I really don’t want to lose her.
The thought came out of nowhere, shaking Maxwell to the core.
Chapter 9
“I missed you last night,” Maxwell said when Camille strolled into his office. She looked beautiful in the gray pinstripe suit she was wearing.
She smiled. “I missed you, too. I thought about calling you, but it was late when I got home.”
“I was probably up,” he told her.
“Well, I was thinking that maybe I could cook dinner for you tonight,” she told him. “If you’re not busy.”
He broke into a grin. “I would love a real home-cooked meal.”
Camille folded her arms across her chest. “I hope that I don’t disappoint you then.”
“You won’t,” he reassured her.
Camille left Maxwell’s office and strolled around the corner to hers. She spent a few minutes going over her calendar with her assistant before sitting down at her desk to work on a press release.
When that was done she pulled out her Christmas shopping list and added Maxwell’s name to it.
“What do you buy the man who has everything?” she whispered. Camille made a mental note to ask Jerome to help her find something nice for Maxwell.
As she mentally listed some suggestions, she spotted Jaclyn in the hallway and called out her name.
“How is your patient doing?” she asked. “The one in the coma.”
“Oh, Robert Waterford. Nothing’s changed.”
“What happened to him?” Camille inquired.
“He was hit by another driver and lost control of his car,” Jaclyn said. “When the paramedics arrived, they were able to restore his breathing and heartbeat and he was transported, unconscious, to hospital.”
“He’s been in a coma since the accident?” Camille asked.
Jaclyn nodded. “I keep hoping for a Christmas miracle.”
“Have faith.”
They talked for a few minutes more, and then Jaclyn left to meet Lucien. They were making plans for their wedding.
Camille recalled a case where a female patient had suffered contraction of her four extremities with irreversible muscle and tendon damage. The patient had no cognitive or reflex ability to swallow food or water and would never recover such ability. The husband and her family were at odds because he told the doctors that his wife would not wish to continue her life unless she could have a normal life. Her family disagreed, so they ended up in court. After a couple of years, a court found that, although her respiration and circulation continued unaided, she was oblivious to her surroundings and her brain had degenerated. She hated to see the Waterfords endure such a protracted legal battle.
The Waterford family was another prominent family in Alexandria, so any legal action on the part of the family would end up as front-page news.
The Waterfords had donated quite a bit of money to the hospital as well, although not as much as the Matthews family. Camille shook her head. The hospital couldn’t afford to lose any more donors.
She raised her eyes heavenward and whispered, “We really do need a miracle.”
Camille eyed the dining room table and smiled. She had scented candles stationed around the room and in the center of the table. She had rushed home after work to cook and get ready for her dinner date with Maxwell.
I want this evening to be perfect.
Humming softly, Camille strolled into the kitchen to see how her meal was faring. Her chicken had been in the slow cooker since she left for work on a low temperature. She opened the oven to check on the scalloped potatoes.
Everything smelled delicious.
She went upstairs to put on a purple, long-sleeved maxi dress. She then slipped on a pair of matching purple ballet flats.
Maxwell arrived thirty minutes later with a huge bouquet of flowers.
“Something smells good,” he told her when she stepped aside to let him enter the townhouse.
“Thank you,” she said with a smile. “Everything should be ready soon.”
“These are for you,” Maxwell said, holding out the flowers to her. “When I saw them, they reminded me of you.”
She sniffed the colorful bouquet and said, “They’re beautiful, Maxwell. Thank you.”
Maxwell and Camille sat down at the dining room table to eat as soon as the food was ready.
He quickly blessed the food before they dived in.
Camille could feel Maxwell watching her. “Shouldn’t you be concentrating on your food?” She was eager for him to try the drunken chicken she’d prepared. It was her mother’s recipe and one that usually turned out well when she cooked it.
“I can’t believe we’re here like this,” he confessed.
Maxwell’s eyes traveled over her face, and then slid downward. “When I came to Alexandria, I never expected to meet or start caring about anyone. I came here to help Hopewell’s legal counsel with the Matthews lawsuit—that was it.”
She took a sip of her lemonade. Camille felt a wave of apprehension course through her veins. She wasn’t really sure where Maxwell was going with his conversation.
He met her gaze straight on. “I guess what I’m trying to say is that I never expected to develop feelings for you. I care about you, Camille.”
Camille wiped her mouth with the edge of her napkin. “Since we’re being honest, I want you to know that I really care about you, too.”
The air around them suddenly seemed electrified.
Maxwell wiped his mouth with his napkin. “I believe we both know where this relationship is going, so there’s something we should really talk about.”
“What is it?” Camille tried to read his expression for a clue of what he wanted to discuss.
“When this case is wrapped up, I’ll be returning to New York.”
“I’m aware of that,” she stated without emotion.
“How do you feel about that?”
“To be honest, I’m trying not to think about it,” Camille confessed. “I just want to enjoy the time that we do have together.”
He nodded in agreement. “I am a native New Yorker, Camille. I love the city and I intend to stay there.”
