Buch lesen: «Take Me In Your Arms»

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, I’m not giving up until you agree to go out with me, Angela.”

“No.” A smile played about her mauve-colored lips that begged to be kissed. “I’m sure you won’t.”

“Do you want me to?” He studied her carefully as she mulled over his question—a question that really wasn’t a difficult one to answer. Her hesitation both intrigued him and gave him hope. “Well?”

“I like you, Cam,” she slowly admitted. “But I’m afraid my plate is entirely too full right now to add anything else to it.”

“But you still have to eat.” His eyes slowly raked over her, and his hands longed to do the same. “Don’t you?”

Confusion lit up her expressive eyes as if she didn’t know exactly how to respond to his question. Good, he had her off balance. Taking advantage of that fact, he moved in closer and trailed a finger down her bare arm, watching her closely the entire time. He felt the shiver that ran through her, heard the soft gasp that escaped from her slightly parted lips and witnessed the noticeable darkening of her brown eyes. She wasn’t as indifferent as she would have him believe.

There was definitely something between them, and the time was finally ripe to explore it. He hadn’t aggressively pursued her when they first met a year ago because frankly he hadn’t had the time to devote to wooing her the way she deserved. However, that wasn’t the case anymore. His commitment to Derrick’s senatorial campaign was fulfilled, and his successful law firm was sailing along smoothly, which left him free to cultivate his personal life—and he was itching to see if Angela Brown would be a good fit in said personal life.

“I...” Angela shook her head as if to clear it and took a step away from him. “It was good seeing you again.” Her voice was breathless and made his skin tingle with excitement.

“You, too.” He grasped her hand, almost groaning at the feel of her soft skin against his, and brought it to his lips. “I look forward to our next encounter, which will be soon, if I have my way.”

She tilted her head to the side, studying him as if she was trying to figure out what to do with him. He had a few ideas he would love to share with her. The thought coerced a wicked grin from him.

“Good night, Cam.” She arched an eyebrow when his grip tightened on her hand before reluctantly releasing it.

“Good night.” He smiled and watched her walk across the room, then say a few words to Derrick and Alesha before heading for the door. She paused, seemed to wage a silent battle and then turned and stared at him. Everything stopped as their eyes met and held for a few electric seconds that seemed like hours. Then she broke eye contact and walked out of the room, taking the light with her.

She was like a breath of fresh air, and he had been deprived of oxygen for far too long. His smile widened, and he rubbed a hand across his bald head before scratching his hair-covered chin. What a beautiful, intriguing woman Angela Brown was. He felt more alive than he had in a long time after being in her presence, and he couldn’t wait until he saw her again.

He felt ridiculously happy and almost giddy from their impromptu meeting, which had him planning his next move. He grinned widely. Oh yeah, it was definitely on.

* * *

Cam shifted the gears of his apple-red Corvette as the car ate up the road. His fingers lovingly caressed the leather-covered steering wheel. He adored this car and found himself wishing he was on the open road so that he could really let her go. However, cognizant of the fact that he was traveling through city streets, he reduced his speed to acceptable levels before coming to a halt at a red light.

He couldn’t wait to get to George Washington University Hospital. There was a gorgeous nurse there with whom he had special business. He grinned as he thought of Angela. She’d be surprised to see him, but he had meant what he said to her a few nights ago—now that the craziness in both their lives had settled down, he had every intention of getting to know her better because he felt alive in her presence, and he was now convinced that she felt the strong attraction between them, too.

He planned on persuading her to have dinner with him—even if it was just cafeteria food. He had done some checking and knew she was on duty tonight, and unable to suppress the need to see her right now, here he was, prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice and eat hospital food if it meant he could spend some time with her.

Wow, he really did like her.

He chuckled as the light turned green and his foot depressed the accelerator. He had barely moved when out of the corner of his left eye, he saw a black blur speeding toward him. Turning his head, his eyes widened as a car barreled through the red light.

“I’ll be—”

He tried to maneuver out of the vehicle’s destructive path but was unsuccessful as it collided with his, sideswiping him. He cursed while turning the wheel, trying to right his suddenly out-of-control car.

