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But they didn’t need to rent golf carts to get to their table after all. A few minutes later, they were seated in a quiet corner of the main dining room. A huge chandelier glittered in the center of the room, illuminating the small open space in front of the quartet that played music quietly.
Cameron’s eyes sparkled as she unfolded her napkin into her lap. “You look handsome in that suit. I’ve always seen you in your uniform or in casual clothes. But you clean up nice.”
“Thanks. As I’m sure you appreciate, I don’t have a lot of chances to get dressed up. Going out means to the local deli or fast food. You look beautiful, by the way, in case I didn’t say it already.” He chuckled. He hated being nervous. Had he told her already that she looked nice? Before or after Boomer?
A pink tinge crept up her cheeks and she lowered her eyes. “Thanks. I don’t get many chances to dress up, either.”
“Hopefully I’ll give you many more opportunities.”
“I don’t know.” She waved her hand between the two of them. “I’m just not sure what this is.”
He linked his fingers with hers. She trembled. It was slight, but it was there. At least he wasn’t the only nervous one.
He didn’t have anything to be worried about, right? This was just Cameron. And she had agreed to go out with him. “In case you can’t tell, I’m attracted to you. You’re a great mother and intelligent and strong. And you’re the first person I’ve considered letting into Mariana’s life since her mother died.”
“Even after meeting Boomer? I would think that would be reason enough to hightail it in the opposite direction.”
Alex chuckled. “Every relationship has its challenges.”
She laughed but then her smile fell. There was something else she wanted to say. “I guess that means it’s official.”
“What’s official?”
“Up to this point, the girls seemed to be sticking their nose into this, uh, situation. Conspiring to get the two of us together. But this feels like a real date.”
He squeezed her hand. “Let me see. Fancy clothes: check. Flowers: check. Dog greeting: check. Sounds like a date to me.”
That got her laughing again.
“In all seriousness, let me be clear… this is a real date. I’m very interested in you and I think you’re interested in me. I don’t casual date and I don’t hook up. I have Mariana to consider—”
“And I have Lizzie.”
“Exactly. I’ve put a lot of thought into this. I want to see what might happen between us.”
He searched her expression for any hint of doubt or reluctance and found it in the slight pause before she spoke, her gaze focused anywhere but on him. He’d have to figure out what was holding her back and prove to her that she had nothing to be worried about.
That’s what tonight was about. Showing her that they could be good together.
The musicians began a new song, something slow and romantic, and a few couples stepped up to the tiny dance floor. Dancing would be the perfect excuse to have Cameron in his arms. He stood and extended his hand. “Would you like to dance?”
Her eyes sparkled as she slipped her hand into his. He guided her to the floor, slid his right hand onto Cameron’s hip, and grasped her hand with the other. After tucking their hands to his chest, he pulled her closer.
She looked up at him, her dark lashes framing her navy blue eyes. Could she feel his heart racing beneath their clasped hands? Having Cameron in his arms—finally—was all he could ever hope for.
Her expression softened as they swayed, and her gaze locked on his… until it dropped to his lips. Was she imagining the same thing he was?
Her lips parted, and it was all the invitation he needed. He lowered his head and covered her mouth with his. When she relaxed into him, he kissed one corner of her soft lips, slid along them, and then kissed the other corner. Her hand snaked around his neck and her fingers threaded into his hair.
But then he remembered where they were. After kissing her fully once more, he pulled back.
She ran her finger along her lips and breathed out a single word. “Wow.”
“Yeah, wow.”
“Ahem.” Someone cleared their throat behind him.
Oh geez. Here he was, making out with Cameron in public, where everyone could see… everyone being his division chief, Major Williamson. Alex wasn’t in uniform, but that didn’t stop his hands from fisting at his sides as he straightened his spine.