“I understand,” she said. “Maxwell, I don’t have any false illusions about us.”
Taking her hand in his, he said, “I don’t want this to end. What we have together is something special. I want it to run its course.”
“Are you telling me that you want to have a long-distance relationship?” Camille asked, seeking clarity.
“I do. For now.” Maxwell grinned. “Hopefully I can persuade you to move to New York.”
Camille gasped in surprise.
He laughed. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to shock you.”
It took a moment for her to find her voice. “I guess I just didn’t expect something like that to come out of your mouth, especially at this point in our relationship.”
“I surprised myself,” he confessed. “But I mean it, Camille. I’m not looking for something temporary. I didn’t really realize it until now.” Maxwell met her gaze straight on. “How do you feel about this? Are we on the same page?”
Camille surveyed Maxwell’s face, and then smiled. “I would like to see where this goes.”
After they finished eating, Camille pushed away from the table and stood up. “Make yourself comfortable while I clean up the kitchen.”
“I’ll help,” Maxwell offered.
She looked at him in disbelief. “Really? You?”
Maxwell kissed her. “I know how to cook, clean a house and wash dishes. I have a lot to offer a woman.”
She laughed. “You sure do.”
They put the dishes into the dishwasher and put away the rest of the food. When the kitchen was clean, they settled down on the living room sofa.
Maxwell pulled her into his arms, holding her close.
Camille laid her head against his chest. Whenever she was in his arms, there was only one way she could define how she felt—it was like comin
g home. It felt perfect. It felt right.
His mouth covered hers and she let herself respond to his kiss.
Camille pulled away slowly. “I have never felt this way before.”
“Neither have I. The thought of losing you doesn’t sit well with me.”
Happiness welled up in her at his words. Camille could feel her heartbeat racing just from the sound of Maxwell’s voice.
He kissed her again and this time full-out desire ignited in her belly. She felt as if she were losing herself in Maxwell. It was as if the two of them were destined to become lovers tonight.
She pulled away reluctantly. “I guess we should put the brakes on,” she whispered.
“Really?”
She nodded. “I don’t think we should rush into a…” Camille struggled to find the right words.
“A physical relationship,” he finished for her.
“Yes,” Camille responded. Nervous, she chewed on her bottom lip.
He eyed her lovingly. “I have to tell you, Camille. You are a very sexy woman. You can’t blame a man for trying.”
“I find you incredibly sexy as well,” she pulled his face down and whispered in his ear.
Turning in his arms, Camille lifted her mouth to him, kissing him softly. Unnamable sensations ran through her as Maxwell’s hands traveled down her body. She felt the heat from their closeness, and her body began to burn with his touch.
Maxwell gently grasped Camille’s hand, his fingers fondling its smoothness. When she looked up at him, her gaze sent currents through him.
He lowered his head and kissed her on the forehead. “I think I’d better go.” He pulled her to her feet and into his arms.
He held her close to him. “I don’t want to leave you.”
“Maxwell, I really don’t want you to go,” Camille responded as a shiver of wanting ran down her spine. “But we should call it a night.”
She walked him to the door.
“Good night,” Camille said, her voice barely above a whisper. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
She watched from her window as he drove away.
Why did I let him leave?
Camille knew the answer already. It was because she was a virgin. She planned to tell him but only when the time was right.
Maxwell could not deny it any longer. He was falling in love with Camille.
Earlier tonight, Maxwell had been transparent with her about his feelings and wanting to pursue a relationship with her. He had never—
The telephone rang, interrupting his thoughts.
“Dad, thanks for calling me back.” Maxwell was thrilled to hear from his father. He had been trying to connect with him for the past couple of days.
“I’ve been in court,” his dad explained.
Their conversation was brief, but after talking to his father, Maxwell decided to fly home to New York for the rest of the week. He had to complete work on some of his other projects.
Maxwell smiled to himself as an idea formed in his mind.
I’m going to invite Camille to go to New York with me. It would give her a chance to see the city from my point of view.
Early the next morning, he sent Camille an email inviting her to have lunch with him.
Afterward, he and Ray went downstairs to try and catch up with Dr. Dudley. They needed to discuss some of the details of the lawsuit with him.
On his way back to the elevator, Maxwell saw Isabelle and stopped to say hello.
She pasted on a huge smile and said, “Hey, Maxwell. How are you doing?”
“Doing good,” he responded.
Isabelle grabbed him by the arm, surprising him. Her voice low, she said, “Camille’s my girl. I don’t want you breaking her heart. Okay?”
He grinned. “I hear you, Dr. Morales.”
Maxwell spotted Thomas and rushed to join him at the other end of the hallway.
“I guess whatever you said to Dudley worked,” Thomas said. “He’s having a new fraternization policy drafted.”
“I just spoke to him and he never mentioned anything,” Maxwell stated. “That’s great news.”
“I think so,” Thomas replied. “Hey, how are things going with Camille?”
