Judy Lynn Hubbard - Take Me in Your Arms

“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 dress. She had chosen a simple short-sleeved knee-length black dress with a sweetheart neckline. You could never go wrong with a little black dress. She ran fingers through her short hair until she was satisfied, and then put on a silver charm bracelet on her left wrist and silver hoop earrings.

Her stomach was churning nervously, and she placed a hand there, silently chiding herself to calm down. For goodness’ sake, she was just going to dinner with a casual friend. A casual friend who made her insides feel as wobbly as Jell-O.

The doorbell chimed, and she turned from the mirror and quickly walked into the hallway, not stopping until she reached the front door. Her hand on the doorknob, she took several calming breaths, smoothed her hair and opened the door.

Her breath hitched at the sight of Cam. He was dressed casually in black pants, a dark gray shirt and gray blazer. As usual, his charming expression produced his to-die-for dimples.

“Hi, gorgeous.”

“Hi.” She stepped aside. “Come in.”

“Thanks.”

“Thank you,” she responded when he handed her a bouquet of lilacs. She brought the flowers to her nose, deeply inhaling their light fragrance. “They’re lovely.”

“Not as lovely as you.” Appreciative eyes ran over her, infusing heat throughout her wobbly body.

“I didn’t know where we were going. I hope I’m dressed all right.”

“Perfect,” he assured her.

“Let me put these in water.” She backed away toward the kitchen and motioned to the living room. “Make yourself at home.”

When she looked up from getting a vase out of the cabinet and arranging her flowers, he was leaning against the door frame, watching her with an expression that turned her knees to jelly.

“Where are we going?”

“It’s a surprise.” He held out a hand, and after a second’s hesitation, she walked over and took it.

“Okay.”

“Ready?” At her nod, he led her back to the front door and followed her out. “Then let’s go.”

A short while later, they were seated in a crowded karaoke bar. Cam ordered hot wings, blue cheese dressing and cheese fries for them. Glancing around the picturesque bar, she laughed and took a sip of her iced tea. His choice of eateries was completely unexpected to her.

“What’s so funny?”

“Nothing.” She shook her head. At his continued stare she elaborated, “When you asked me to dinner, I imagined something different.”

“Like?”

“A fancy five-star restaurant,” she admitted.

“Disappointed?”

“No, not at all,” she said quickly. “This place is great.”

“Are you sure?” He watched her closely. “We don’t have to stay—”

“Cam, it’s fine,” she assured him, and sighed contentedly. “In fact, it’s perfect. I’m already unwinding from my grueling day.”

“Me, too,” he agreed.

“What do you mean, you too?” She pointed an accusing finger at him. “You were supposed to be resting today, not exerting yourself.”

“I was resting. Honest.” He held up three fingers of his right hand in a Boy Scout pledge. “But I was anxiously anticipating our date tonight.” He winked at her. “And that was very taxing.”

“Oh, I see.”

“Were you?”

“Was I what?” She took a bite of a fry and chewed while awaiting his response.

He leaned closer and asked, “Were you anticipating our date?”

“I was so busy I really didn’t have the chance to think about it.” That was a teeny exaggeration, and she sensed he knew it. She’d spent the majority of the day obsessing about what to wear tonight.

“Right.” He made quick work of his own fry and grabbed another one.

“I didn’t.”

“I believe you.” She had the feeling he didn’t in the least. They were silent while he chewed on a wing, and she ate more fries before he wiped his hands on a napkin and stood. “I’m going to sing. Don’t go away.”