The entire accident only took seconds that stretched out like interminable minutes. The sounds of crunching, grinding twisted metal, tires screeching, and exploding glass filled his ears as his car went into a tailspin. He frantically tried to control the spinning vehicle, but despite his best efforts, it hit something hard; the airbag deployed, blocking his vision, and then blackness enveloped him.

* * *

Angela Brown walked through the busy halls of George Washington University Hospital toward the emergency room feeling right at home. If there was one place she loved more than the operating room, it was the E.R. with its continuous beehive of activity. She absently ran fingers through her short dark brown, almost black, hair before checking the pockets of her baby-blue scrubs for her watch, which she found and placed on her right wrist. She was on her way to lead the triage team and had no sooner made it into the treatment area when EMS personnel wheeled in a gurney upon which lay an immobile man dressed in an expensive designer suit, whose face was obscured by an oxygen mask.

“What’s the story?” Angela studied the papers handed to her while the other team members transferred the man to the treatment table.

“Motor vehicle collision,” one of the EMS workers answered. “Restrained driver. Airbag deployed.”

“Vitals?”

“Stable.”

“How long has he been unconscious?”

“A few minutes maybe—since we arrived at the scene. Looks like he hit the steering wheel or the dashboard pretty hard.”

“So you couldn’t get a history from him.”

“Nope.”

Angela nodded before turning her attention to her staff. “Is Dr. Donnelly on the way?” At the nod from one of the nurses, she said, “Let’s get started on routine labs and exam, Sheila. I’m sure Dr. Donnelly will order a CT head, spine series, chest X-ray and abdominal series.”

“Will do.”

Angela helped Sheila remove the patient’s designer suit jacket before she pulled his oxygen mask off and let out a shocked gasp. Cam Stewart! It couldn’t be, but it was. She’d know that handsome face anywhere—especially since it had only been a couple of days since she had last seen him.

“Angela?” Sheila touched her arm. “Are you all right?”

“What?” She tore her eyes away from Cam’s unusually impassive face to stare into her friend’s questioning gaze. “Yes, I’m fine.”

“Do you know him?”

“Yes.”

“Maybe you should let someone else—”

“No!” The single word was spoken more forcefully than she intended. Taking a deep breath and releasing it, she said, “I’m fine, Sheila.”

“If you two are involved—”

“We’re not. He’s the best friend of Alesha’s husband,” Angela further explained, referencing their former coworker.

“Oh, I see.” Sheila nodded, satisfied with her explanation. “Well, let’s take good care of him, then.”

“Absolutely,” Angela agreed. She needed to call Alesha and Derrick, but first things first. She snapped back into emergency mode and did her job, saying a silent prayer hoping Cam would be all right.

* * *

“Let me take him and put him down, babe.” Alesha’s hand gravitated toward the sleeping two-month-old son nestled in Derrick’s arms.

“In a minute.” Derrick gazed lovingly at the little boy. “I haven’t seen him all day.”

Alesha smiled tolerantly. “You are spoiling him.”

Derrick glanced up and grinned. “Like you’re not.”

“It doesn’t matter what I do because you’re bad enough for both of us,” Alesha reasoned. “When you’re gone, D.J. just wants to be held and held all day long.”

“And you’re only too happy to oblige, aren’t you?” He chuckled as she softly touched D.J.’s cheek.

Before she could answer, the phone rang. She reached over to pick it up. “Hello.”

“Alesha, it’s Angela.”

“Hi, Angie.” Alesha tucked her legs underneath her. “What’s up?”

“I want you to remain calm.” At Angela’s words, the hair on the back of Alesha’s neck stood up.

“I was calm until you said that.” Alesha sat up a little straighter. “What’s going on?”

“What’s wrong?” Derrick glanced at her, and she shrugged.

“I don’t want you and Derrick to worry,” Angela began. “He’s stable, and I’m sure he’s going to be fine.”

“Who’s going to be fine, Angie?”

“Cam, he was in a car accident.”

“Cam?” Alesha’s worried eyes found Derrick, who immediately tensed at the mention of his best friend. “How bad?”

“What’s happened to Cam?” Derrick asked. Alesha could feel the apprehension rolling off her husband.

“Just a minute, babe.” Alesha touched his cheek reassuringly and continued talking to Angela. “How long has he been there?”