Hearing her name prompted a smile on his face. “I’m planning on inviting her to New York. I need to take care of some casework, so I’m flying out tomorrow morning.”
Thomas looked surprised. “I guess things are going really well with you two.”
“She’s very special,” Maxwell said.
Two hours later, he and Camille entered the hospital cafeteria. It was beginning to snow, so they decided to stay on-site.
“I have to go home for the rest of the week,” Maxwell announced after they sat down at one of the tables near the windows. “I need to take care of some time-sensitive cases.”
“When do you think you’ll be back?” Camille inquired. She took a sip of her hot herbal tea.
“Not until Sunday evening.”
“I’m going to miss you,” she told him.
Maxwell sliced off a piece of his chicken. “I was actually hoping that you would join me, sweetheart. I’d like for you to come to New York.”
Camille’s eyes registered her surprise at his invitation. She didn’t exactly know how to respond.
“I would love to show you around Manhattan. It’s beautiful there this time of the year.”
She smiled. “I haven’t been to New York since I was a teen. Maxwell, I have to be honest. Your invitation really caught me by surprise. I would love to join you, but I need to check my calendar. The charity ball is weeks away and then there’s the Christmas party for the kids—there’s a lot going on.”
Stunned, Maxwell blinked. He hadn’t really expected her to say anything but yes. He was used to women jumping at his every whim. Most would have been thrilled to receive his invitation. Camille hadn’t said no, but she hadn’t said yes, either.
He gave himself a mental shake. “I’m not trying to rush you into anything you’re not ready to do. I have several guest rooms.”
Camille reached over, placing her hand over his. “Maxwell, it’s nothing like that. This is just so unexpected.”
“I just don’t want you to think that I’m trying to get you away just to ravish you.”
She laughed. “I don’t think you’d do that. You’re my knight in shining armor, remember? You saved me from you-know-who.” Camille didn’t want to say Dr. Dudley’s name in the event someone was listening to their conversation.
“I hope that you’ll decide to come with me,” Maxwell said. “I know that we’d have a good time in New York.”
She smiled. “As soon as I get back to my office, I’ll check my calendar and let you know.”
Maxwell didn’t know if she was just playing it cool or if she really needed to consult her calendar. The fact that she had not jumped at his invitation bothered him to no end.
Chapter 10
Alone in her office, Camille was delighted by Maxwell’s invitation to join him in New York. The idea of seeing the city all dressed up for Christmas was tempting, but she also knew that Maxwell was ready to take their relationship to the next level.
It wasn’t that Camille wasn’t ready for a physical relationship with him. He ignited sparks of desire within her whenever they were together, roused emotions that she had never felt with any other man. The truth was that she had never really been in love before. What she was experiencing with Maxwell was foreign to her. He was getting to her in ways no other man ever had.
Camille hadn’t told him that she was still a virgin; the time was never right to have such a discussion. She wasn’t one of the experienced and sophisticated women Maxwell was used to dating. She didn’t even have the right clothes.
She loved the thought of being alone with Maxwell for a weekend, but she just didn’t want to take the chance of making a fool out of herself in front of him.
He is a good man, Camille silently acknowledged. He’s been brutally hon
est with me, one of the reasons I’ve fallen so hard for him.
Deep down, she really wanted to go to New York.
Camille picked up the phone to call Maxwell. She wanted to tell him that she would meet him in New York on Friday.
However, fear set in, forcing her to abandon the call.
What am I thinking? I can’t do this.
She got little work done as she debated whether or not to spend the weekend with Maxwell.
He was still heavy on her mind an hour later, but Camille was no closer to a decision. She clasped her hands to her head and groaned. “I can’t believe this. It shouldn’t be so hard.”
Reaching for the telephone, she muttered, “This is so crazy. I should go to New York with him.”
Camille hung up the phone before Maxwell could answer. “No, I can’t…?.”
She inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly.
Picking up the receiver, Camille dialed quickly before she changed her mind. “Maxwell, do you have a minute to talk?”
“Sure,” he responded. “What’s up?”
“I want to talk to you about the trip to New York.”
She hung up the phone after Maxwell volunteered to come to her office for their discussion.
Her assistant had already left for lunch, so they would be free of interruption.
Camille was seated on the sofa in her office when Maxwell arrived. “Thanks for coming down,” she said.
He sat down beside her. “What’s up, sweetheart?”
Her hands folded in her lap, Camille cleared her throat nervously. “Maxwell, I’ve been thinking about your invitation. I considered meeting you there on Friday, but…” Her voice died.
“But what?”
“I think it’s best if I decline this time around,” she said. “I still have a lot to do on the charity ball and some other projects.” She gave him a tiny smile. “I really hope you’ll ask me again some other time.”
She had not been prepared for how disappointed Maxwell looked. “There will be other times, won’t there?” Camille asked.
“Of course,” Maxwell responded after a brief pause. “Can you tell me something, Camille? What’s the real reason you’re turning me down?”
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