“You’re a nurse. Don’t tell me a bare chest is embarrassing you.” A patient’s bare chest? No. But Cam’s smooth, muscled, dark brown skin? Definitely.
“Of course not. I just thought you might be—” she paused “—cold.”
He laughed outright before a sensual grin turned up the sides of his mouth. “Believe me, the last thing I am sitting next to you is cold.”
“I...um...” He shifted closer, and she managed to free her hands and placed one to her suddenly constricted throat. Oh, please don’t let him touch me again, or I’ll combust on the spot.
“In fact, now that you’re here, feel free to examine me thoroughly.”
Without answering, she quickly stood and placed some much-needed distance between them. Walking over to stand by one of the bay windows, she took in deep gulps of air to steady her rapidly beating pulse.
“Are you okay?” She heard the humor in his voice that matched his amused eyes when she turned to look at him.
“Yes, I’m fine.” She tried valiantly to appear cool and unmoved by his sensual teasing, but knew she failed miserably.
“You’ll get no disagreement from me on that point.” His eyes slowly moved over her, setting off little violent eruptions of need in their wake.
Before she disregarded common sense and flung herself into his arms, she tore her gaze away from his and fingered a crystal vase sitting on a nearby table. Then she glanced around the room while mentally ordering herself to get it together. She noted the comfortable furnishings. The walls were blinding-white stucco with a high vaulted ceiling and high-polished red-oak flooring, half covered by a tan-and-white throw rug. Her eyes lingered on the white baby grand piano situated to the far right of the fireplace before returning to connect with the depths of Cam’s eyes.
“Your house is gorgeous.” It was a deliberate way to change the subject.
“Thanks.” Leaving his shirt carelessly draped over the back of the sofa, he stood and walked over to her, every nerve ending in her body at attention as he approached. She felt like prey being stalked by a hungry lion. “It’s home.”
“I pictured you living in a bachelor pad.” She tried to keep the conversation light and impersonal.
“That’s not me.” He stopped a few feet away from her. “I like comfort, room to roam around in and privacy. This place gives me that and is still close enough to the office and Washington proper.”
“All this space for just one man?” She cocked her head at him. “Doesn’t it get lonely?”
“No, I enjoy my own company.” He paused before taking another step closer and adding, “Perhaps one day I’ll find someone special to share it with, though.”
“I’m sure a lack of female companionship isn’t one of your problems.” That slipped out before she could stop it.
“What does that mean?”
She sighed. “Just that any woman would feel lucky to spend time with you.” He smiled as though pleased with her answer, and she admitted, “You’re quite a catch.”
His expression changed, and she wondered why. “Because I’m rich?”
“No, because you’re a nice man and you have a great personality.” The smile reappeared at her words. “You’re fun to be around.”
“Is that right?” His eyes slowly investigated every feature of her face, traveling down her body and detonating little explosions of awareness within her before finally returning to stare into her now-dilated pupils.
“Yes.” She wished he’d stop staring at her as if she were his favorite food that he couldn’t wait to devour.
“Thank you.” He walked closer until only inches separated them. Suddenly she felt the need for some fresh air before she did something embarrassing like swoon at his feet. “But any woman just won’t do,” he continued softly. “I’m afraid I’m very choosy about whom I spend my time with.”
“Are you?” It took every ounce of self-control she possessed not to touch him. They were so close she could feel the heat radiating off his bare skin, caressing hers, silently inviting her to touch, explore and taste. She took a step backward, and her back encountered the window, informing her she was out of space to maneuver.
“Yes, I like to surround myself with real people who know what they want and aren’t afraid to go after it.” He stepped forward, erasing the rift she had purposefully created between them. “That’s why I’m looking forward to spending more time with you.”
“You think I know what I want out of life?”
“Don’t you?” She definitely knew what she wanted professionally, but personally—that was a different story altogether. When she remained silent, he unexpectedly offered, “Would you like a tour?”
She blinked and then said, “That would be great, but I need to get back to the hospital.”
“I understand.” He leaned away from her, and she instantly missed his warmth. “You have a standing invitation.”
“Thanks.” She maneuvered carefully around him to retrieve her purse from the sofa.
“Can I tempt you with something?” He smiled mischievously. “I was just about to fix some lunch.”
“No, thanks. I’ve got to get back for a staff meeting.”
“Okay.” He slowly walked toward her, eating up her oxygen with each step he took. “Thanks for checking on me.”
“Sure.”
“I’m sorry I worried you.”
“I’m glad you’re okay and that you’re following doctor’s orders and resting.” She breathed a little easier as she slipped back into her professional mode.
“I told you I would. Didn’t you believe me?”
“Let’s just say that I’m pleasantly surprised you are being a good boy.”
“Normally I’m not, but I have motivation to be.” He ran a hand lightly down her arm before grasping her hand. “Very lovely incentive.”
“I need to leave now.”
“If you must.” He reluctantly released her hand. “See you tomorrow night.”
If she had any sense, she’d cancel their date. Her strong reaction to his immense charm was disquieting, but she knew if she tried to back out now, he would unleash more of his abundant charm against her until she gave in again, and frankly, she didn’t think her heart could take that; therefore, she would go on one date with him as she’d promised, but that was it.
“Bye, Cam.” She turned and walked out into the hallway. He followed her to the front door where she glanced at him and softly ordered, “Next time, answer your phone.”
“I’ll keep it by my side.” He made an X over his heart with a finger—a spot her lips longed to taste. “I promise.”
Without another word, she left. Once she reached her car, she glanced at the door and found Cam watching her with a hungry grin that curled her toes. Managing a small smile, she got into her car and drove away before she succumbed to an insane urge to throw herself in his arms and kiss that constantly smiling mouth of his. Oh, heaven help her!
* * *
The next night, Angela studied her reflection in the mirror and nodded in satisfaction. Cam hadn’t told her where they were going, and she had no idea how to