“Of course not,” he lied, propping back against the pillows.
“You did.” She traced his chin with her fingers. “Didn’t you?”
“Absolutely not.” He gave her his best poker face.
“Right.” She laughed and then solemnly promised, “You’re stuck with me for life.”
“Hallelujah!” He tried to pull her down to him, but she resisted. “What?”
She took a deep breath, released it and said solemnly, “I have something very important to ask you.”
“So ask, and then I want a proper good morning from you.”
“Deal.” She took his hands in hers and asked, “Cameron Stewart, I love you with my whole heart. Will you marry me?” When he remained noticeably silent, she frowned. “Well?”
“I don’t know.” He retrieved one of his hands from her to thoughtfully rub his chin. “This is all so sudden.”
She punched him in the ribs playfully. He laughed and pulled her close, and his mouth made a beeline for hers, capturing her lips for long, satisfying seconds.
“Of course I’ll marry you,” he answered between kisses. “Just try to stop me.”
“You’d better—” she traced his lower lip with her fingers “—because I’ve spoken to your mother about this.”
“You spoke with Mom? When?”
“Yesterday, before I came to see you. We had a wonderful talk, and she really wants a grandbaby.” Her face grew thoughtful. “I think she’s started planning our wedding already.”
“Are you serious?”
“Of course I am.” She laughed. “She thinks we’re perfect together.”
“I can’t argue with her there.”
“She made me promise to get you to the altar as soon as possible.”
“I guess there’s only one thing left for me to do, then.”
“What’s that?”
He brought her hands to his lips before asking, “Angela Brown, for my mother’s sake, for my legacy’s sake and mostly for my sake, will you marry me?”
“Yes, yes I will.” She sealed her promise with a sweet kiss and then pulled back to add, “I can’t wait to marry you, Cam.”
“That’s good because I don’t want a long engagement.”
“You won’t get an argument from me on that.” She sealed her statement with a heated kiss.
“After my meeting today, do you want to go shopping for rings?”
“Oh yes!” She threw her arms around his neck and his arms went around her, pulling her until she was lying on top of him. “I love you so much.”
“It took you long enough to figure that out,” he whispered in her ear.
“Hey.” She pulled back to smile at him. “I came around, didn’t I?”
“Finally.” He groaned the word and then smiled teasingly. “I knew you couldn’t resist my formidable charm forever.”
“You are so conceited.” She shook her head at him in mock reproof.
“Self-assured,” he said, nipping at her lower lip playfully before their mouths melded in a passionate kiss. “Mmm, I love your sweet mouth.”
“Yeah? Show me how much.” She pulled his lips back down to hers, and they feasted for interminable seconds. “It should be illegal to be this happy.”
“It’s not.” Her fingers caressed his cheek, and the unabated love reflected in her eyes was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. “You deserve to be happy, babe.”
“All I want or need for that to happen is you, Cam.” Her arms pulled him down until his body was pressed against hers.
“You’ve got me.” He lowered his mouth toward hers. “Forever.”
“Forever.” She breathed the promise against his lips.
They sealed their promise with a sweet yet passionate kiss.
* * *
After a three-hour meeting, Cam returned to the hotel in the afternoon and changed into jeans and a T-shirt before whisking Angela off to a swanky downtown jeweler to buy her ring. They ate a late lunch and then made their way to Cam’s mother’s house. Angela glanced at the three-carat diamond solitaire in a platinum setting residing on her finger and smiled happily.
“Do you really like it?” Cam intercepted her glance.
“Are you kidding? I love it.” She kissed him briefly. “Though I still think it’s too much.”
“It’s not enough,” he contradicted. “I wanted the five-carat one, remember?”
“Please, I’d be terrified to wear it.” Angela placed her free hand to her heart. “As it is, I’m going to have to get used to this one.”
“You’ll get used to it.” He kissed her hand.
“I think I will.” They drifted together until their mouths met. Simultaneously, they moved closer, arms automatically going around each other, and then they were soon kissing deeply. The screen door opened without either of them realizing it.
“Well, are you two just going to stand there and give the neighbors a peep show, or are you coming in?” They started apart and glanced at Cam’s mother, who was smiling widely at them.
“Hi, Mom.” Cam grinned and put a hand on Angela’s lower back to usher her inside.
“Angela, it’s wonderful to see you, dear.”
“You, too, Mabel.”
“I’m so glad to see you two together and looking so happy.” Mabel showed them onto the screened-in deck at the back of the house. “I hope this means...” Her voice trailed off when Angela held up her left hand and showed off her engagement ring. “Hallelujah!” Mabel placed one arm around both and hugged them tight.
“It doesn’t take much to make her happy.” Cam laughed as he and Angela sat on a wicker sofa with floral cushions. His mother sat across from them in one of the matching chairs.
“Finally, my wayward son is getting married!”
Cam chuckled at his mother’s enthusiasm, and Angela joined him.
