Case of Desire

by Jacquelin Thomas

  “I know. It’s just that you won’t be here working down the hall from me.”

  Maxwell wrapped an arm around her. “You can always move to New York.”

  His words stunned her. Camille had not considered how they would handle his return to New York. She had been reveling in her newfound joy so much that she hadn’t given it much thought. However, the reality was that their relationship would soon become a long-distance one.

  “Camille…” he prompted.

  She turned to face him. “I would have to really think about it, Maxwell.”

  “Does that mean that you’re leaning toward relocating?”

  Camille didn’t want to disappoint him, but she had to be honest. “I don’t know. It’s a lot to consider.”

  “It’s not something you have to decide right now,” Maxwell told her. “I just want you to consider it. I don’t want to leave you behind.”

  Camille smiled at him. “I’ll think about it, Maxwell. I’ll give it some serious thought.”

  Maxwell left to take care of some paperwork.

  After he’d gone an idea struck Camille, bringing a smile to her face.

  Chapter 15

  Maxwell strolled into the house and found rose petals strewn on the floor and up the spiral staircase.

  His lips turned upward into a smile.

  “Honey, I’m home,” he called out as he slowly made his way up the stairs.

  In the master bedroom, Maxwell found Camille wearing lingerie. She had set up a small table in the master bedroom covered with champagne, two plates laden with lobster, a Caesar salad and rolls. Maxwell noted there was also a silver tray with chocolate-covered strawberries.

  “What did I do to deserve this?” he asked with a smile.

  “We’re celebrating the successful way that you’ve handled the Matthews lawsuit.”

  Maxwell kissed her.

  “Thank you, sweetheart. I really appreciate this. No one has ever done anything like this for me.”

  Looking lovingly in his eyes, Camille said, “You deserve this and more.” She led him over to the table. “I hope you brought your appetite with you.”

  They sat down and enjoyed their dinner.

  “This was delicious,” Maxwell stated. He wiped his mouth with the end of his napkin. “I guess the chocolate-covered strawberries are dessert.”

  Camille shook her head. “Actually, I had something else in mind.”

  She stood up, walked to the center of the room and began untying her negligee.

  Maxwell’s breath caught in his throat at the sight of the beautiful woman standing before him. He would never tire of looking at Camille.

  It was becoming clearer to him, that he had found his soul mate. She was the other half of him. Maxwell was not going to risk losing her.

  He had to find a way to convince Camille to move to New York.

  The hospital was buzzing with the news that the lawsuit had been dropped. Maxwell had also been able to quietly settle the other pending lawsuit with the family for the wrong medication. The heavy cloud hanging over Hopewell General Hospital had finally disappeared.

  Maxwell was hailed a hero by many of the staff, including Dr. Dudley.

  Camille and her staff were busy handling media requests and working on a press release for the hospital.

  A knock on Camille’s office door drew her attention away from her project.

  A grin spread across her face. “Hey.”

  Maxwell walked briskly into the office, closing the door behind him. “I have to fly to New York tonight. I’ll be gone for a couple of days.”

  He wrapped his arms around her. “I’m sorry for the late notice.”

  Turning in his arms, Camille lifted her mouth to him, kissing him softly. Unnamable sensations ran through her as his hands traveled down her body. She felt the heat from their closeness and the pit of her 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 wish you could go with me.”

  “I wish I could go with you, too, but I can’t.” She felt an odd twinge of disappointment. The last thing Camille wanted was to be apart from Maxwell for two days. It seemed like an eternity.

  “I’ll be back before you even realize that I’m gone,” Maxwell said, as if he could read her thoughts.

  “I doubt that,” Camille responded. “I miss you already.”

  They softly touched lips. The kiss was slow and thoughtful. His tongue traced to soft fullness of her lips, sending shivers of desire racing through her veins. Camille gave herself freely to the passion of his kiss.

  When they finally parted, she said, “I love you, Maxwell.”

  “I love you, too, sweetheart.”

  Maxwell swept her up one more in his arms.

  To both Maxwell and Camille, the hug held much more than an embrace.

  While Maxwell was in New York, Camille worked feverishly.

  She was pleased that her fundraising efforts, aided in part by some wonderful contacts she’d met through Maxwell, had netted a huge endowment for Hopewell.

  Maxwell was returning to Alexandria today and Camille could hardly wait to see him. Although they talked every night, she still missed him dearly.

  She had worked late for the past two days, but she planned to leave an hour early in order to properly plan a romantic homecoming for him.

  Maxwell showed up on at her door shortly after 8:00 p.m.

  Camille stepped back to let him inside the town house.

  Leaning into him, she welcomed his warm embrace.

  “I’m so glad to see you, sweetheart,” he murmured in her hair. “Those were the longest two days of my life.”

  Camille laughed. “I know what you mean. I kept thinking that there had to be something wrong with my watch.” Gesturing toward the love seat, she stated, “Give me a few minutes to set everything up and then we can eat. Dinner is almost ready.”

  “Take your time, sweetheart. I’m going to take a shower and change clothes. I came straight here from the airport.”

  She reached out, pulling him into her arms. “I’m so glad that you’re back.”

