He took out a pitcher and told her where to find the glasses, and she filled them before replacing the pitcher in the fridge.
“Can you get a mixing bowl out of the cabinet?” Cam nodded toward the location.
“Sure.” Angela retrieved a large bowl and set it on the counter.
“Thanks, babe.” Cam rewarded her with a sweet kiss. “I hate cracking eggs. I hereby delegate that job to you.”
“Okay.” Angela took the eggs and cracked them open before dropping them into the bowl.
Cam started grating cheese. Together they took out the remainder of the ingredients they needed to prepare their dinner. She chopped vegetables while he beat the eggs until fluffy and then added butter, sliced mushrooms and onions to two pans before placing them on the stovetop. She was working on dicing a bell pepper when he walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist.
“Cam, stop it. You’re going to make me cut myself,” she warned him. He took the knife out of her hand and placed it on the countertop, then pulled her back against his hard length while his mouth investigated her bare shoulder and neck. “Um...Cam...”
“Hmm?” His hands slid up to cup her breasts, and his teeth worried her earlobe. At her continued silence, he asked, “What is it?”
“I...” She shook her head to clear it, trying to remember what she had been about to tell him. “Oh, that feels nice, but...the...mushrooms are going to...to burn,” she managed.
“Oh. Okay.” He gave her earlobe a final tug before reluctantly releasing her to tend to their dinner. He added bell pepper to the simmering veggies, and after a few minutes poured the eggs into the two frying pans. “A second longer, and I’d have had to start all over again.” He effortlessly cooked both omelets simultaneously and then flipped them into plates once they were done.
“This looks great,” she said, and he kissed her briefly and nodded for her to sit at the breakfast nook. She grabbed their juice, and he carried their plates over and sat down beside her.
“They’re not my best. I was distracted.” He ran a burning finger down her cheek. “But I think they’re edible.”
“Let’s see.” She placed a forkful of omelet in her mouth. “Mmm. Wonderful.”
“Don’t sound so surprised. I’m a pretty good cook, if I do say so myself.”
“You are.” Angela took in another mouthful of egg, chewed and swallowed before asking, “Who taught you to cook?”
“My mom. She was determined her baby wasn’t going to live on take-out food.” He had mimicked his mother’s voice, and Angela laughed.
“You should thank her. She did a wonderful job with you.” She wasn’t just talking about cooking. He really was a remarkable man in so many ways.
“Thank you.” The way he was looking at her made it very hard to breathe.
“Did you ever call her about your accident?”
She chuckled at his pained expression. “Yes, and she read me the riot act for not calling sooner.” He turned his head and pointed to his ear. “Can’t you see part of my ear’s been chewed off?”
“Serves you right.” She laughed and took a sip of her juice before returning her attention to her eggs.
“Hey, whose side are you on?”
“Yours.” Her easy, truthful answer at his mock outrage elicited a wide grin from him. He leaned over, took her fork from her unresisting hand and kissed her soundly. She leaned into the kiss, hands framing his face. “What was that for?”
“Because I wanted to,” he said against her clinging mouth. “Are you full?” He pulled her from her seat. They had only eaten a few bites of their food, but she was done.
“From food? Yes.”
They drifted together again, and their lips met and melted effortlessly as if they were old familiar lovers. Her arms wound around his neck, and one of his arms encircled her waist while the fingers of his other hand became ensnared in her short hair, holding her mouth tight against his. Their kisses grew deep and fierce. Without releasing her mouth, he scooped her up into his arms and carried her effortlessly out of the room, down the hall and up the stairs into his bedroom.
Cam set her feet down beside the bed and released her mouth. They slowly undressed each other, carelessly tossing their clothes onto the polished red-oak floors. She sat on the edge of the bed and stared unabashedly at his magnificent body.
“Like what you see?”
“Oh yes.” Appreciative eyes drank their fill of his hard physique, from his beautiful bald head to his toes and back up again. “Very much.”
“You’re shameless.” Despite his words, an approving smile lit up his eyes.
“I’m a nurse, Mr. Stewart.” She trailed her hands up his hard thighs before lying back on the bed in a seductive pose that had his eyes dilating. “The things I know about human anatomy are astounding.”
“Are they now?” He lowered himself over her, holding his full weight off her with a hand placed on either side of her body. “Like what?”
“Like...” She smiled sexily, trailing her hand from his chiseled pecs to his well-defined stomach. “Maybe I should show you instead of telling you?”
“If you’d like.”
“The question is—” her hand inched low on his stomach, fingers splayed wide “—would you like me to?”
“By all means.” His voice was steady, but she felt his muscles contracting beneath her wandering fingers, and then he groaned deep and throaty.
“Your wish is my command.” She pushed him onto his back and half covered his body with hers. Her mouth settled in the crook of his neck, and she inhaled his intoxicating cologne deeply before her tongue darted out to outline the pulse beating erratically at the base. “Want me to stop?”
“Stop? You just got started—I hope.”
