Second Chance Pass (Virgin River #5)(40)

They were served salad, pasta, chicken Marsala, crisp green beans with almonds, Chardonnay. Then came crème brûlée.

“This must have cost a fortune,” she whispered across the table to him.

“It was worth every penny,” Cameron said, taking a last bite of crème brûlée. “The hotel manager hooked me up with a local restaurant and I talked to the chef. He recommended the menu, said he’d have it sent over and served, and I thought it made so much more sense to be here where we could hear the baby than trying to go to a good restaurant.”

“And subjecting the other diners to a crying baby?” She laughed. “I’m sure they’re all very grateful.”

“Crying babies are pretty much a part of daily life for me,” he said.

“And for me,” she added. “This was so thoughtful. I can’t think of another thing you could have done to create a perfect getaway.”

“Good. You’ve enjoyed it?”

“Immensely. And on top of it all, you’ve been a real Boy Scout.”

“I had my instructions,” he said with a chuckle. The waiter returned to the table and offered them coffee. “I’m not a nursing mother,” Cameron said. “And I’m not driving—I’m having another drink. How about you, Vanni? What would you like?”

“Decaf?” she asked. And it was provided. The dishes were cleared away, a carafe of decaf left on the table. Cameron sipped his drink slowly and then the door softly clicked closed for the last time, leaving them alone.

Leaving them to talk. And talk. They went over families, friends, places they’d lived, terrible apartments they’d rented, bad cars they’d purchased, trips they’d taken. They laughed and asked each other questions and became friends, something Vanni had said she wanted. But when she said it she was only trying to keep him from pursuing her romantically. She was a bit surprised to realize how much she liked him and hoped he could be her friend.

She glanced at her watch; over three hours had passed. The day had been nearly perfect. It had taken her mind off all sorts of things, and had proven an ideal escape with a wonderful gentleman. “It’s almost time for little Matt to make himself heard,” she said.

“Does he still wake in the night?” Cameron asked.

“A couple of times, but he eats and goes back to sleep. People keep telling me he’s an easy baby. Thank God. It’s the only thing that’s been easy lately.”

“I’m glad you didn’t draw the fussy card. You just never know.”

She pushed her chair back and stood. “I’m going to turn in. I know it’s still early for you, but after Mattie’s next meal, I’ll go to bed.”

He stood, as well. “I’m right here if you need anything.” And then he walked her to their adjoining door.

She turned and faced him. “Really, I don’t know how to thank you. The day was wonderful, the evening was perfect. And you’re exceptionally well behaved.” She grinned at him.

“Don’t give me too much credit. It’s all part of a devious plan.”

“Oh?”

“Absolutely. If I can show you a good time, make you feel safe and comfortable, then maybe when you’re ready, I’ll have a chance.” He smiled at her.

She tilted her head and looked at him with a sweet smile and glowing eyes. “You’re absolutely wonderful.”

He shied a bit at the compliment and dropped his gaze, laughing softly. “Well, I’ve never had an interest in a widow with a baby before and I’m finding it has its difficult points.”

“Oh?”

He threaded a hand under her hair and around her neck. “Oh, yeah. For one thing, you just smell so damn good. If your situation was different, you might have to beat me off with a club. I have a giant crush on you.”

“Maybe I shouldn’t have done this,” she said, but she didn’t pull away from his hand. “I’d hate to lead you on.…”

“Come on, it’s not your fault if I have a crush and a desperate need to try to impress you. Don’t you have enough baggage without taking on mine?”

“Well, I’m impressed,” she said softly. She leaned toward him and put a gentle kiss on his cheek. “I just don’t want to let you down.”

Their eyes locked and for a moment they were suspended there. And then he slowly pulled her toward him. He was going to kiss her and she was going to let him. But then the baby started to snuffle in the crib and whimper. She pulled back with a smile. “That’s my call,” she said quietly. “Thank you for a lovely day. And for being such a dear man, for understanding so much.”

“Sure,” he said, removing his hand. “I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

“Good night, Cameron.”

Of course Vanni couldn’t sleep. It stung. She wanted hands on her. She wanted a man’s hot and eager body pressing her down in the bed, filling her, making her tremble and cry out. She hadn’t been touched, or physically loved in so long. After Matt’s death, after the baby, when her body began to come back to life, there was only one man whose touch could tempt her, really tempt her. Matt’s best friend. Her best friend.

Oh, it made her so furious, tears came to her eyes. That damn Paul! He wasn’t nearly as smooth, as romantic as Cameron! He wasn’t as pretty, and Lord knew, he didn’t want her like Cameron did.