Page 35 of Beyond the Cage
When I lock the door behind us, he bends his elbow and offers me his arm. Again, I smile despite myself. I wrap my hand around the crook of his arm and we walk along like a Victorian couple.
During the drive to wherever it is we’re going, I indulge myself and glance over at him every couple of minutes. He’s just so goddamned gorgeous! I can’t even stay mad at him. I know he’s noticed; he smiles every time I do it.
“So…what have you been up to?” I break the silence.
Translation – ‘who have you been fucking?’
He shrugs.
“Training?”
Nod.
“Win any fights?”
He wiggles two fingers.
“Okay. So, you’re at, what, sixty-eight now?”
Nod.
“That’s great.”
I fiddle with the ring on my finger and look out the window. Just ask him what you really want to, Jasmine. When we stop at a light, I take a deep breath and turn to him because I want to see his reaction.
“Women?”
He jerks his head in my direction, pinning me with an incredulous stare. I hold that stare, waiting for an answer. Taking my hand, he brushes his lips above my knuckles.Oh, my. His eyes become darker with an unrecognizable emotion. He places my palm flat on his chest and leans in for a kiss. It takes every ounce of strength I have to resist him.
“Cameron…”
His lids flutter in confusion.
“The light changed.”
Looking up at the light, he releases me with a chuckle.
“Was that a yes or a no?”
He shakes his head.
That makes me feel a little better. A few minutes later, he pulls over and hops out. That’s when I realize we’ve arrived at our destination. Myst – uber-exclusive. The list to get in is so long, you have to make reservations months in advance. That is, unless you have some clout. I wonder what he had to do to get us in on such short notice.
I watch him in the headlights as he gives the valet one of those slap-and-grip handshakes, then listens to what the young man is saying. Cameron smiles, nods, and makes his way to the passenger side. After opening my door, he offers me his hand. One look at his fingers and last night’s bathtub escapade flashes in my mind. Maybe we should skip dinner and go straight to dessert.What am I thinking?No. I won’t make it that easy for him.I take his hand and he leads me inside, where we’re met by the maître d’.
“Mr. Jackson,” he says with a smile. “Always a pleasure to have you.” He looks over at me, and then looks me over. “And in most lovely company,” he adds, his smile now brighter.
I give him an appreciative smile. Like I said, it’s nice to hear it sometimes. My smile grows as Cameron wraps a possessive arm around my waist and pulls me to his side. The man winks then introduces himself.
“I’m Garth. If there’s anything you need tonight, just let me know. Right this way.” Garth motions and we follow.
On the way to our table, Garth snaps his finger at a waiter, who hurries to the back. Scanning the room, I soak up the atmosphere. It’s beautiful in here – just enough lighting to set a romantic mood. The décor is upscale and modern, with various abstract paintings hanging on the walls. Each table has its own unique centerpiece – roses, carnations, freesias, orchids, lilies, tulips, you name it. Garth leads us to the back where the tables are separated by screens, allowing for privacy. By the time we’re seated, the waiter arrives with a bottle of wine, presenting it to Cameron. He nods, and the waiter proceeds to open it and fill our glasses. Cameron motions for him to leave the bottle, and he acknowledges with a slight bow before leaving.
“Your appetizers will be here shortly,” Garth says as he adjusts the centerpiece on our table. With a smile, I note that they’re Jasmines. “Jasmines, as you wished, sir.”
I turn my gaze to Cameron. He requested them? He’s staring at me, watching for my reaction. I focus on the bouquet, which now seems even more gorgeous.
“Gold Coast Jasmine,” Garth adds.
