Page 9

Chapter Eight

CAMILA

T he cab of Red’s truck smells precisely like him. Leather, amber, musk, and a smell that is uniquely his, surrounds me, invading my every pore. It’s comforting and warm, making me think thoughts I should not be thinking.

I want to live in his scent.

I uncross and recross my legs for the millionth time, trying desperately to calm my clit down. Why did I let my petty self get the best of me? The man said not to wear panties, and my brain said, OKAY!

Stupid.

“Comfortable?” I don’t even bother to look at him.

There is no need. I can clearly hear the smirk in the time he used to ask that dumb fucking question. As we drive into Houston, I tilt my head to look out the window.

“Perfect. It’s such a pretty night. I can’t believe they’re calling for snow here tomorrow.” I made a mental note to check into my flight when I got back to the hotel.

“It doesn’t happen often, but when it does snow, the whole city shuts down. It’s been years, though.” I tap my fingers on my thigh, unused to not having my phone with me.

He pulled me out of the hotel without anything to my name.

“Darlin’, you’re about to bounce the tires off my truck. Relax, we’re almost there.” His warm hand lands on my bouncing knee, and sparks fly up to my core.

I gasp as my core clenches.

“Sensitive. Good to know.” This time, I do look at his face, but it isn’t smugness I find.

No, it’s worse. It’s wonder and fascination.

“I’m not. You just surprised me.” I push his hand off and miss his touch the moment it’s gone.

“I endeavor to keep you guessing, Sugar. We’re here.” I glance out the window, and my jaw drops.

“Baso?” I stare at the restaurant as he pulls up to the valet.

My door opens, but before the valet can help me, Red pushes him out of the way with a growl.

“You handle the truck. I’ll help the lady.” The kid nods, but I catch the way he swallows.

“Yes, sir. Welcome to Baso.” He rushes around to the driver’s side after handing Red a ticket.

“That was rude,” I mumble as we make our way to the front doors, which are opened for us by the doorman.

“I’d rather be rude than let him get a glance up your dress. That view is only for me.” My cheeks heat up, and I resist the urge to fan my face.

“Reservation under Justice,” he says to the hostess.

“My Lord, as I live and breathe. Fredrick Allen is that you?” He curses under his breath at someone calling out his full name.

I glance and watch as a woman in a ballgown approaches us. She’s carrying a cocktail that is bright pink, like her lipstick.

“It is! I haven’t seen you in a spell. How are your folks?” She kisses both his cheeks, leaving lipstick on his skin.

“Hello, Dorthea. Folks are just fine. Thanks for asking. Enjoy your evening.” Red places his hand on my lower back as we start to follow the hostess to our table, but Miss Dorthea doesn’t take the hint.

“Oh, my word. I’m so sorry for this brute’s lack of manners! I’m an old family friend, Dorthea Reynolds. You are?” She extends the hand not holding the drink.

“None of your business Dorthea,” Red hisses, and the lady finally drops the nice act she was trying to sell.

“My, you haven’t changed one bit. How any woman can stand your company is beyond me.” She looks to me as if I have the answer to whatever her problem is with Red.

“Oh, I’m sorry. Do you think I know?” I laugh and shake my head at her.

“This is a business meeting, and you’re rudely interrupting. So go back to whatever gala pre-party you’re hosting and have a great night.” Red pushes me in front of him, so I’m following the host, but Miss Dorthea’s parting words aren’t lost on me.

“She’ll see your true colors like all the rest of us.” Wow, bitter Betty Barbie has some serious issues to work through.

The first twenty minutes are full of uncomfortable silence as we both look over the menu.

“Can I offer you the wine list?” The sommelier asked, and we both answered at once.

“No.”

“Yes.”

“Sounds like you need a moment.” He backs away as we glare at each other.

“We agreed on no liquor.” He places the menu on the table and leans in as if he can intimidate me.

“No, you issued an order. News flash, you aren’t my father, and I’m a grown woman. If I want a glass of wine with my dinner, I will fucking have one.” His eyebrow arches, and a smirk touches his lip.

“Darlin’, you’re gonna learn really quick here that when I say no, there’s a fairly good reason, and if you choose not to listen, you aren’t going to like the consequences.” The fucking balls on this man.

“You gonna spank me, Red?” He sits back and places the napkin on his lap.

“No, Darlin’. Spankings are for good girls who listen.” That shouldn’t make me feel so hot.

