“It’s understandable. You were preoccupied,” she sneered. He grinned like an idiot, which incensed her further. “Something funny?”
“Why didn’t you come over to my table?”
“I didn’t want to interrupt.” She tried to keep her mouth shut, but her wayward tongue refused to be silenced. “You seemed so cozy.”
“You’re jealous,” Cam announced happily.
“No, I’m not,” she denied hotly.
“Well, you’re doing a pretty good imitation of it.”
“I just don’t like being lied to.”
Instead of being angry at her accusation, he seemed amused. “Angela, it was a business dinner.”
“Sure it was,” Angela snorted.
“Okay, it was part pleasure, too,” Cam conceded.
An arched eyebrow rose. “No kidding?”
“The young lady you saw me with was the daughter of a friend. I’ve known her since she was twelve,” Cam explained. “She wanted to talk to me about law school—Harvard in particular, since I went there.” She studied his face carefully, glancing deeply into his eyes, and saw the truth there. “I would have invited you, but I thought you’d be bored.” Her anger deflated, leaving embarrassment in its wake. “Do you believe me?”
“Yes.” She offered an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry, Cam.”
“Don’t be. I rather like jealous Angela.”
“I’m not... I wasn’t...” She sighed and decided to leave that alone. Here she was, the one insisting they keep things casual, and yet she had been jealous upon seeing him with another woman. She needed to get herself together and fast. “I’m really sorry. Even if you were out on a date, I had no right to be jealous.”
“Yes, you did—you do,” Cam said with a wide grin.
“No, I don’t.” She sighed. “We both agreed that we’re just friends.”
“You agreed to that. Not me.” He pulled her close, kissed her lips softly and then drawled, “I’m flattered you think I could land such a young chick.”
She chuckled when he waggled his eyebrows.
“Any woman at any age would consider you a catch.”
“Oh really?” Then he asked hopefully, “Present company included?”
Present company definitely included. She bit her lower lip to keep that troubling admission in her mouth.
“I apologize for overreacting. I just don’t like being lied to.” She tried to explain away her jealous rant and save face. “I’ve had enough of that in my life.”
“I’ll never lie to you, Angela. You can count on that.” He pulled her close, gazed into her uneasy eyes and promised, “I don’t cheat, either. I’m with you now—only you.”
She swallowed hard at his statement. Staring into his tender brown eyes, she could see he meant that, which made her absurdly happy—and uneasy.
“Cam, we’re...” She shook her head helplessly, at a loss for words.
“Don’t bother denying it.” His arms tightened around her waist. “You care.”
She remained silent because they both knew he was right. What was worse, she had no idea how to put the train back on the track where her quickly evolving feelings for him were concerned. Lord help her, she was becoming used to having him around.
She had no intention of being burned again. That, however, seemed completely unavoidable since, like a pyromaniac, she couldn’t resist the compelling flames of her scorching attraction to Cam, which seemed poised to do just that.
Chapter 8
Cam strolled into the Ritz-Carlton Hotel to attend the annual nurses’ ball Angela’s hospital threw for charity. To his delight, she had invited him, but he had declined because he had to be out of town on business. Upon seeing her genuine disappointment when he told her he couldn’t make it, he had promised himself he would be back in time for tonight; thus, he had cut a weeklong business trip down to five days.
They had been seeing each other for a month. One wonderful month, he happily amended, during which time he had become more and more convinced that she was the one for him. He knew she cared about him—especially after her jealousy at seeing him dining with another woman. Since then, she had been more open, and he couldn’t be happier about that. He purposefully never pressured her to give more than she was able to give. She liked and wanted him, and that was enough for now.
He walked farther into the elegantly decorated ballroom and immediately began searching for Angela. Eagle eyes undertook a cursory inspection of the sparkling crystal chandeliers hanging from the vaulted ceiling, the multitude of white-linen-covered tables and the shining golden-white marbled floors as they searched the beautifully dressed women until he pinpointed the object of his desire.
Angela was standing alone on the far side of the room by the buffet table, wearing a black evening gown that left her arms and a wide expanse of her upper and lower back bare. A wicked slit up one side allowed a glimpse of her gorgeous legs. She looked good enough to eat, and he was very hungry.
Wearing a wolfish grin, he determinedly made his way toward his lady—his grin widened at the thought. If she knew how hooked he was becoming on her, she’d bolt in the other direction, so he’d keep his feelings to himself for now.
The men who had hurt her before were fools, and unfortunately had warped her sense of what a real relationship should be, but he did owe them a debt of gratitude. Because of them she was thankfully unattached—a situation he planned on remedying.
He wasn’t nicknamed the pit bull in the courtroom for nothing. He knew how to bide his time and masterfully break down obstacles brick by brick until he had achieved his goal, and that’s exactly what he intended to do with Angela Brown. He’d shatter the walls she had erected around her heart so fast she wouldn’t know what had hit her.
