place was packed, and they sat in a secluded booth off to one side of the room. The lighting was dim and romantic. The wooden tables were covered with white linen tablecloths, upon which lay strategically placed silverware, and their red wine was served in crystal goblets. It was a far cry from the loud, boisterous atmosphere of their first date.

  A waiter immediately appeared and took their order before disappearing again. He returned a short while later with their drinks before leaving them alone again.

  “So, what do you think?” Cam watched her investigate their surroundings.

  “It’s charming.”

  “I’m glad you like it.”

  “Who wouldn’t?” She paused as their food was placed before them. Boy, that was fast. “I love Italian food.”

  “I know.”

  Her forkful of spaghetti halted in midair. “How do you know?”

  “Oh, I have my ways.” He laughed. “Remember?”