  He kissed her. “Me, too.”

  Half an hour later, Camille led Maxwell into the dining room, where he eyed the beautifully decorated table.

  Flames flickered from the silver-colored candles, casting a soft glow on the succulent display of steak, scalloped potatoes, yeast rolls and steaming broccoli.

  “Everything looks delicious.”

  “Thank you.”

  Camille sat down in the chair Maxwell pulled out for her.

  He eased into a chair facing her.

  She smiled when Maxwell closed his eyes as she chewed. Camille was pleased to see that he was enjoying his meal. She loved cooking for him. Camille also enjoyed the times when they were together in the kitchen preparing meals. She cherished those special moments. It was something she had seen her parents do, and those shared moments had seemed to draw them closer.

  Her parents were not only husband and wife—they were also best friends. Camille had never seen her parents yell or argue. This didn’t mean that they always agreed with one another. They were able to talk any problems through. Camille wanted this type of relationship with Maxwell.

  After the dessert, Maxwell insisted on helping Camille with cleaning up. When they were done, they retired to the living room.

  “You’re spoiling me,” Maxwell told Camille. “All of this attention. I’m not used to this.”

  She frowned. “You get a lot of attention, Maxwell. You can’t walk into a room without every woman staring you down.”

  “I’m not talking about that kind of attention. I’m usually the one lavishing my attention on the person I’m dating. It’s all about them.”

  “Then you’ve been dating the wrong women,” she blurted.

  He laughed. “I
’m sure you’re right.”

  “Maxwell, I want shared memories and experiences between us,” Camille stated. “It can’t be one hundred percent about me or you.”

  He agreed.

  “In this relationship, we are going to be spoiling each other,” she told him. Camille never tired of looking into his gorgeous brown eyes. Tonight they seemed to have a golden glow.

  “I enjoyed the thought you placed in preparing dinner,” Maxwell stated.

  “I’m glad you enjoyed dinner. I wanted to make something nice for your return.”

  His eyes clung to hers. “Well, you certainly accomplished the task. You made all of my favorites.”

  Moving closer, she leaned her head on his chest as they watched television.

  Three hours later, Maxwell gently sat Camille up and rose to his feet. “You look tired. Let’s go to bed.”

  Camille was tired, but she also ached for his touch. So much that her feelings for him intensified, wrapping around her like a warm, comfortable throw. She led him by the hand to her bedroom. Standing in the middle of the floor, they undressed each other in silence.

  Maxwell held her in his arms, his eyes making passionate love to her. “I love you so much, baby.”

  He swept Camille, weightless, into his arms and carried her to the bed.

  After placing her in the middle of the bed, he crawled in behind her.

  Camille could feel his uneven breathing on her cheek as he held her close. The touch of his hand was almost unbearable in its tenderness.

  His mouth covered hers hungrily, leaving Camille’s mouth burning with fire.

  The touch of his lips on hers sent a shock wave through her entire body with a familiar intensity. As he planted kisses on her shoulders, neck and face, he roused her passion to a fever pitch.

  She drew him closer, eager to touch his skin. As aroused as she was, she was surprised that they took time to explore and give each other pleasure. Then she could wait no more, as passion pounded the blood through her heart, chest and head, causing her to breathe in deep soul-drenching drafts.

  She led Maxwell to her and when he entered her she exploded in a powerful climax. In no time, he followed her.

  Afterward, Camille lay in his arms, sighing in pleasant exhaustion.

  Chapter 16

  “Hello, darling,” a woman murmured from behind him in the lobby of the hotel.

  Maxwell had just arrived at Morrison House and was on his way up to his suite to await Camille’s arrival. He stopped by the desk to pick up a package that had been sent to him.

  Shocked to the core, he whipped around at the sound of the voice that he found very familiar. “Kendra, what are you doing here?”

  He was expecting Camille at any moment. The last thing he needed was for her to show up while Kendra was there. His ex-girlfriend would stage a scene in a heartbeat and he didn’t want to subject Camille to her antics.

  “I came to see you, silly,” she responded with a sexy laugh that was drawing attention to them. “Why else would I take a trip to Virginia?” Kendra glanced around. “How can you stand it here? Is this the best that Alexandria has to offer?”

  He grabbed her by the arm and led her over to a corner of the lobby. “I’ll repeat the question,” Maxwell said. “Why are you here?”

  Oblivious to the people milling about in the lobby, watching them, she asked, “You aren’t still mad at me, are you?”

  He was careful to keep his voice low. “I can’t believe you discussed our relationship on that reality show of yours. Kendra, we had an agreement.”

  “Maxwell, don’t be angry,” she whined. “I’m still in love with you and so, I made it known to the world. What’s wrong with that?”

  “And you felt the need to talk about the physical aspects of our relationship as well?”

  Kendra eyes traveled from his face downward. “Honey, you have absolutely nothing to be ashamed of, trust me.”

  “I wish you’d contacted me before coming here,” Maxwell said. “If you had, then I would’ve told you not to waste your time.”

  She looked at him with pleading eyes. “Maxwell, we love each other and I’m really tired of playing this game. There is not another woman out there that can do for you what I do. You know that.”