“Not long. He was brought into the E.R. by EMS about an hour and a half ago. I was part of the team working on him. He’s unconscious.” Angela seemed reluctant to admit this, and then hurriedly added, “But his vitals are strong and stable.”

“We’ll be right down, Angie. Thanks for calling.” Alesha hung up the phone without waiting for a response. “Cam was in a car accident. Angie says he’s stable...but unconscious.”

“Damn,” Derrick swore softly and stood.

“Let me take D.J. upstairs, and then we can head out.” She took their still-sleeping son from his arms.

“You don’t have to come with me.”

“Of course I do. Cam is family.” She kissed him softly. “He’ll be all right, babe,” she promised before heading for the stairs. “If you leave without me, I’ll have your head.”

“I won’t.” He managed a slight smile. “Hurry.”

“I’ll just tell Emma we’re going and be right back,” she said, referring to their housekeeper as she hurried up the stairs.

* * *

“Jeez,” Cam groaned, eyes closed. “Why does my head hurt so much?”

“You have a concussion.” Angela’s fingers touched his badly bruised temple gently. His eyes sprang open at the sound of her voice, and his frowning eyes focused on her.

“Angela?”

“In the flesh.” She smiled, relieved he recognized her.

“Where am I?” He glanced around the stark white room before returning his confused eyes to her.

“In the hospital.” She took out a penlight and shone it into each of his eyes.

“What happened?” He shooed the annoying light away from his eyes. “How did I get a concussion?”

She studied him closely. “Don’t you remember?”

Cam seemed to think for a few minutes before responding, “Some idiot ran a red light and plowed right into me.”

“That’s right.” She glanced at the monitors over his bed to check his vitals, which thankfully were normal.

“Oh, my poor baby,” Cam groaned in misery. “She’s totaled. I know it.”

Angela chuckled at his obvious angst. He looked so comically forlorn over an inanimate object that she couldn’t stop herself from laughing.

“I would think you’d be more concerned with your own welfare instead of your car’s.”

“I’m fine.” He pressed a button to raise the head of the bed into a sitting position. “But my poor Yvette.” He dramatically brought both hands to his bald head. “She’s toast.”

Angela tilted her head thoughtfully and asked, “Why do men insist on referring to their vehicles as female?”

His frown quickly turned into a wicked smile. “Are you sure you want to know?”

“Of course.” She wanted to keep him talking to make sure he had all his faculties about him.

“Okay.” His smile widened. “On the perfect car, like a good woman, the first thing we notice is the body—the sleek, appealing curves and pleasing aesthetics. If those attributes grab and hold our attention, we can’t wait to see what’s on the inside to make sure she’s not just another pretty face. We check under the hood to see if her engine and inner workings are powerful, well tuned and, more importantly, turn us on. If they do, we have to step inside and sit down to ascertain if her soft curves will cradle us in all the right places—maddeningly caressing us every second we’re inside her, making us feel right at home.” Angela’s breathing was arrested, and she was certain her pupils dilated, judging by Cam’s sexy grin before he continued, “If she’s the right one, she’s responsive to our every whim, caress and desire. She heightens all of our senses and gives us the ride of our lives until we can’t wait to get back inside of her again and again.”

Angela was breathing hard when his soft, sexy voice finally ended the most erotic description of a car she had ever heard. Mercy, she needed a cold glass of water.

“I see.” She purposefully averted her eyes on the pretense of removing the blood pressure cuff from his muscled upper arm.

“You asked.” Cam’s voice held a hint of laughter.

“I did.” She turned away from his intense gaze to pour him some water.

“Are you all right?”

She took a moment to compose herself before turning around to face him again. “The question is, are you all right?” Thankfully, she sounded coolly professional when she felt anything but.

“I told you, I’m good.” She agreed he certainly was good enough to tease her. “How long have I been here?”

She glanced at her watch. “A few hours. Here, drink this.” He took the glass and downed the contents before returning it to her. “More?”

“No, thanks.” A smile turned up the corners of his mouth. “You know, when the accident happened, I was on my way to see you.”

“You were?” Her eyes widened in shock. “Why?”

“I was going to ask you to dinner.”

“Why?”

“Why?” He echoed, laughed and answered, “Because I want to spend time with you.” He scratched his hair-covered chin thoughtfully with his free hand and said, “We should have gotten together last year.”