“There’s so much to do! Let’s see, we’ll have to decide on flowers, music, your dress, of course, and the preacher.” Mabel ticked off things to do on her fingers. “You two are having a real wedding and not planning on going to a justice of the peace, aren’t you?”
“I want a big wedding,” Angela answered, and Mabel nodded in agreement. “I only plan on getting married once, so it has to be right.”
“Anything you want, babe.” Cam kissed her hand. “The sky’s the limit.”
“Generous to a fault.” Angela kissed his cheek.
As if unable to resist the temptation of the nearness of her mouth, he turned his head and kissed her. As usual when they touched, she melted. It took her several minutes to remember where they were and that Cam’s mother was watching them. Thus, she reluctantly pried her lips from his and glanced at Mabel in apology.
“What are you grinning at, Mom?” Cam’s question gave Angela a few seconds to compose herself.
“I’m just imagining the beautiful babies you two will make.” Mabel’s eyes grew wistful. She hastily added, “Once you’re married, of course.” Cam and Angela laughed.
“Don’t worry, Mom, we’ll make you some legitimate grandbabies.” He grinned at Angela, who was too overcome with emotion to speak because the thought of having Cam’s baby filled her with joy.
“I can’t wait to hold him or her.” Mabel smiled wistfully.
“Well, you’ll have to wait a little while, unless Angela’s been keeping secrets from me,” Cam teased.
“Cam!” Angela blushed, and he laughed heartily.
“We’re not planning a lengthy engagement, so we can get to work on that grandbaby soon, Mom.” He treated Angela to one of his gorgeous smiles, which made up for him embarrassing her. “Right, babe?”
“Right.”
“That’s wonderful. You’d make a lovely June bride, Angela
, but since it’s the middle of May, that doesn’t leave us much time to plan everything.” Mabel’s brows furrowed thoughtfully and she added, “That is, of course, if you’d like my input.”
“Mabel.” Angela reached across and squeezed her hand. “I’d love your help planning the wedding. In fact, I insist.”
Mabel smiled brightly at Angela’s words. “You know I’m thrilled to help in any way.” She motioned to her son, who was smiling tolerantly at her. “I’ve been waiting forever for this one to settle down.”
“I had to find the right woman, didn’t I?” Cam reasoned.
“Yes, dear, I know you did.” Mabel smiled at Angela. “And, may I say, you picked a winner.”
“I know I did.” Cam kissed Angela’s cheek.
“Thank you both.” Angela had never felt so loved. “Mabel, I think between you, me and Alesha, we can get everything planned by the end of June,” Angela predicted.
“We’ll get it done. They don’t call me the organizer at church for nothing.” Angela laughed at Mabel’s proud smile. “Since we’ll be family soon, dear, I’d be so happy if you’d call me Mom.”
Angela’s smile fell. Her voice stuck in her throat. She didn’t think this day could get any better, but she had been wrong. She had been so long without a mother, and now to have one... She was overwhelmed with emotion. She felt Cam and Mabel staring at her, concern evident in their eyes, and yet she was unable to speak for a few uncomfortable seconds.
“I’m sorry, dear. I didn’t mean to upset—”
“No,” Angela whispered, trying to hold back tears. “You didn’t upset me. It’s just that I never thought...” She fought back tears. “I’d love to call you Mom.”
“Then it’s settled.” Mabel squeezed her hand, and Cam kissed her cheek.
“Mom, before you get bogged down in wedding planning, what’s for dinner?”
“Cam, we just ate,” Angela reminded him.
“That was a snack.” He glanced hopefully at his mother. “Now I’m ready for some home cooking.”
Mabel shook her head at him and said to Angela, “This one loves to keep me in the kitchen.”
“Can I help it if you’re an excellent cook?” Cam grinned. “Besides, if we didn’t stay for dinner, I’d never hear the end of it.”
“First things first, Cameron. I’ll rustle up something filling once we make a dent in these wedding plans,” Mabel promised. “Speaking of food, though, I was at the grocery store this morning and just happened to see some bride magazines. I guess a little birdie told me I should buy them.”
“Oh really?” Cam shook his head tolerantly. “You just happened to see them?”
“Shush, or there’ll be no food for you.” Mabel shook a stern finger at Cam, who made a zipping motion across his lips. Mabel picked up several magazines from the side table and handed them to Angela. “An outside wedding will be just beautiful this time of the year, but there’s nothing like an old-fashioned church wedding, either. Which would you prefer, Angela?”
“Outside sounds perfect,” Angela decided as she slowly flipped through a magazine and then glanced at Cam. “Maybe in your backyard?”
“Anywhere you want, babe.” Cam picked up her hand and kissed her fingers one by one.
“What kind of flowers would you like for your bouquet?” Mabel asked. “Angela?”
“What?” She shook her head and tried to focus on Mabel’s question. “I’m sorry, Mabel.” She stared into Cam’s mischievous eyes. “I can’t concentrate with you touching me like that.”