He watched as she tried to decide which hors d’oeuvre to sample, studying the tray of tasty treats as if her life depended on choosing the correct one. Walking over until he was standing directly behind her, he encircled her waist with one arm. She stiffened until he whispered in her ear, “Hey, gorgeous.”
“Cam!” She turned around and flew into his arms, food forgotten. He chuckled at her enthusiasm.
“Now, that’s what I call a welcome.”
She pulled back a little self-consciously. “What are you doing here? I thought you were out of town.”
“I was, but my trip finished up earlier than expected, so here I am. I tried to call you.”
“I guess I didn’t hear my phone with all this noise.” She made reference to the loud music playing. “I’m glad you made it.”
“Me, too.” Releasing her waist, he took her hand and twirled her around, appreciatively eyeing her. “Damn, you look good.”
“Thanks.” She ran her hands down the arms of his black tux. “And may I say you don’t look too shabby yourself.”
“I hate penguin suits.”
“But you wear it so well.”
“I do, huh?”
“Absolutely.” She straightened his tie and then gazed into his burning eyes. “Perfect.”
“I could learn to like them if you keep looking at me the way you are.”
“Really?” She batted her eyes innocently. “Which way is that?”
“Like you want to get me alone and—” he leaned forward and whispered the remainder of his sentence in her ear “—make a thoroughly enjoyable meal of me.”
“Cam!” she gasped. “Behave.”
“For now,” he promised, and couldn’t resist adding, “but just wait until I get you alone.”
“I’m afraid that might not be possible tonight.”
He frowned at her unexpected statement. “Why not?”
“I’m one of the prizes in the bachelorette auction. I wasn’t supposed to be, but one of the girls chickene
d out at the last minute and I’m taking her place, so if I’m auctioned off, I’ll have to spend the rest of the evening with my date,” she explained.
“You’re one of the auction prizes?” Cam nearly choked on the question.
“Yep.” She laughed at his distasteful expression. “What’s wrong? Don’t you think I’ll fetch a good price?”
“You’ll be the highest earner,” he predicted darkly.
“Why so gloomy, then?”
“I don’t like the idea of men bidding on you.”
“It’s for charity,” she reminded him. “Besides, the prize is only one evening of my time.”
“An entire evening?” he balked, and instead of dissipating, his displeasure seemed to increase. “This is getting worse by the second.”
“Why, Cameron Stewart,” Angela began, placing a hand on his rigid arm. “You’re not jealous, are you?”
“Yes.” He didn’t bother to deny it.
“I’m flattered, but you don’t have to be.”
“I don’t?” His scowl lessened, and he ran a finger down her soft cheek and watched her eyes darken with need. “Why is that?”
“Because this is strictly a business proposition and will be handled as such.” That wasn’t exactly the answer he was looking for, but he decided not to push.
“That still doesn’t make me feel any better.”
“I’m sorry. I don’t know what else to say.” Her eyes pleaded for understanding. “I can’t back out.”
He sighed and forced a halfhearted smile. “I know you can’t.”
“Say it like you mean it.” She tried to wipe the furrow from his brow with her fingers. He captured her hand, bringing her palm to his lips.
“How can I when my lady is about to be auctioned off?” She gasped audibly at his words, and he could tell she liked being called his. Mmm, that was very promising. He couldn’t help asking, “You are my lady? Aren’t you?”
“Cam, I...” Her voice trailed off as she, along with the other nurses, was called to the stage.
“Saved by the MC.” His eyes twinkled as he added, “For now.” He refused to release her hand, even when she gently tugged against his fingers.
“Cam, let go.”
He reluctantly complied. “Go on before I change my mind.”
When she leaned in to softly kiss his cheek, he fought against hugging her tight and never letting her go, but she walked away before he could act on the impulse. She took her place on stage with the seven other women being auctioned, and a slow smile spread across his face as a brilliant idea formed in his mind.
“Now, gentlemen,” the man with the microphone began. “The time you’ve all been waiting for, our bachelorette auction benefiting juvenile diabetes, is at hand. You’ll notice each lady is holding a number, and that’s how you place your secret bids. Let’s generously remember this is for charity.” He motioned to the ladies, and each stepped forward and introduced themselves before going back to their respective places in line. “Gentlemen, get your bids in, and the winners will be announced in thirty minutes.”
“I feel like a piece of meat,” Angela joked when she returned to Cam’s side.
“Don’t feel that way.” He brought her hand to his lips. “Remember, you’re doing this for a good cause.”
“Well, you’re in a better mood.” She eyed him suspiciously. “Why is that?”
“Simple.” He led her onto the dance floor in the center of the room. “I put in a bid for my favorite nurse.”
“You bid on me?” Her eyes widened as she went willingly into his arms. “Seriously?”
“Yep.”
“How much?”
His arm encircled her waist, and he pulled her tight before responding confidently, “Enough to ensure I win.”
“Cam, you didn’t go overboard, did you?”
“I’m not letting another man have the pleasure of your company for the evening.” His hand stroked her bare back and he felt her shiver in response.
“I assure you I won’t get any pleasure from it.” She paused and then added, “In fact, I’m dreading it.”