“Things happen for a reason.” Angela shrugged. “You were busy with Derrick’s campaign. I was very busy with my new promotion to head nurse, and—”

“All true,” he interrupted, his thumb caressing the back of her hand. “What about now?”

“What about now?” Lord, she wished he would stop stroking her fingers with his. It felt too good. What was it about this man that sent her pulse racing?

“Is the time right for us to get to know each other better now?” At her silence he continued. “I meant what I said a few nights ago. I really want to get to know you better. Don’t you want that, too?”

“Cam, this isn’t the time or the place for this.” She tried to retrieve her hand, which he refused to release. “I meant what I said, too. I really don’t have time...”

Thankfully, Derrick and Alesha chose that moment to enter the room, allowing Angela the diversion she needed to retrieve her hand and move to the foot of the bed out of Cam’s physical reach, though his eyes stared straight through her, silently promising they weren’t finished with their conversation.

Derrick walked over and squeezed Cam’s shoulder. “Thank God, you’re awake.”

“Don’t tell me you were worried about me.” Cam smiled at his best friend.

“We both were.” Alesha squeezed his hand. “How do you feel?”

“I’m fine.” He gingerly touched his temple. “Just a few aches.”

“Consider yourself lucky.” Derrick heaved a sigh of relief.

“I do.” Cam grinned at Angela and then glanced around the room as if searching for something. He returned his attention to Angela and asked, “Hey, where are my clothes?”

Angela frowned. “Why?”

“That’s your favorite word, isn’t it?” At her frown he elaborated. “I want to get dressed. I can’t wear this thing home.” Cam pointed to the flimsy hospital gown. “Since Derrick is here, he can give me a ride.”

“You’re not going anywhere, Cameron Stewart,” Angela firmly promised.

“Oh, yes, I am.”

“Oh, no, you’re not.” Angela placed her hands on her hips, preparing for a battle she was determined to win. “Not until you’re officially released.”

“Says who?” Cam defiantly crossed his arms across his chest. “You’re not the boss of me.”

“Maybe she isn’t,” Derrick said, chuckling, “but I know who is.”

Cam turned his frowning gaze to his friend. “What does that mean?”

Derrick took his phone out of his pocket. “Do you really want me to make this call?” Comprehension dawned in Cam’s eyes.

“You wouldn’t.”

“Oh, wouldn’t I?” Derrick turned his phone so Cam could clearly see the name and number on the screen. “Are you staying, or do I press Dial?”

Alesha and Angela stared at each other in confusion and then glanced from Derrick to Cam. Cam glared at Derrick for long, tense seconds, but Derrick didn’t flinch. Finally Cam sighed in resignation, all fight seeming to leave him.

“All right, you blackmailer.” Cam dejectedly plopped back against the pillows. “I’ll stay.”

“Wise choice,” Derrick said.

“Who were you going to call?” Alesha asked.

“His mother.” Derrick laughed at Cam’s dark scowl.

“Oh.” Alesha said, “Shouldn’t we call her anyway?”

“No, I’m fine,” Cam quickly interjected. “If you call her, she’ll drop everything, hop on a plane and mother me to death for the next few weeks. I don’t have the strength for that. I was just in a car accident.” His loud sigh elicited laughter from all present. Cam fixated on Derrick’s pleased countenance. “I’ll pay you back for this, Senator, when I get out of here.”

“I’ll be ready for you.” Derrick winked. “You really should call Mama Mabel, though.”

“I know, and I will when I’m home and I can assure her that I’m fine.”

“Okay,” Derrick reluctantly agreed. “Since you’re obviously in good hands and apparently as stubborn as ever, Alesha and I will leave you alone. We just had to make sure you were all right.”

“Thanks for coming by to coerce me into staying.”

“Anytime.” Derrick patted his shoulder.

“Obey your doctors, and you’ll get out of here soon.” Alesha bent down and kissed his cheek.

“I’ll try.” He gave her a halfhearted smile.

“Do you need anything?” Derrick asked.

“No.” Cam’s eyes strayed to Angela. “I have everything I need.”

“I see.” Derrick smiled, following his friend’s line of vision. “Okay, then. We’ll check on you tomorrow.”