Darryl was suddenly unnerved by the eagerness that consumed him as he sauntered slowly to where Camryn was sitting. The attractive woman was even more stunning, having changed from her business attire to a formfitting Herve Leger dress. The fabric’s vibrant red color complemented her complexion nicely. Her dark brown curls had been slicked back into a neat ponytail, and big bold earrings decorated her earlobes. Her makeup was impeccable and her easy smile showed dazzling white teeth. Her dark eyes were large and bright, her crystal complexion reminding him of deep, rich molasses. The sight of her took his breath away.
“I’m not late, am I?” Darryl asked, a quiver of heat shooting through his spirit. He tried to be casual as he pulled out the chair on the other side of the table and sat down.
Camryn took a deep breath and swallowed before speaking. “No, not at all, Darryl. I was actually a few minutes early.”
Darryl’s smile widened. “So, here we are,” he said as a wave of nervous energy seemed to blanket the space around them.
“Here we are,” Camryn echoed, suddenly feeling like a grade-schooler with her first crush.
The silence was unnerving and both were grateful when their server moved to the table to take their orders.
“Bourbon. Definitely bourbon,” Camryn said, her eyebrows lifted in jest.
Camryn laughed. “I’ll take mine straight,” she added. “Three fingers, please!”
By the time the drinks were delivered, the two were making small talk. Camryn commented on the unusually warm weather and an unplanned shopping excursion. Darryl reflected on his flight into town and the storms that had delayed his travels. Camryn bragged about the two awards she’d recently won for the family business. Darryl detailed the multimillion-dollar project he’d worked on before being hired by his brother. She talked about her father and their family business. He shared his vision for Boudreaux Towers and what might come after. They shied away from sharing any personal information, only very briefly mentioning anything about their respective families. Neither ventured to divulge whether or not they were in a romantic relationship. Instead, the duo had seemed to come to an unspoken agreement of not wanting to know if there was someone significant in the other’s personal life.
Darryl finished his drink first and over her feigned protests ordered another for each of them. His dry sense of humor made her smile and soon the laughter rang easily between them. Camryn liked how he looked into her eyes when they talked, his gaze sometimes skirting over her features as if he were trying to remember every line and dimple in her profile.
Darryl liked how she sometimes tapped his arm and hand when she laughed. The flattering gesture and soft touch both excited him and made him feel guilty.
Just before their entrée was served, Camryn excused herself to the restroom, needing a quick moment to recompose. Staring at her reflection in the polished mirror, she found herself grinning from ear to ear. She hated to admit it but she was having a really good time and that Darryl was actually likable. She giggled softly, glancing at a woman who’d entered the space behind her. The woman smiled back just before she disappeared behind a stall door. Taking a deep breath, Camryn touched up her makeup and then headed back to the table.
“Everything come out okay?” Darryl asked as she sat back down.
Camryn paused, meeting his teasing gaze. “Everything came out just fine, thank you!”
Darryl laughed heartily. “Sorry. I couldn’t resist.”
She laughed with him. “My brother Jason used to make the same bad joke when we were kids.”
“My brothers and I still make the same bad jokes. My sisters hate it when we do that to them.” He paused, a slight smile pulling at his mouth. “We do it anyway,” he concluded.
Before she could reply, the waiter delivered their meals to the table, setting an appetizer of fried calamari between the two of them. Darryl had chosen the seared tuna and she compared his plate to her crabmeat-and-lobster pasta.
“It all looks good!” she said, the decadent aromas rising to her nostrils.
Darryl nodded his agreement. “It does look good but let’s bless the table before we taste it, please,” he said.
Camryn dropped the fork in her hand back to the tabletop and slid her hands into her lap. She stole a quick look at Darryl as he closed his eyes and lowered his head in prayer.
“Precious Lord, bless this food that we are about to receive for the nourishment of our bodies. And make us ever mindful of the needs of others. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.”
