Beauty and the Brit by Poppy St. James
STERLING
Afew days have passed since my dessert date with Camryn, and my smile hasn’t so much as budged.
Sure, I’ve been working, going to the gym, and dealing with all the other general life stuff, but my mind has been on her. The few times we’ve spoken on the phone, she says I should go on another date, but doesn’t press me when I shrug off the suggestion.
I pass by the lobby, and when I check in with the receptionist, I’m directed to a conference room at the end of the hall. Noah and Olivia are having a baby shower today at their office for work friends. I guess when the two CEOs marry and produce offspring, it’s something their employees want to celebrate.
I figured I’d drop by and say hello. The fact that Camryn will be here has nothing to do with my decision to clear my calendar this afternoon and cross the city for this.
Yeah, right.
When I pull open the door to the large conference room, it takes me a minute to spot any familiar faces. Ninety percent of the attendees are women, and they’re all smiling and cooing and talking about baby smells and the best swaddling blankets, and promising that the lack of sleep is all worth it.
Setting the yellow-and-green gift bag on a side table, I cross the room. I had no idea what to get them for their baby, so I opted for something that I hope will make them laugh in the stressful times ahead. Nipple cream for Olivia, and a package of condoms for Noah—size extra-small. Maybe by the time the baby actually comes, it will give me more time to think up a suitable gift.
Spotting the guests of honor seated at the head of the conference table in the very front of the room, I approach and give them each a hug.
“Thank you for coming,” Olivia says, her hand on her swollen belly. Her cheeks have a glow to them, and her expression is happy. It’s nice to see good things happen to good people.
I shake Noah’s hand. “Are you kidding? I wouldn’t miss it.”
Noah shoots me a wry look. “Camryn’s over there.”
I can’t help but chuckle. He sees straight through me. “Thanks. I left a gift on the table. You’ll know which one’s from me.”
“At least have a slice of cake,” Olivia says. She’s already honing those mothering instincts.
I look over at the huge layer cake frosted in pink and blue that rests in the center of the conference table.
Noah leans closer. “We may have actually conceived on this table. Just an FYI.”
Fighting off a shiver, I say no thank you to the cake, and go off to find Camryn.
She’s standing with a group of women, nodding along to their chatter as she holds a paper plate with an uneaten slice of cake in her hand. I wonder if Noah gave her the same warning.
When she sees me, her eyes widen and she excuses herself from the group. “What are you doing here?”
“’Ello, love.” I kiss her cheek. “I was in the area. Thought I’d swing by.”
She smiles at me warmly. “It’s nice to see you. Are you behaving these days?”
“Me? No way. Where’s the fun in that?” I wink at her.
It’s the first time I’ve seen her since the kisses and dessert we shared on my couch. The memory of her hot, eager mouth is one I’ve replayed countless times. Usually while alone in bed at night.
And then we ate ice cream—not ice cream, gelato—while we watched an episode of her favorite TV show. Her contented little sigh as she leaned her head against my chest was perfect. I loved that. Loved holding her in my arms.
Our conversation that night turned deeper. I recall the memories from childhood I shared. How I’d been so mad at my parents for ripping me away from everything I’d known and moving me to a new country. I spent my first years here resentful and bitter, but now it feels like home.
I remember how she almost dozed off at the end of the night. I attributed it to the fact that she must have felt safe in my arms. Then I called a cab for her and sent her home, but she’s never far from my thoughts.
I pause, my eyes darting to her again. That’s when I know for certain I’m falling in love with Camryn. She isn’t like other women. She’s driven; she has substance. She makes me want to settle down . . . or maybe I’ve always wanted that but never found the right fit that would satisfy me mind, body, and soul.
Until her.
And with the deadline approaching fast, I still haven’t found a way to tell her how I really feel.
I pause, my hand on Camryn’s lower back. “Come somewhere with me.”
“Now? What about work?” she asks, her gaze questioning mine.
“Please. I have something I want to show you.” Or rather, someone I want her to meet.
She must see something in my eyes, because after a moment of studying me, she grins. “Okay.”