She laughed and slid her body down his, using her hands, lips, tongue and teeth to investigate every inch of him. She took her time, refusing to be rushed, savoring every texture and taste of him. Her tongue and then her teeth tortured his nipples, wringing a hiss of approval from him. Then his muscled chest begged for her attention, and she was happy to give it before running her tongue down and across his corrugated stomach where her fingers, lips and tongue painstakingly investigated every hard indentation.
She hummed approvingly as her mouth and hands purposefully traveled lower, encouraged and urged on by Cam’s ragged moans. She nibbled across his enticing skin, enjoying his unique taste more than any food. She sweetly tortured him with butterfly kisses and lingering caresses until his hands touched the back of her head, holding her tight against his humming flesh.
“Damn, woman!” She smiled at his whispered curse and opened her mouth wider, taking more of his hot flesh into her voracious mouth. His curses turned to unintelligible groans. After a blissful eternity, his fingers anchored in her hair and pulled her skillful mouth away from his tingling flesh, and he gasped, “Enough.”
“Enough?” she whispered in his ear once she crawled up his body. “But I was just warming up.”
He groaned, and a pleased smile lit up her face.
“How was it?”
“The best I’ve ever had,” he answered breathlessly. “You would have brought me to my knees if I’d been standing.”
“That makes me feel all-powerful.” At his intense stare, her teasing smile faltered.
“You do have power over me, Angela.”
Without giving her time to contemplate or answer, he placed a hand behind her head and brought her sweet mouth to his. God, she loved kissing him. He knew exactly how to kiss her to effectively turn her into a tingling mass of need.
He took his time and thoroughly explored every treasure her mouth had to offer, and coaxed her into doing the same with him. Everything about this man was so appealing, so perfect, and for a little while at least, he was a
ll hers.
* * *
When Cam awoke in the morning, a huge grin spread across his face as he reached across his bed in search of Angela. His face quickly fell when his seeking hand encountered only emptiness. He sat up and glanced around the room. Angela’s clothes, which that had been scattered haphazardly last night, were gone, and his were neatly folded across the back of a chair.
“Angela?” He padded out of bed and went into the bathroom, but she wasn’t there. “Angela?”
Damn! She was gone. But she couldn’t be gone because the alarm would have sounded, and even though he slept like the dead, that blaring noise would have definitely awakened him. With his palm, he smacked his forehead. Idiot! You forgot to set the alarm last night! Well, he had been wonderfully preoccupied.
Scratching his chin, he glanced at the nightstand and saw the note lying there. Walking over, he picked it up and read it: Cam, I had to be at work early this morning. You were sleeping so peacefully I didn’t have the heart to wake you. I’ll call you later. Angela.
Well, that explained everything. Sighing, he picked up the phone and dialed her number. After a brief wait, she answered.
“Good morning, Cam.”
“Good morning. I missed you when I woke up.”
“Did you find my note?”
“Yes, but you could have woken me up. I would have driven you to work.”
“I started to, but I decided to call a cab and let you sleep. You’ve been working so hard lately, and you looked so peaceful that I just couldn’t bear to wake you.” She paused. “Are you mad?”
“No, I’m not. I was just looking forward to waking up with you.” He added wickedly, “I had such plans for you.”
“Oh, do tell.” She sounded suddenly breathless, and he could hear the excitement in her voice.
“I think I’ll show you later instead,” he promised. “You still owe me about twelve hours of your time.”
“Oh, do I now?” She chuckled.
“Mmm-hmm, and I intend to collect every second.”
“I’ll be more than happy to pay up,” she whispered.
“Tonight?”
“Tonight.” She paused. “But I’m afraid I’ve got to go now. You caught me on the way to a meeting, and then I have to be in surgery.”
He tsked. “You’re a bigger workaholic than I am.”
“It takes one to know one,” she agreed. He heard background noise and envisioned her walking down a crowded hallway. “I’ll see you tonight?”
“You’d better. What time do you get off?”
“Four.”
“I’ll pick you up at six?”
“Perfect. I’ll see you then.”
“Yes, you will,” he said before ringing off.
Whistling a happy tune, he padded into the bathroom and started the shower. He couldn’t wait until tonight.
* * *
That night, Angela met Cam at his place instead, and decided it was best to have her car since she had another early shift at the hospital in the morning. He greeted her at the door with a passionate kiss.
“Wow,” she breathed when he released her mouth.
“I’ve been looking forward to that all day.”
“I hope it didn’t disappoint you.”
“You never disappoint me.” He led her into the living room. “Drink?”
“No, I’ll wait for dinner.” She smoothed fingers down the lapel of his immaculate navy suit jacket. “How was work?”
“Busy, but productive. What about you?”
“The same.” She sank gratefully onto the sofa. “I love my job, but this past week has been horrific!”
“Now it’s time for us to relax.” Cam sat down close beside her and ran his hands down her bare arms.
“You’ll get no argument from me on that.”
“Good.” Unable to help himself, he pulled her close again.
“You promised me dinner.” Even as she protested, her body arched invitingly against his.
“I can cook something here.” He nibbled on her neck.
“If we stay here, we’ll never eat. We didn’t begin to do justice to your wonderful omelets last night,” she reminded him, kissing him quickly before pulling back. “Food first, then we can come back here for dessert.”
