Chapter 1

      Cameron Stewart’s pupils dilated happily when his eyes focused on Angela Brown—the beautiful woman he had been thinking a lot about lately. She was standing alone across the room looking somewhat bored. He sent up a silent prayer of thanks that she appeared dateless and made his move. An assured stride carried him determinedly toward Angela, fingers grabbing a drink along the way.

      They had met at Alesha and Derrick’s wedding. Derrick was his best friend, and Alesha was Angela’s. He’d been meaning to ask her out for quite some time; however, both of their lives had been extremely crazy for far too long, so it had never happened. They had occasionally seen each other—as they were doing now—at Alesha and Derrick’s house, but that wasn’t enough. He wanted to get to know her better, and he intended to make that happen right now.

      At thirty-seven, he’d had his fill of dating superficial, money-hungry little girls. He wanted a real woman, and unless his keen lawyer ability to read people had deserted him, Angela fit that bill to a T. From speaking with Alesha and from his own observations, he knew Angela was an accomplished nurse who was dedicated to her career. She was also a wonderful friend and a genuinely nice lady who cared about people. She was just what the doctor ordered, and he intended to happily take his medicine like a good little boy.

      “Why, Angela Brown, I didn’t expect to see you here tonight, but I’m glad I did.” At his statement, Angela turned from the appetizer tray to face him. “Hello.”

      “Hi, Cam.” Angela smiled, and what a beautiful smile it was. “How are you?”

      “Much better now that I’m seeing you again.”

      “Flatterer.” Her smile brightened, nearly knocking his socks off.

      “Just stating a fact, ma’am.” Eyes slowly drifted over her from head to toe. Lord, she was wearing the hell out of her sleeveless little black dress. “You look beautiful tonight.”

      “Thanks.” She eyed his designer navy suit and returned his compliment, “You look good, too.”

      “Having a good time?” At his question, she glanced around the room and shrugged.

      “Not really. This isn’t exactly my cup of tea.” At his questioning expression, she elaborated, “Alesha pleaded with me to come. She wanted to have at least one friend to seek refuge with once Derrick started talking politics.”

      “Oh, I see.” Cam laughed. “I’m glad she browbeat you into coming.”

      A smile played about her full lips. “And why is that?”

      “Because I’ve been thinking about you lately—a lot.”

      “You have?” A perfectly arched brow rose in surprise. “Why?”

      “What do you mean, why?”

      “I think that’s a fair question.” She chuckled. “We haven’t seen each other in quite some time.”

      “That’s why I’ve been thinking about you.” Cam grinned and added, “It’s way past time we had a bona fide date. So what do you say, gorgeous?” He treated her to a smile designed to melt any resistance. “Will you go out with me?”

      “We’ve gone out before, Cam,” Angela reminded him, sipping her tonic and lime. “About six months ago, if memory serves.”

      “With Alesha and Derrick in tow.” His distasteful expression elicited a soft laugh from her. “I’m talking about you and me.” He paused for emphasis and stressed, “Alone.”

      “We’re alone right now.” A well-manicured hand indicated the secluded corner of the crowded room they occupied. “Aren’t we?”

      “This doesn’t count.”

      “Why not?” Angela placed a hand on a shapely hip, inviting his eyes to feast on her perfect curves.

      “Because we didn’t come together and—” Cam glanced around the room until his eyes locked on their hosts across the room “—because our best friends are hovering around in the background watching us, even though they’re pretending not to.”

      Angela followed his gaze to where Alesha and Derrick stood, covertly glancing at them from time to time. She laughed and drawled, “They do seem interested in us, don’t they?”

      “Mmm-hmm.” Cam nodded and grinned. “I can practically see the matchmaking wheels turning in their heads.”

      Angela suddenly frowned. “I hope not.”

      Cam’s eyes refocused on her. “Is the thought of being set up with me so distasteful?”

      “I didn’t mean it like that,” she said quickly. “Any woman would consider herself lucky to go out with you.”

      “Thanks.” Cam smiled, took a step closer and smoothly replied, “I’m not interested in any woman, though. I only want to go out with you.”

      “Cam, you don’t know anything about me,” she said softly.

      “That’s what I’m trying to remedy.” He winked, and a smile played about her tempting lips.

      “I’ll bet you were a handful growing up.”

      “That’s what my mom says,” he admitted with a grin. “Dance with me.”

      “There’s no music,” she informed him, and his grin widened.

      Please, like I’d let a little detail like that dissuade me. “I’ll sing.”

      She arched an eyebrow. “Can you sing?”

      “I can carry a tune,” he promised, placing a hand on her waist. “Care to try me?”

      His eyes zeroed in on the rapidly beating pulse in her neck, and he smiled. Good, he did affect her. For a moment, he thought she was going to take him up on his offer, but then she shook her head and stepped back. He reluctantly allowed his hand to drop to his side.

      “Maybe another time,” she responded a little breathlessly.

      “I’ll hold you to that,” he promised. “So how about it?”

      She blinked. “How about what?”

      “Go out with me,” Cam reiterated his previous request.

      “I don’t think so.”

      “Don’t you think it’s about time we see if this spark between us will flame?” He heard, saw and felt her quickly indrawn breath at his suggestive statement.

      “Speaking of the time, I think I’ve done my duty for tonight.” She skillfully avoided answering his question. “If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to say good-night to Derrick and Alesha. I have to be at the hospital very early tomorrow.”

      “May I take you home?”

      “No, thanks, I have my car.”

      “That’s a pity.” He sighed heavily, and she smiled.

      “Sorry.”

      “It’s okay.” He took a step closer, watching her gorgeous eyes constrict at his proximity. “But just so you know,