Trust in Me(64)

            The deep green blouse she wore mixed with the loveliness of her hair and complexion. Part of me couldn’t even believe I noticed that and was about to start waxing poetic verses in my head. The ever-present bracelet was in place. My gaze traveled down the skintight jeans tucked into black boots and then back up, straying where the soft red waves curled over her breasts.

            I cleared my throat. “You look . . . really, really great.”

            She ducked her chin as I stepped into her apartment. “Thank you. So do you.”

            Grinning, I leaned against the back of her couch. “You ready? Got a jacket?”

            Shortcake spun around, practically darting back down the hall. She returned with a black coat and started for the door. I picked up her purse and handed it over.

            “Thank you.” Her cheeks flamed and then she breathlessly added, “Ready.”

            “Not quite yet.” I stilled her, brushing the strands of hair back over her shoulders and then set about buttoning her jacket. “It’s freezing outside.”

            Shortcake stared up at me as I continued up her coat, slipping the buttons into the holes. My knuckles grazed where her jacket swelled sweetly and she shuddered in a way that made me want to pull her close.

            “Perfect,” I murmured, forcing myself to lower my hands. “Now we’re ready.”

            I held the door open and the moment we stepped out into the hall, Ollie burst out from our apartment, cell phone in one hand and a wiggling Raphael in the other.

            What the . . . ?

            “Smile!” Ollie snapped a picture. “It’s like my two kids are going to prom.”

            Oh. My. God.

            “Putting this in my scrapbook. Have fun!” Grinning, Ollie bounced back into the apartment, closing the door behind him.

            Shortcake looked up at me. “Um . . .”

            I laughed loudly. “Oh God, that was different.”

            “He doesn’t normally do that?”

            “No.” I put my hand on her lower back. “Let’s get out of here before he tries to go along with us.”

            She grinned. “With Raphael?”

            “Raphael would be welcomed. Ollie, however, would not be.” I grinned as we hit the steps. “The last thing I’d want is for you to be distracted on this date.”

            “Why me?” Avery blurted out, and then squeezed her eyes shut. “Okay. Don’t answer that.”

            The small candle on the linen-covered table flickered in the space between us. We’d placed our orders with the waiter, and Avery had nervously bounced from one topic to the next as she nibbled on her bread.

            What had provoked that question had been the truth. I had told her that she didn’t have to worry about impressing me. And she had stared at me like I was a crackhead and had asked that question.

            I couldn’t even believe she had asked the question. Sometimes the woman absolutely dumbfounded me.

            The waiter arrived with our food, deterring me for about two minutes. “I’m going to answer that question.”

            She cringed. “You don’t have to.”

            I picked up my glass, eyeing her over the rim. “No, I think I do.”

            “I know it’s a stupid question to ask, but you’re gorgeous, Cam.” Her fingers clenched the silverware. “You’re nice and you’re funny. You’re smart. I’ve been turning you down for two months. You could go out with anyone, but you’re here with me.”