“I’m not a girl.” He chuckles at me.

“Well aware, but until you start acting like a woman, I’m going to threaten you like the bratty girl you are. Now, what would you like to drink?” He lifts his chin to indicate the waiter is back, and I bite my cheek to stop cursing him out.

“Shirley Temple, please, since I’m apparently a petulant child this evening.” I turn a sugar-sweet smile to the waiter as he writes down my order.

I turn my body away from Red since we’re at one of those round booth tables, but he stops me with a hand under my chin. I resist the pull for a second and then sigh, looking at him.

His other arm goes around my shoulders, and he gently slides me as close to his body as he can.

“We keep dancing to separate tunes and stepping on each other’s feet, Darlin’. Can we please call a truce?” His thumb rubs under my chin, and my heart melts.

At the same time, my conscience reminds me that I’m not on a date with this man. This is business only. I push his hand away and slide a foot over.

“Mr. Justice, for the final time. I am in a relationship.” His eyes narrow.

“What’s his name? How long have you been together? Why hasn’t he married you yet? Cause I’m having a hard time not putting a ring on your finger after three fucking days, so what’s his issue?” My head spins.

“What?” He couldn’t have just said that,

“Which do you need clarification on?” Any and all!

“His name is Ryan. We’ve been together for two years. We’re discussing marriage after his promotion.” Red nods his head while sucking his teeth.

“So he can’t afford you?” I take the napkin off my lap and slam it on the table.

“Easy, that’s not how I meant it, Sugar. I’m asking if he feels unworthy of you.” I let out a long breath.

“I’m not sure how things in the South work, but when you live in a city like New York and are in the social circles we belong to, it takes more than love to make a marriage work.

Finances are a big issue. So yes, he’d like to be better off before we marry and start a family.

” He frowns at me, and something flickers in his eyes.

Was that anger?

“How close to his promotion is he?” Our drinks arrive, and I have to hide my chuckle when Red takes a sip of the same thing I ordered.

“Once we complete this merge, he’ll make partner.” Red stops drinking.

“You work together?” He sneers the words at me.

“Technically, he’s my boss.” The tips of his ears turn red.

“So you’re here trying to buy my ranch for the asshole you’re fucking back home? The one stringing you along for a promotion you are earning, not him. Did I get all that right?” I toss my drink on him and stand up.

“Fuck you, Fredrick Allen Justice. I don’t need shit from you.” I walk out of the restaurant and over to the valet.

“Could you call me a cab, please?” The young man nods as he picks up a phone.

“Camila!” Red shouts at me, and I turn my back on him.

“Christ, Justice, you really do have a way with women. Guess Big Red isn’t worth the ride after all. The color does look good on you, though.” Some guy stepping out of a red sports car laughs at Red, who is dripping red liquid from his nice suit.

“Fuck off, Danders.” I watch as the men get into each other’s faces.

“We aren’t at your brother’s bar. You aren’t getting any cheap shots at me like you did to Cyrus.” It was his brother’s bar then.

“Oh, he just took the ass whooping for you since you were out of town.” Red pushes him back as a security guard rushes over.

“Gentleman, take this elsewhere.” Red grabs my arm, but I pull it away.

“Darlin’, we need to talk this out.” I shake my head in disbelief.

“I have nothing to say to you. Our business is over. Good luck with your ranch, Mr. Justice.” This Danders guy glances at me and smiles.

“You’re Ms. Greystone?” I nod, confused about how he knows me.

“Jeremiah Danders, CEO of Danders Construction. Ryan is a good friend from college. We were thrilled when he agreed to represent us.” Oh shit.

This is our client.

“A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Danders. I’m afraid this meeting has been canceled. I’ll have Ryan forward all the necessary information once I return to the office. If you’ll both excuse me, I’m waiting on my cab.” I turn to find out how long it’ll be from the valet.

“Nonsense. Let me give you a ride to your hotel,” Red growls.

“NO.” I glance at him like he’s lost his fucking mind.

“Thank you. I would appreciate that. Good evening, Mr. Justice.” Jeremiah opened the passenger door to his car, and I carefully got inside.

“Better luck next time, Red. Don’t worry. I’ll take really good care of her.” I stare at Red while we pull away.

How did this get so outta hand?

“You look like you could use a drink. That man is infuriating.” I can’t help but laugh and nod.

“Yes, he is.”