  “Kendra, I assure you that I’m not playing a game,” Maxwell told her. “What we had is over. You and I want different things out of life. You wanted a reality show and you’ve got it. It’s made you millions, so why don’t you concentrate on that?”

  She flipped her long hair over her shoulder. “I had money before the show. What I want is to be with you, Maxwell. I know that for sure. We are a power couple—you and I.”

  Maxwell shook his head. “You want fame and you’re willing to do anything to get it. I heard about your new book deal—the one in which you plan to tell all. Seriously, are you really planning to reveal all of your sexual conquests?”

  “They were relationships, Maxwell. And why not? I’ve been involved with some of the world’s most famous men. I shouldn’t have to keep it a secret.”

  “I suppose I’ll be featured in your book.”

  She gave him a seductive smile. “It’s not like I’m going to say anything negative.”

  “Kendra, do not mention me in that book or I will have you in court,” Maxwell warned.

  “Ooh, that sounds like a threat,” she said with a laugh.

  Maxwell shook his head. “It’s a promise.”

  “Why don’t we go to your suite and talk?” Kendra suggested. “We can get reacquainted. Don’t you want that?”

  “I have plans for the evening,” he replied.

  Kendra’s smile quickly disappeared and her eyes narrowed. “What kind of plans?”

  “I don’t owe you any explanations, Kendra,” Maxwell stated without feeling. “We are no longer seeing each other.”

  “Is it with Thomas or another woman?” she demanded.

  Maxwell gave her a hard stare but didn’t respond to her question. “I’m sorry you came all this way, but if you’d called me first, I could have told you not to bother.” It was none of her business whether or not he was seeing someone. Maxwell didn’t owe her any explanations.

  “That’s exactly why I didn’t tell you,” Kendra shot back.

  He turned and headed to the elevator. When she tried to follow, Maxwell announced, “I’m going upstairs alone.”

  Maxwell had just entered his suite when Camille called to say she was downstairs.

  He met her at the elevator in case Kendra was somewhere lurking. Maxwell didn’t want her confronting Camille. He hoped that Kendra was on her way to D.C. by now. She didn’t care much for Alexandria and had complained every time they came to visit Thomas.

  “Aren’t you sweet,” Camille said when the elevator doors opened. “You didn’t have to meet me at the elevator.”

  “Hey, I’m your protector. I’m just doing my job to keep my woman safe.”

  She surveyed Maxwell’s face, and then paused a moment before asking, “Is there a problem? You look upset.”

  “No. Of course not, sweetheart,” he said. Maxwell grabbed her hand and led her to his suite.

  As soon as Camille entered the suite, Maxwell pulled her into his arms, holding her close.

  He kissed her hungrily.

  “Wow,” she murmured. “Now this is some greeting.”

  “I couldn’t help myself.” Maxwell debated whether or not to tell Camille about Kendra being in town. He didn’t want to ruin their evening, however, so he made the decision to keep quiet. Hopefully, his ex-girlfriend would just give up and leave him alone.

  He and Camille sat down on the sofa.

  “I need to finish some Christmas shopping on Saturday,” she announced. “Would you like to go with me?”

  “You still have to buy presents?” Maxwell asked. “As much shopping as you did in New York, I thought you were finished.”

  Camille shook her head. “I still have a few more gifts to buy
and then I’m done.”

  Maxwell shook his head. “You said that last week.”

  She broke into a short laugh. “And it’s still true.”

  Maxwell slipped an arm around her. “You are turning out to be quite a shopper. I think my mother is rubbing off on you.”

  “I love shopping with her,” Camille said. “She has an eye for bargains.”

  He laughed. “My mom loves her coupons.”

  Maxwell was relieved when Camille wanted to stay in for the evening. He called and ordered dinner, while she found something on television to watch.

  A knock on the door made Maxwell uneasy, which Camille didn’t miss. “Are you okay?” she inquired. “You seem jumpy.”

  He walked briskly to the door.

  Maxwell stepped out of the way for the waiter to roll the cart inside. He stuck his head out, scanning the hallway.

  I’ve got to get a hold of myself. Kendra is not the type of woman to stand around in the hallway.

  He felt Camille’s eyes on him.

  Maxwell closed the door, signed the check and tipped the waiter.

  They sat down to eat.

  “Are you sure everything is okay?” Camille questioned. “You’re not acting like yourself, Maxwell.”

  He saw the concern on her face. “Honey, everything is fine.” He reached over and covered her hand with his own.

  She smiled. “I didn’t see you much at the hospital today. I heard you were in meetings most of the day with Dr. Dudley.”

  “Have you started listening to the hospital grapevine?” he asked.

  Camille shook her head. “Thomas mentioned it in passing when I was looking for Dr. Dudley.”

  Maxwell met her gaze. “How is he treating you?”

  “Fine,” Camille responded. “There is still this air of tension between us, but I’m trying to work through it. He doesn’t make the comments he used to make. That helps.”

  Maxwell had made it clear to Dudley that even after he returned to New York, he and Camille would still continue their relationship. He warned the chief of staff that he would have to answer to him if he was ever out of line with Camille. However, Maxwell was still hoping she would move to New York.