“Really?” He moved closer to her side and scraped his teeth over the tip of her index finger. “Just focus on me then, babe.” Angela’s breath caught in her throat as tentacles of awareness shot up her spine.
“Cameron, behave,” Mabel ordered sternly. “You can be romantic later. Right now, we have a lot of planning to do.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Cam released Angela’s hand but whispered in her ear, “Wait until I get you alone.”
Angela fought a groan at his promise and tried to focus on what Mabel was saying instead of the desire rocketing through her as she stared into the hungry, loving depths of her fiancé’s eyes.
Fiancé—was there a better word in the English language? She didn’t think so. On second thought, husband quickly came to her mind. She couldn’t wait to be able to call Cam that.
* * *
When Cam and Angela arrived back at the hotel later that night, both were happily exhausted. They sat side by side on the sofa. Angela sighed and snuggled close into his side. This had been an absolutely perfect day.
“Happy?”
“Deliriously happy.” Angela’s contented voice and smile echoed the truth of her words.
“Me, too.” Cam hugged her tight. “Mom didn’t overwhelm you too much, did she?”
“Not in the least.” Angela’s smile widened, and she laughed. “She’s so excited about the wedding—almost as much as I am.”
“She’s like a kid in a candy shop,” Cam agreed. “Personally, I can’t wait for our honeymoon.” He glanced down at her when she laid her head on his shoulder. “By the way, can you get time off from the hospital for a real honeymoon? I want to take you somewhere exotic.”
“I have over a month of vacation time, so I’m sure it won’t be a problem.”
“Good.”
Angela snuggled into his warm embrace. “I can’t believe in a little over a month we’ll be married.”
“Believe it, because I’m not letting you go, babe.”
“I’m not letting you go, either.” She placed her palm over his heart. “I hope you’re sure I’m what you want.”
“You’re the one I want, Angela. Always.” He kissed her as if he would never stop, and she participated wholeheartedly.
Once they came up for air, Cam stood, pulled her up and scooped her up into his arms, carrying her into the bedroom. Along the way, she made a symphony of kissing his strong jaw and neck. Cam set her down beside the bed and slowly peeled off her clothes, and she delighted in returning the favor in between kisses. Once they were entwined on the bed, the same slow pace continued. They savored each touch, each kiss, each sensation.
Angela pulled Cam’s mouth down to hers, and they kissed long and deep. She loved kissing him. She’d be content to spend the night just memorizing every nook and cranny of his pleasure-giving mouth. She never knew that a kiss could send her heart racing feverishly against her ribs, causing her entire body to tingle like a million skillful fingers were stroking her, or nourish her soul the way nothing else in this world could. She realized only a kiss from Cam could fill her up to bursting and give her everything she needed to be happy and fulfilled.
All coherent thoughts fled from her mind as Cam’s hands, mouth and body skillfully played her pliant flesh like an accomplished musician mastering his instrument, coaxing the sweetest music from her. Their bodies strained closer and hearts became one as they silently proclaimed their undying love to each other.
Later, lying close, completely at ease and feeling whole for the first time in a long, long time, Angela thrilled at her unshakable, complete happiness.
“You’d better be here when I wake up in the morning.” Cam’s soft warning disturbed the peaceful quiet.
“I guess you’re just going to have to wait and see.” She ran her palm down his smooth chest before kissing his pecs lingeringly.
“If you’re not—” his hands slowly traveled down her bare back to rest on her hip “—I’m going to hunt you down and bring you back.”
“Ooh,” she murmured. “Caveman behavior turns me on.”
“Really?” His hands wandered over her bare skin with increasing insistence.
“Mmm-hmm.” She snuggled closer to his warm, hard body. “But you’ve completely worn me out for now
.”
“Okay.” He kissed the top of her head. “Rest, babe.”
“I love you,” she whispered sleepily.
“I love you, too.” Strong arms enfolded her, and shortly she fell asleep in his arms, feeling more loved and secure than she ever had.
* * *
When Cam awoke the next morning to bright sunlight filtering softly through the windows, a contented smile spread across his face because Angela was still nestled snugly in his arms where she belonged—where he knew she would remain. Forever.
* * * * *
We hope you enjoyed this Harlequin Kimani Romance.
You dream in vibrant hues! Harlequin Kimani Romance stories feature sophisticated, soulful and sensual African-American and multicultural heroes and heroines who develop fulfilling relationships as they lead lives full of drama, glamour and passion.
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ISBN-13: 9781460340813
Take Me in Your Arms
Copyright © 2014 by Judy Lynn Hubbard
All rights reserved. By payment of the required fees, you have been granted the non-exclusive, non-transferable right to access and read the text of this e-book on-screen. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, down-loaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of publisher, Harlequin Enterprises Limited, 225 Duncan Mill Road, Don Mills, Ontario, Canada M3B 3K9.
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