“Now, don’t be rude. You know you’re going to want to have a few drinks, and you don’t want to drink and drive, do you?” he asked, holding out his arm to prevent her from slamming the door shut.
“I’m not a moron, Cam. I don’t do that. It’s called restraint,” she countered before she realized what he’d said. “Wait a minute. How do you know I’m going out there?”
“I was invited, too,” he informed her, and that damnable smile returned—if anything, it was even brighter.
“Ugh! This had so better not be matchmaking,” she warned. “Just because we’ve shared a few kisses in the last year—” she started to say, when he broke in.
“Don’t forget about our incredible sex the night of Spence and Sage’s wedding.”
“I did forget, thank you,” she said. By the twinkle in his eyes, she had no doubt that he knew she was lying. Of course she hadn’t forgotten. How could she when he was the only man who had managed to make her feel as if she were floating while he traced his fingers across her eager flesh? His kisses since then kept reminding her of how much pleasure he was capable of bringing her.
It was best for everyone concerned—okay, it was best for just her alone if she stayed as far away from Camden Whitman as possible. Her body called her a liar. Her mind told her she was smart to avoid him. And her heart? She wasn’t even going to listen to the beating of her heart. It had never steered her in the right direction.
“You can say whatever you want, but your eyes tell me the truth,” he said, stepping closer.
“Knock it off, Cam.” Her voice was weak as she held up a hand. She knew he could easily overpower her, because they both knew she wanted him.
“I’m just trying to give you a ride, Grace.”
“The ride is what I’m afraid of,” she said dryly.
Cam laughed and moved in closer, cornering her against the table and lifting a hand to trail it through her loose tendrils of hair. “The ride is the best part,” he whispered.
She pulsed deep inside as her womanhood clamored for what his eyes were promising.
“Cam . . . don’t . . .” She was seconds away from falling into his arms.
“Okay, I’m sorry.” He backed off, disappointing her and yet making her appreciate him at the same time.
Yep. She was certainly crazy. That was the only explanation for the things she was forgetting doing, and her wild emotions she couldn’t get a grasp on.
“How many people are going to be at your brother’s tonight? He made it sound like it was just a small family dinner. I should have been suspicious,” she said, trying to get back on track.
“I think only a few people are coming over.”
“How many is ‘a few’?” she asked.
“Okay, fine. You know my brother. Probably fifty or so,” he answered, finally giving her some much-needed space and walking over to her freshly made salad. He grabbed a fork and dipped in for a bite.
“That’s rude, Cam,” she snapped, snatching the fork from him before he could double-dip. “Anyway, I don’t think I have nearly enough salad, so back off.” As her temper rose, so did her attitude. “And who invited you inside, anyway? What makes you think you can barge into my house and make yourself so at home? I’m tired of you using your charm and getting your way every time I blink.”
“I’m worried about you,” he told her, his voice suddenly hushed.
The actual concern she saw entering his eyes made her tense. “Why are you worried about me?”
“When I stayed over the other night, when you had that cold, I heard something. When I went outside, there was a screwdriver below your window,” he said.
Grace knew Cam well enough to know when he was being serious and when he was kidding. She didn’t like the true worry she saw on his face.
“And why didn’t you tell me about this sooner?”
“Because I didn’t want you to be afraid. So I’ve been keeping an eye on you, on the place, and maybe a few friends are doing the same when I’m unable to.”
By the look in his eyes, it was more than obvious that he was waiting for her to lay into him. The problem was that she didn’t feel like doing that. She felt . . . dammit . . . she felt a smidgen of fear. What in the world was going on?
“Well, you should have told me, Cam. Still, I’m sure it was nothing.” But if it was nothing, why was she so alarmed?
“I’m hoping it was nothing, but you live here all alone. I don’t think that’s wise. I think what would be wiser would be for you to come and share my place. I’m even generous enough to let you share my bed. Let’s just say I’m a stand-up guy. The bed’s quite comfortable. You remember, right?” he said, taking a step back toward her.
“Stop right there!” She shook her head violently and scurried around to the other side of the table. There was no way she was doing this with him again. If his lips touched hers, the two of them would be going nowhere anytime soon.
“If I promise to lay off . . . for now.” He made sure to inject a long pause. “Will you just come to the get-together at your best friend’s house?”
She thought long and hard about it before nodding her agreement. That didn’t mean she was going to ride with him. They could argue about that in the parking lot.
“Good then. It’s all settled. You can sit by the fire, have a few laughs, and if you get too cold, I’ll make sure to keep you warm,” he said with a wink.