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“Yeah. I planned on it.” He takes a small breath, and I realize I’m holding mine. “We should go together.”
Music to my ears. “That’d be nice. I’m going to run and get dressed, and I’ll meet you back here.” He nods, the smallest hint of a smile playing on his lips. I can barely hide my excitement as I head to the front desk and grab my dress that Brigid held for me. I rush into the bathroom and slide on the silver dress, casual but fancy enough to wear tonight. Then slap on a coat of gloss and shake my hair out of its updo. It’s not the best I’ve ever looked, but not bad for a post-ten-hour shift.
My heels click against the floor as I head back into the kitchen. It’s empty, except for Cameron, who’s standing with his back to me, the same way he was the day I first walked in here with Brigid. It feels like a lifetime ago. Only now, he’s wearing a navy suit that fits him like a glove. The tailored material accentuates his giant shoulders and tapered waist.
I stop in my tracks, and Cameron turns around to face me. His eyes widen as he looks me up and down. “Wow, Liz. You look…absolutely stunning.”
“I guess I clean up okay.” I manage to eke out. He walks toward me, and my core erupts in flames. “You don’t look so bad yourself.”
“This old thing?” He shrugs, and one side of his mouth turns up into a sly smile. Cam’s coming out of his shell, and I love it. I never thought I’d see it, but damn I’m glad it’s happening. “Shall we?”
I nod, falling in at his side as we make our way to the ballroom. My sweaty palms clutch my beaded purse. I wanted to look nice tonight, and now I’m so glad I decided to go the extra mile. For a man who just ran a gigantic event, he smells amazing. His cologne is crisp and warm at the same time. I subtly breathe him in as we approach the ballroom doors.
Cam grabs one of the double door handles and meets my eye. “After you, Miss Howard.” His low voice resonates through me. He holds the door for me, and the moment I step through, I’m in awe. Being in the kitchen all night did nothing to prepare me for the sight. It’s a blue and silver winter wonderland.
What feels like a million candles flicker across the tables. Tiny birch trees line the perimeter of the room, all twinkling with icy white lights. Even the band is dressed in blue and silver, and it hits me that Cameron and I match the room perfectly in a total stroke of fate.
“I didn’t plan this.” I point at my dress.
Cameron leans down so that his lips are inches from my ear. Goosebumps erupt on my neck when he speaks. “I knew the color scheme.” He leans back up and winks at me.
“You’re a trickster.”
“I am who I am.” He holds his hand out. “Wanna dance?”
Oh, Lord. Dancing is not my fortè. I have two left feet and have been known to trip over imaginary objects. But how could I resist, especially with a slow song playing? My cheeks flush, and I nod, taking Cameron’s thick hand as he leads me to the dance floor.
ChapterSix
Cameron
As I leadLiz to the dance floor, a vision of our life together pops into my head. The strange part is that it’s so real that I almost can’t dismiss it as just a daydream. Working together, living together, and being a part of each other’s every day sounds like a dream, and tonight I’m going to make my move.
I pull her close, breathing her in. Her warm vanilla scent reminds me of holiday cookies. I can’t wait to taste her. I wrap my arms around her waist, trying to control my heartbeat as it races against my ribs.
She stretches her arms over my shoulders, and it feels so natural as if we’ve been doing this for years. I can’t believe I just met this woman. It’s like I’ve known her my whole life.
“I’m really sorry I gave you a hard time, Liz,” I whisper into her ear, loving the feel of her pressed against me.
Our eyes meet. “You were just being territorial.”
Little does she know the object of my obsession has gone from my kitchen to her. “I think you’re amazing, and I’d love for you to stay past tonight.”
Her smile instantly warms me. “I’d like that very much.”
“I like you very much.” The words come out before I can stop them. “You’re the most incredible woman I’ve ever met.” I pull her closer, dying for a taste of her cherry gloss. “I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you since you walked into my kitchen.”
“I feel the same way.” Her smile fades, her eyes examining my face. The band stops, leaving us naked with our exposed feelings on the dance floor.
The singer steps to the mic and announces. “Okay, it’s that time, folks! We’re ringing in the new year in ten…nine…eight…”
I’m locked into her eyes, wondering what the future holds, hoping it goes past tonight.
“Seven…six…five…”
Her delicate fingers trail up the lapels of my jacket. She parts her lips, and I glimpse her bubble gum tongue.
“Four…three…two…”