“Amen,” Camryn echoed, lifting her gaze to his. A burst of nervous energy fluttered in her midsection and she quickly shifted her eyes back to her plate.
“Is something wrong?” Darryl questioned as he pulled a forkful of food into his mouth.
She shook her head. “No, nothing at all,” she said, not willing to admit that it had been quite some time since she’d been in the presence of a man who prayed so readily, so openly and with such ease. Her father was a praying man. She had often imagined what it might be like to be in a relationship with a man who actually walked his faith. As she pondered the possibilities, she cut an eye toward Darryl, who seemed totally focused on his meal.
She was taken aback when Darryl leaned across the table and lifted a forkful of her pasta. She watched as he slid it past his lips and chewed. “Was it good?” she asked, amused by his boldness.
Darryl nodded easily, unconcerned by his brazen behavior. “Very. So is the tuna,” he said, passing a bite of his own dinner in her direction. “Here, give it a try,” he cajoled. Camryn rested her hand on his as he guided the flatware toward her mouth. Heat wafted in the core of Darryl’s groin as he watched her take a bite, her tongue slipping sweetly past her lips, her fingertips tapping gently against his skin. It was suddenly hot and both reached for their beverage glasses at the same time.
He chuckled softly and Camryn laughed with him. Turning back to their meals, they resumed the small talk, discussing everything and nothing. A spirited debate about politics and education was engaging, with both making valid points that gave the other something to consider.
Soon the hostess brought them dessert. Darryl hadn’t anticipated the decadent layers of mousse and pastry drizzled in chocolate and topped with whipped cream. Neither was he expecting it when Camryn dipped her manicured finger into the sweet treat, drawing it through her lips to her tongue. The erotic gesture lengthened a rock-hard erection in his slacks, the thick of it pressing tight against the fabric. Darryl quickly crossed his legs, accidentally kicking the table as he did. Their dishes and utensils clattered noisily.
The ensuing silence was thundering. It dropped down over the table like an unexpected storm. Both Camryn and Darryl refocused on the food on their plates, struggling with the rise of emotion that seemed to sweep between them. Darryl was chewing so intently that he bit down on his tongue. He cursed under his breath.
“What’s wrong?” Camryn asked.
His response was brusque as he threw his cloth napkin to the table and reached for his drink glass. “Nothing!”
She watched him, her eyes blinking rapidly. “And you’re yelling at me because...”
“I wasn’t yelling. I just...I...” Darryl stammered, his erection twitching for attention. He couldn’t find the words to say he was unnerved by her presence. It felt good to be with her and he wasn’t supposed to be having such a good time. She excited him and he didn’t want to be excited by Camryn Charles. He lifted his eyes to stare into hers. “Look,” he said finally. “We know we can get along. That should make your father and my brother very happy.”
She nodded. “I’m sure it will. Let’s just agree to smile and pretend we like each other until we get this job done.”
“Pretend. Right.” Darryl nodded. “And let’s agree that you have full creative control as long as your design encompasses all of
my safety recommendations. And I mean all.”
“Agreed.”
Darryl sighed and then tossed back the last of his drink. He unconsciously licked his lips, his tongue sweeping over his bottom lip before he sucked it in and bit down.
“Dinner is on my father,” Camryn said as she suddenly stood tall, reaching for her clutch. “It’s been a pleasure, Mr. Boudreaux.”
“The pleasure has been all mine, Ms. Charles.” Still conscious of the rise of nature between his legs, Darryl hesitated for a quick moment, the two staring at each other awkwardly. “May I walk you to your car?” he finally asked as he felt the problematic fullness begin to subside.
She shook her head vehemently. “No. That won’t be necessary. I’ll be fine.”
“See you tomorrow, then,” Darryl called out as Camryn turned on her high heels and scurried across the room. “Have a good night!” he chimed as she reached the front door, gave a quick wave of her hand and disappeared outside.