“That sounds good, but first...” He started to kiss her again, but the doorbell rang. Sighing, he released her and stood. “Decide where you want to eat while I get rid of whoever this is.”
She laughed. “Cam, be nice.”
“No one’s going to interrupt my night with you, babe.”
* * *
Cam whistled a happy tune while walking to the door. Upon opening it, his smile froze. “Mom! What are you doing here?”
“What kind of greeting is that, Cameron?” Mabel placed a hand on her hip and smiled at him.
“I’m sorry.” He gave her a long hug and a kiss on the cheek. “Of course I’m glad to see you. I’m just surprised.”
“That was the idea.” She laughed as he pulled her inside. “I’m relieved to see you looking fit and healthy.”
Cam sighed. “Mom, I told you I was fine.”
“Well, I had to see with my own two eyes in person, didn’t I?” She inspected him closely and then concluded, “You look wonderful, very happy.”
“I am.” Cam guided her toward the living room. “Let me show you why.”
“Cam, who was at the...” Angela’s voice trailed off as Cam and an older woman entered the living room.
“Hello, dear, I’m Cameron’s mother.”
“Mrs. Stewart.” Angela stood and offered her hand. “It’s very nice to meet you.”
“You, too...” Mabel paused and glanced at her son.
“Mom, this is Angela Brown.”
“A pleasure to meet you, Angela.” She smiled approvingly and turned her attention back to her son. “I didn’t know you were seeing someone, Cameron.”
“We’re good friends, Mom.” Her smile said she didn’t believe that was all they were for a second. “Where are your bags? In the cab?”
“No, they’re at my hotel.”
“You’re not staying at a hotel when I have all this room.”
“Yes, I am.” Mabel’s stance brooked no argument. “You know I like my privacy.”
“But Mom...”
“Now, you know once I’ve made up my mind about something, it’s useless trying to make me change it.” She glanced at Angela. “Besides, you don’t need me hanging around underfoot when you have a nice lady friend.”
“Subtle, Mom.” Cam shook his head, and Angela smiled slightly.
“Subtlety is overrated,” Mabel quickly returned.
“How’s the family?” Cam hoped to distract her.
“Great. Everyone’s wondering when you’re coming for a visit.”
“I’ll try to swing it soon. Can I get you something to drink?”
“No, thanks, dear.”
“I hope you’ll be here long enough for me to plan a barbecue.”
“I’d love that.” Mabel’s eyes lit up in anticipation. “I’m leaving on Saturday night.”
“Great, I’ll invite Derrick and Alesha over on Saturday and we’ll make a day of it.”
“That will be fun,” Mabel said. “Were you two heading out?”
“We were going to dinner.” Cam glanced at Angela, who smiled and nodded in response to his unasked question. “Have you eaten, Mom?”
“No, not yet.”
“Good, now you can join us.”
“Please do,” Angela chimed in.
“If you’re sure I’m not intruding.”
“Of course not.” Cam stood between them and took each of their hands, usheri
ng them outside. “I love the idea of having two beautiful ladies on my arms.”
Chapter 10
A half hour later, Cam, Angela and his mother were all seated around the table at a French restaurant. Mabel and Cam did most of the talking while Angela studied the mother and son. Mabel Stewart’s hair was cut short and was sprinkled with gray. She was vibrant and witty. Angela knew she had to be in her sixties, but she looked much younger. They obviously loved each other very much, and watching them, Angela realized how much she missed her own mother, who had long since died from a broken heart—among other things.
“Are you from Washington, Angela?”
Angela started at Mabel’s question. “No.” She managed a half smile. “South Carolina.”
“Does your family still live there?”
“A few cousins and an aunt, but my parents passed away.” That was halfway true—her mother had, but she had no idea where her lying father was, and she didn’t care.
“I’m sorry, dear.” Mabel’s brown eyes filled with regret. “I didn’t mean to resurrect unpleasant memories.”
“It’s fine.” Angela forced a smile and could have kissed Cam when he covered her hand with his reassuringly and changed the subject.
“Mom, Angela’s a nurse. She took care of me when I had my accident.”
“Thank you for looking after him.” Mabel gave her son a wry glance. “I’m sure he wasn’t the best patient.”
At his mother’s assertion, Cam frowned and Angela hid a smile behind her hand. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Cameron, you hate hospitals—especially when you’re confined in one.” Mabel turned to Angela and explained, “He had his appendix out when he was sixteen, and my Lord, the ruckus he caused was humiliating.”
“Thanks for embarrassing me, Mom.”
“Payback, son.” Mabel chuckled, and as if to prove her point, asked, “Angela, what type of patient was my son?”
“He was...” Angela fought to suppress a smile. “He was very...” When Cam shot her a shocked glance, the smile broke through and she laughed. “I’m sorry, Cam, but you were not the best patient.”
“Aha!” Mabel laughed in vindication. “Case closed.” Ignoring her son’s audible sigh, she continued. “He can be overbearing, but his bark is worse than his bite.”
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