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“No, Trish. You can claim that now that it’s all said and done, but it’s not the fucking truth.” He shook his head sharply. “There were half a dozen times during that meeting when I started to say something and looked at you—and realized I needed to keep my damn mouth shut. I wouldn’t have bothered to show restraint if you weren’t there. That might not seem like a big deal to you, but it is to me. I value your presence on this trip—and not just because you’re in my bed.”
“But I am in your bed, and that changes things.”
“Yes, it does. And we’ll negotiate as needed when we’re home.”
God, she loved him a little in that moment for not pussyfooting around the truth. No matter how long she stayed on in her current job, there would be an adjustment to how they handled themselves in the office, and if he were anyone else, he would have glossed right over that truth. “Okay.”
He eyed her mostly full plate. “You’re not going to eat, are you?”
“I’m not really hungry,” she admitted.
“We’ll get something on the way back so you can snack as needed.” He twisted and motioned the waitress to bring their check. “Are you tired?”
She blinked. “Not especially.”
“Good. There’s something I want to show you. I think you’ll like it.” He made a face. “Though it has nothing to do with untimely death, so maybe we should just go back to the hotel.”
“Cameron O’Clery, was that an actual joke?” She playfully smacked his forearm. “I don’t just like untimely death, you know. I like flowers and bright colors and telling other people what to do. I’m a well-rounded woman.”
“I’m aware.” His gaze dropped to her breasts where they pressed against her T-shirt.
She gave a mock gasp. “You’re terrible.”
“You like it.”
She’d had so many different emotions with him—frustration and irritation and lust and enjoyment. Playing fun only made her like him more. She was up to her neck and sinking fast, and she couldn’t bring herself to care. “I do. Now, let’s go so you can show me your surprise.”
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
CAMERON ALMOST CHANGED his mind half a dozen times on the drive. His idea had felt like the right call when he’d first come up with it, but the closer they got to the waterfront, the more he felt like he’d made the wrong call.
Right up until the point Trish leaned against the door of the taxi and gasped. “The London Eye?”
“It’s rather touristy but—”
“No, I love it.” She barely waited for the taxi to pull to a stop before she opened the door and climbed out. Cameron paid the fare and followed her onto the street. Her captivated expression made her look even younger, and much less world-weary than she’d been since he’d met her. She spun to grab his arm and tugged him toward the giant Ferris wheel. “How did you know? I’ve wanted to ride this since I was a kid. It seemed like the most magical thing in the world to be able to see a nighttime London from so far up.”
“Aaron may have mentioned that you enjoy Ferris wheels.” He allowed himself to be towed along like some well-loved toy. It was only after the words escaped that he realized she might find them creepy.
“It gives you a different perspective of the world, and if that isn’t magic, I don’t know what qualifies.” She shot him a look. “I’d say I’m surprised you remembered what had to have been a passing comment, but I’m not.”
With her setting the pace, they reached their destination in short order. Cameron gave his information and they were directed to the priority boarding. As they stepped into their capsule, Trish gasped. “Cameron.” She took in the champagne and chocolates and turned to him, her eyes wide. “When you pull out all the stops, you pull out all the stops.”
He started to tell her that it was a normal package offered and nothing fancy, but he managed to filter himself at the last moment. This was important to her, and he had done what he could to make it special. “I’m glad you like it.”
“Like doesn’t even begin to cover it.” She explored the capsule, taking in the seats and the clear walls that would give a full 360-degree view of London once they got moving again. The package was for thirty minutes of uninterrupted time, but Cameron wished he’d booked more, considering Trish’s enthusiasm.
“This is amazing.” She gripped the railing and leaned out as far as the domed glass would allow. “I can’t wait to see it from the top.”
He made himself join her close to the edge, wrapped his arms around her and pressed himself against her back, letting the floral scent of her shampoo center him. Even though he’d braced for the movement, his stomach still took a dizzying dip when the wheel started up again. By the time they hit the top point of the Ferris wheel on the first rotation, his palms were sweating and he had to close his eyes in an effort to maintain control.
