Page 85 of Melt for You (Slow Burn 2)
“Sudden from his side! He never noticed me before a few weeks ago, and now we’re drinking wine at his private club the second his wife files for divorce?”
“How d’you know he never noticed you before? Did he tell you that?”
I stop and consider it. “Well . . . no.”
“He’s been married the entire time you’ve known each other, right?”
“Yes.”
“So he wasn’t in a position to tell you if he fancied you. This was his chance.”
I drag my hands through my hair, still damp at the nape from my shower, and consider what he’s suggesting. Finally I drop onto the sofa next to him and sigh, rubbing my forehead. “Honestly I don’t know what to think. I acted like I was having a breakdown. I was a complete wreck. I probably blew it.”
“Except he said he wanted to call you.”
I shake my head, unconvinced and unsettled.
“What kind of wine did he order?”
I lift my head and stare at him. “Why does that matter?”
“It matters. Do you remember the name?”
I search my memory. “Romany Conty? Something like that?”
Cam looks impressed. “Jesus. He must really like you.”
“You recognize it? I thought you didn’t drink wine.”
“Doesn’t mean I don’t know the name of one of the most expensive burgundies on earth. They’re at least a few thousand dollars a bottle.”
My mouth falls open. A wheeze of disbelief slips out.
“Let’s get back to you not wantin’ to kiss him. What’s that all about?”
I consider the question carefully but find I don’t have any good answers. “I guess . . . I was just too nervous.”
After a moment, Cam says, “Hmm.”
Before I can ask him what the hell he means by that cryptic “Hmm,” the house phone rings. I freeze in terror.
“Ohmigod. Do you think that’s him?”
“Only one way to find out, lass. Go answer it.”
I start to panic. “What if I say something really stupid? What if I ruin the whole thing? This might be my last chance with him!”
Cam looks at the ceiling and sighs, but I ignore his irritation because I’ve got a brilliant idea. I grab his arm and shake it.
“You go pick up the portable extension in my bedroom and walk me through it!”
He crinkles his nose. “Don’t be daft. I’m not lurkin’ in the background while you and pretty boy have phone sex!”
“We’re not going to have phone sex!” The phone continues to ring, and now I’m having heart palpitations. I shove Cam and leap to my feet, jabbing my finger in the direction of my bedroom. “Pick it up! Go, go, go!” I run into the kitchen and rip the phone from the wall, taking a deep breath before saying calmly, “Hello?”
“Joellen, it’s Michael.”
“Oh. Hi there.” I manage to sound nonchalant. Meanwhile I’m silently screaming at Cam and making wild arm motions directing him into my bedroom.