“You don’t have to worry about it, babe, because I’m going to win.” Self-assurance shone from him.
“I shudder to think how much you bid.”
“Don’t sweat it.” He shrugged dismissively. “I can afford it.”
“I know you can, but—”
“Besides, it’s going to a wonderful cause.”
“Yes, it is,” she agreed.
“Then let’s not talk about money anymore. Okay?”
“Okay.” She smiled. “How was your trip?”
“Very productive.” One of his hands moved low on her hip, and he smiled when she bit her lower lip to unsuccessfully suppress a groan. “I’m in the process of landing a very big new client.”
“That’s wonderful.” The pride reflected in her eyes made him feel great. “Congratulations.”
“Thanks.” He twirled her away from him and then pulled her back, closer than before. “What did you do while I was gone—besides agree to be auctioned off?”
She laughed at his gentle rebuke. “Besides the usual daily grind?” She glanced around the room before refocusing on him. “I worked my fingers to the bones to get this shindig ready on time.”
“You did a wonderful job, but now that I’m back, it’s time for you to let your hair down and have some major fun.” He waggled his eyebrows and promised, “It’ll be my extreme pleasure to see that you do.”
“You’re so silly,” she said, but her smiling expression informed him she really liked that about him.
“Life is meant to be enjoyed, babe.” He nipped lightly at her lips, purposefully leaving her wanting more. “Are you with me?”
“I’m with you,” she whispered.
“Then hold on for one exciting ride,” he warned with a gleam in his eyes.
One dance seamlessly moved into two, and then three. They were both oblivious to everything around them as they danced and simply enjoyed being together. The need to kiss her was overwhelming, and despite the crowded room, his mouth lowered purposefully toward hers. Her arms encircled his neck, one hand resting behind his head, and her mouth met his halfway. However, before they could properly kiss, Angela was called back to the stage, along with the other nurses. Sighing, Cam kissed her quickly and softly before releasing her.
“Has it been thirty minutes already?” Angela complained.
“I guess so.” Cam shrugged. It seemed as if they had only been dancing for seconds. “You’d better get up there.”
“I don’t want to,” she confessed.
“Come on.” He took her hand and walked her toward the stage. “Time to do your duty.” He leaned over and whispered in her ear, “Besides, I can’t wait to claim my prize.”
“You really think you’re going to win.” She chuckled. “Don’t you?”
“I know I am, baby.” He winked before helping her onto the stage.
Cam took out his phone and called the chauffeur who had driven him tonight, informing him that he and his date would be leaving shortly. Then he returned his smiling attention to the most beautiful woman on the stage who, it seemed, only had eyes for him, much to his delight.
“All right, all of the bids are in and we’ll start with the highest bidder by a long shot. In fact, I can safely say this one bid alone ensures that the entire evening will be a huge success.” The master of ceremonies grinned and continued, “Cameron Stewart has won the pleasure of Angela Brown’s company for the evening.” He glanced into the audience and waved his hand invitingly. “Come on up and claim your date, Mr. Stewart.”
“You don’t have to tell me twice.” Cam’s exuberant refrain elicited loud laughter and applause as he walked up and gui
ded a stunned Angela from the stage, whispering in her ear, “I told you I’d win.”
“How much did you bid?” Angela asked again, her curiosity piqued.
“I can’t tell you. It would make you too conceited.” At her continued questioning gaze, he relented. “Let’s just say the number started with a one and ended with a zero, and that’s all I’m saying.”
She shook her head at him as though he were a naughty child that she didn’t quite know how to handle, and then she chuckled in resignation. “Well, Mr. Stewart, I’m completely yours for the evening. What’s your pleasure?”
His arm snaked around her waist. “Let’s get out of here, and I’ll show you.”
“I’ve done my duty for the night,” she decided. “Let’s go.”
* * *
Outside, Angela expected Cam’s Jaguar, but she was surprised when a black stretch limousine pulled up instead.
“Wow.” Angela’s eyes widened as the chauffeur opened the door for them and Cam helped her into the back of the car. “Why so formal tonight?”
“The car picked me up from the airport tonight, and I decided to keep it for our date.”
“You’re too much.”
“I aim to please.” He stretched out an arm along the back of the seat, moving closer to her side.
“You do.” She moved until she was pressed up against his side, and his arm draped around her shoulders in approval.
“Show us the sights, Jim,” Cam instructed the driver.
“Yes, sir.”
The impenetrable privacy glass slid silently up, separating them from the world. Cam turned to Angela, his eyes feasting on her beautiful, happy face.
“I’ve been dying to do something all night,” he confessed.
“What?” She sighed when his fingers danced along her bare shoulder.
“This.” Without further hesitation, his mouth fastened on hers. She was pulled into the ferocious vortex, where they feasted as if they’d been starving for years and were suddenly privy to a succulent banquet. Angela half turned and cradled his cheek with her palm. Cam growled against her lips, sending delicious shivers through her as the kiss deepened sinfully.
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