Camryn rushed to her car, her cheeks heated. Once she was locked inside her vehicle, she dropped her forehead down onto the steering wheel, her breath coming in heavy gasps. Her nipples pressed hard against the fabric of her dress and moisture puddled between her legs, her silk thong saturated. It had taken every ounce of fortitude she possessed not to throw herself at the good-looking Darryl Boudreaux. The moment had become so heated that all she could think about was what it might have been like to have his lips pressed against her own. Camryn hated to admit it but if Darryl had asked, she would have agreed to almost anything.
She took a deep breath and held it, counting to ten in her head. When she finally blew the air out, her nipples had receded and the quiver between her thighs was almost nonexistent. Her breathing finally steadied and she started the ignition.
As she pulled out of the parking space, she finally felt a semblance of normal. It was unfathomable to her that any man could have her quivering so unabashedly without ever laying a finger on her. Camryn shook her head at the thought. Despite having known men in her past who’d excited her sensibilities, Camryn couldn’t recall any man who’d ever had the impact on her that Darryl seemed to be having.
Although everything felt out of sorts and the feelings she was currently experiencing for Darryl were completely out of her character, she knew that she could slow the momentum down and take back her control. And she was determined to take back her control. As far as she was concerned, Darryl Boudreaux would be one man who wouldn’t stand a chance of ever getting the best of her.
Chapter 4
“Really, it went well!” Darryl exclaimed, annoyance punctuating his tone. He shifted his gaze toward his brother and then back down to the morning newspaper.
Mason returned the look, skepticism painting his expression. “And you two ironed out all of your differences, in one night?”
Darryl sighed deeply. “What part of ‘I have it handled’ don’t you understand?”
Mason raised an eyebrow. “I just need to make sure we’re not going to have any issues with you and Camryn. You were a little hostile yesterday.”
Darryl stuck his face further into the newspaper he was pretending to read. If nothing else, he fully intended to ensure that nothing interfered with the project. He could not, however, promise that there would be no issues with Camryn Charles, because he already had issues with the beautiful woman. Issues that two ice-cold showers had still not resolved. Darryl shifted in his seat, recrossing one leg over the other.
He changed the subject. “I’ve arranged for Camryn and me to do a site tour this afternoon.”
Mason nodded. “Good deal. And if you’re sure you have everything under control, I might fly to New York tonight to surprise my wife.”
Darryl smiled. “Give Phaedra a hug and kiss from me,” he said sweetly.
Mason nodded. “Will do! And please, don’t screw up my building before I get back.”
“I won’t screw up your building, Mason.”
* * *
Hours later Mason and Kenneth swiped both their signatures across the final contracts, cementing the partnership between the two families. Camryn stood off to the side, an easy smile gracing her face. She fought not to steal a quick glance at Darryl. Throughout the entire meeting both had been unusually quiet and exceptionally polite with one another. And each had gone out of their way to avoid any form of contact with the other, eye or otherwise.
The previous night had incited a desire that neither had bargained for. It was consuming, like a tidal wave that had swelled thick and full, threatening everything in its wake. Neither one would admit to it but the sensation had them both reeling, unable to fathom what might happen if they didn’t maintain some control.
Darryl rose to his feet, pulling his suit jacket closed. Extending his hand toward Mr. Charles, he smiled warmly. “Congratulations, sir! We look forward to working with you and your daughter,” he said, tossing a nod of his head toward Camryn, who smiled shyly.
Kenneth chuckled heartily. “This is very exciting, son! Very exciting! And I have all the confidence in the world that you and my daughter will do a wonderful job.”
“Thank you, sir,” Darryl said.
“We won’t disappoint you, Father,” Camryn interjected.
Kenneth moved to her side and wrapped his daughter in a deep bear hug. “Don’t give this young man too hard a time,” he said with a wink.
Camryn nodded, rolling her eyes. “So what is it we’re supposed to be doing this afternoon, Mr. Boudreaux?” she asked.
