Janelle Denison - Too Wilde to Tame

She needed to get her designs out there for people to find and buy-and not just in a consignment shop. She needed something bigger, with more exposure and the right clientele. And he had an idea of how she could accomplish exactly that.

With his mind still on Mia and her stained-glass designs, he headed to the master bathroom, stripped off his clothes, and stepped beneath the steamy-hot spray of water to take a shower. He'd purchased the hummingbird piece for Claude because he honestly knew she'd love the design and the way it lit up in the sunlight. But he had to admit he'd had ulterior motives in mind, because his sister's good friend owned an art gallery in the city that showcased everything from paintings to sculptures and anything else that could be interpreted as a rare and one-of-a-kind collectible. He was hoping Claude would see the potential in Mia's creations and possibly put in a good word for Mia and help give her that initial boost she needed to get started.

He shampooed his hair and washed his body, thinking that the introduction and recommendation had to be done in a way that didn't look like an obvious setup. He knew Mia and that stubborn streak of hers well enough to know she'd never accept what she perceived as charity. He needed the idea to be introduced casually and naturally, in a way that didn't come across as planned or contrived.

As he got out of the shower and dried off, he decided the best way to accomplish his goal was to invite Mia to his sister's birthday get-together tomorrow afternoon at his parent's place. When Claude opened her gift, he'd let her know Mia had created the design… and then he'd let things play out from there and hope for the best.

He laughed to himself as he thought about his family meeting Mia for the first time, and how they might react to her wearing something as sexy and wild as those lace-up boots of hers. And then there was her outrageous personality that had the ability to shock, and her open sensuality that was evident in the way she walked, talked, and dressed. Outwardly, Mia was the complete opposite of his mother and sisters in just about every way. And he was certain those contrasts were bound to make for an interesting and amusing evening.

FOR the fifth time in the past half hour Mia glanced at the clock on her nightstand to check the time. Like a school girl with a huge crush on a guy, she couldn't wait for Cameron to call. It was silly, really, to feel so excited and eager, but no matter how hard she tried to concentrate on the romance novel she'd curled up in bed with-which was a poor substitute for Cameron actually being with her-there was no ignoring the anticipation fluttering in her belly.

She hadn't seen him since Wednesday evening, though she spoke to him every night when he called to check in on her and be sure she was doing okay. Now, she looked forward to their easy, and sometimes amusing, conversations.

Funny how she'd spent years trying to break free from her family's protective ways, but with Cameron it was different. He was genuinely concerned about her, but he wasn't overbearing about it and he never made her feel smothered or pressured. And because of that, she found herself relaxing and opening up to him-more than anyone else in her life.

It was a scary prospect, considering their relationship, their affair actually, was a temporary deal that would last only as long as it took to figure out who was stalking her. Then they'd go their separate ways, back to their own individual and vastly different lives, and revert back to casual acquaintances. And because she knew the separation was inevitable, she'd do well to protect her heart and emotions in the meantime.

She was so lost in her thoughts that the ringing of her phone made her jump. Grateful for the interruption, she picked up the cordless receiver, a smile already forming on her lips.

"Hello," she answered, much too breathlessly.

"Hey, there," Cameron said, his deep, sexy voice wrapping around her like soft, warm velvet. "What are you doing?"

Those giddy flutters hatched full-fledge in her belly, like a dozen butterflies being set free. "I'm in bed, reading a book."

"Something good, I hope?"

"Mmmm. It's more entertaining than anything that's on TV right now." Marking her page, she set the novel aside and snuggled beneath the covers. "What would be even better would be having you here. I've been home alone all day, and I'm starting to forget what it's like to socialize with a real person."

His low chuckle traveled through the phone line, and she closed her eyes to savor the husky sound. "Feeling cooped up and restless?" he guessed.

She sighed, not at all surprised he'd accurately pegged her mood. The man had an amazing insight when it came to her. "Yeah, I guess I am."

"Sorry 'bout that," he murmured apologetically. "I know this is tough, but I really don't want you going out by yourself. Especially at night."

"I know, and I'm okay with it." Surprisingly, that was true. "Really."

Something rustled in the background, as though he was trying to get comfortable in his own bed. Mia's imagination took flight, and in her mind's eye she could see him sprawled lazily on his bed with one hand tucked behind his head. He'd be shirtless, his chest bare, with a pair of soft cotton shorts riding low on his lean hips. And under those shorts, he'd be wearing nothing at all…

"I was thinking," he said, cutting into her enjoyable fantasy. "How would you like to get out for a few hours tomorrow afternoon?"

"Sure." Not only was she going absolutely stir-crazy, she was also dying to see him again. "What did you have in mind?"

"It's my older sister's birthday, and there's a small get-together for dinner at my parents'," he said, his tone casual. "Why don't you come with me?"

Her heart picked up its beat at his personal invitation and what meeting his family might imply. Then she realized he was just being nice and responding to her need to get out of the apartment.

Still, the situation made her feel uneasy. "I appreciate you asking, but I don't think that would be such a great idea."

"Why not?"

Did he honestly not see how awkward the situation could turn out to be? "It might be a little uncomfortable having me there."

"For whom?"

Frustrated by his persistence, she blew out an upward breath. "Uncomfortable for me. You. Your family. I mean, it's not like we're dating, and I don't want your family getting the wrong idea about the two of us."

"Mia," he said softly, and with way more calm than she was feeling at the moment. "My family doesn't speculate about my relationships, and there's nothing wrong with me bringing a woman friend to a family party."

"Why? Do you do it often?" Her tone was light and teasing, but oh Lord, was that a pang of jealousy clenching her stomach? She feared it was, and she'd never, ever been the jealous type. That it was Cameron who sparked such a telltale emotion wasn't a good sign.

"No, I don't bring women to family gatherings that often at all," he said, and Mia could swear she heard amusement in his voice. "And certainly not lately."

She bit her bottom lip, refusing to read anything deep or meaningful into his words. She felt incredibly torn-wanting to be with Cameron, yet unsure how his family would feel about her. Even as just his friend . It surprised her that their opinion mattered, when she normally didn't give a damn what people thought of her.

"I'd really like for you to go with me, for a number of reasons," he said, as if sensing she was on the fence about accepting his invitation. "It'll be good for you to get out for a while and have a good time, with no pressure involved. As for my family, they'll love meeting you. Especially because you're Steve's cousin. And if you say no, I might just have to kidnap you and take you by force."