Page 28 of Things We Fake
He looked at me, waves of heat radiating between us. “There’s always something to see, but conquering? That takes a little more time and effort. Things worth having are worth working for—that’s actually my motto.”
The look he gave me melted me to the core, no doubt raising my temperature. My skin burned. I gulped, unable to think of a witty comeback. The flirty goddess was running away under this blatant display of pure masculine sexuality. Maybe I’d bitten off more than I could chew by accepting this date.
While I stood there struggling for something clever to say, Cam looked around my apartment.
“I like what you’ve done to the place. It’s minimalist and practical, but also cozy.” He indicated a couple of landscapes on the wall. “Those are Jesse’s, right? The girl who lives downstairs?”
“Yes.” I arched my eyebrows. “How did you know?”
“Sebastian has a couple of her paintings in his living room and one in his bedroom. I was with him when he picked them up at an art show a couple of years ago. It’s too bad she stopped painting. She’s very talented.”
“She hasn’t stopped—well, not completely. She just doesn’t have as much time now that her dad died, and she manages the hardware store alone. One of these days, she’ll hire an assistant manager and go back to doing some of the things she loves.”
“We should all spend time doing the things we love.”
I swallowed, heat pooling in my stomach. The chances were that making love to this man would top my list. He gave me the impression he was so intense in bed that sex with him might kill me, but what a way to go!
Setting down his glass, Cam smiled, the glint in his eyes telling me he knew how his words had affected me. “Ready to go?”
I nodded, reached for his empty glass, and carried it along with mine into the kitchen. When I stepped back into the living room, somewhat more in control of myself, he was holding my coat for me.
“You smell so good.” His mouth was inches from my ear, his breath sending goosebumps racing down my spine. “I ordered a car. It should be waiting for us downstairs.”
“You mean an Uber?”
He gave me a small, mysterious smile. “Something classier than that.”
I tied my coat and followed him out of the apartment, locking the door behind me. We were at the bottom of the stairs when Cam stopped.
“Did you lock the door?” he asked.
“Yes.”
“Are you sure?”
I laughed lightly. “Of course I’m sure.”
A trace of indecision crossed over his face. “I’ll just go and double check. Be back in ten seconds.”
Amused, I watched him as he rushed up the stairs, easily climbing two steps at a time. He checked the door, then smiled down at me as he descended the stairs.
“I told you I locked it,” I said.
“It never hurts to make sure. Now we can enjoy the evening.”
I nearly gaped at the black town car waiting at the curb. The driver opened the door for us. I was Cinderella being whisked to the ball by my very own Prince Charming. I hadn’t believed in fairy tales in a long time, and here I was living one. Cam was truly trying to impress me.
“Good evening, Mr. Jones.” The driver opened the door for me.
“Ray, nice to see you again.” Cam smiled at the driver. “I didn’t know you were still driving for Deluxe.”
“I only work special shifts. Saw your name on the roster and took the ride. Where to, sir?”
“Nick’s Steakhouse, and please, call me Cam.”
I slid into the spacious back seat as gracefully as I could. Cam sat next to me, his thigh touching mine slightly.
I arranged my coat over my knees. “I thought you were new to the city. I’m surprised to see you’re on a first name basis with the driver.”