He took a quick glance down at his wrist watch. “Actually, we have to be going,” he said. “Gentlemen, it’s been a pleasure. Camryn and I will keep you both updated.”
Mason nodded his appreciation. “Kenneth, can I interest you in a late lunch?”
“Sounds like the best way to celebrate!” he answered.
As the two men led the way out of the room, Darryl hesitated, his gaze meeting Camryn’s. The woman was eyeing him keenly. His mouth lifted easily, a margin of a smile warming his face.
“I’ve arranged for us to do a site tour. I think it will be of benefit to us both.”
“I’ve been to the site already,” Camryn responded curtly, her arms crossing over her chest.
Darryl sighed heavily, his gaze narrowing into thin slits.
Camryn tossed up her hands as if in surrender. “My apologies! I didn’t mean that the way it sounded.”
“Apology accepted. And I know you’ve already toured the site. So have I. But I thought that it would be useful for us to do an aerial tour. I was thinking about what you said yesterday about the aesthetic value of the design, and with the proposed height of the building, I thought that our looking at it from the air would be helpful.”
“I hadn’t thought about that,” Camryn said.
“Finally!” Darryl exclaimed as he pretended to slap his forehead. “Something you hadn’t considered!”
Camryn giggled softly and Darryl couldn’t help but laugh with her.
* * *
The laughter didn’t last long. The ride to Crescent City Helicopter was teeming with friction. Despite her best efforts, Camryn had initiated the first fight when Darryl had insisted on driving them in his car to their destination. Camryn had insisted on driving her own vehicle, a move Darryl had deemed a ridiculous waste of gasoline. Irate, Camryn had called him a fool, believing she knew better than he ever would. But after a heated back-and-forth Darryl had prevailed.
From start to finish Camryn had been unable to verbalize that riding in a car with him, alone, would cause more angst to her feminine spirit than she wanted to deal with. Darryl made her hot, point blank. And there was no amount of cool air or ice water capable of extinguishing the fire that burned from the pith of her crotch as he sat so closely by her side. So no, she hadn’t wanted to ride in his
car, nor did she want to be so close to him in that darn helicopter, but there she was, seated so near to him that the sweet scent of his cologne was beginning to make her dizzy with desire. She sighed as the R44 Raven soared through the sky, dipping down low against the New Orleans skyline. Turning her attention to the views outside, she whispered a silent prayer that they would soon be done and finished.
The gesture did not go unnoticed as Darryl took a deep inhale. He cut an eye at her, distracted by the exuberance across her face. She was so intoxicatingly beautiful that it completely unnerved him. It unsettled him because just minutes earlier she’d been so contentious. She’d pouted and flailed over every suggestion he had made. But he was even more frustrated by the rise of desire that loomed heavier and heavier with each minute they spent together.
He watched as her eyes skated across the landscape, the woman clearly enamored with the experience. He’d gotten it right and it was painted over every square inch of her body. The joy she exuded had him grinning from ear to ear.
The helicopter soared high along the cloudless skyline, navigating the airway over New Orleans. In the distance the sun was just beginning to make its descent, the edge of light reaching to kiss the mighty Mississippi, the brilliant rays dancing over the water’s surface.
“It’s absolutely beautiful!” Camryn gushed, her gaze darting eagerly over the landscape.
Darryl turned to stare at her. Yes, you are, he thought to himself, his own gaze dancing along her profile as he noted her high cheekbones, dark, seductive eyes and those full, lush lips. Her eyes flitted briefly toward him, hesitating for a quick moment before she looked away.
There was something seductive and intoxicating about the man’s stare. Camryn struggled not to meet his gaze, knowing that nothing good could ever come from her staring into Darryl’s eyes. Yet the look of longing he was giving her persisted.
“What do you know about my family, Darryl?” she suddenly asked, still looking out the helicopter window.
Truly Yours Page 3
