Justice Falling (Falling #3)(17)
“Do you plan to treat her like your usual fare?”
“Bollocks no! I said she’s different.” Collier nodded and waited. “There’s just an innocence about her though. I’m drawn to her. Today, when I kissed her…bloody hell it was amazing.”
“You’ve already kissed her? She couldn’t be that innocent.” He grinned.
“I couldn’t help myself. When I’m near this woman, Colly…shite. I just need to touch her. Be closer to her. Smell her, taste her. Christ.” I pulled on my wet hair until the roots tingled with pain.
Collier smiled then clapped me on the back. “So what are you going to do about it?”
“I have to get her to go out with me again. I’m thinking flowers to start. What do you think?”
After a chuckle, he responded, “I think that could be a good start. I’ve met Cami. She seems shy and timid but smart as a whip. My suggestion would be to go easy on her. Don’t go in with your normal egomaniac charm, because it won’t work.”
“Yeah, you’re right. How the hell did you get so wise in the ways of women?”
“London owns my arse, and I have no complaints.” He looked down at his hands. “I think I’m going to marry her if she’ll have me.”
“Yeah? You think she’d say no?” Instantly, I felt worry and dread prickle at the back of my neck. His nervous energy proved he was unsettled about something. Collier’s ex did a number on him a few years ago, cheating and running off with some hotel entrepreneur. London was the first woman he’d given his heart to since. They seemed good together, but love was fickle. Something I had never experienced myself.
“I don’t think she would. I’m just not sure she cares about marriage after what she went through losing her husband so tragically and so young.”
“You guys are past all that rubbish though, right?”
“We are, but it’s still there under the surface. I know she loves me, but it’s still pretty new. I just want to make her mine legally. She may have other opinions on that.” Collier grinned and winked.
“Whatever you decide, I’m here for you. Be happy to stand up alongside any pending nuptials.”
“Thanks, mate. Now, remember what I said about Cami. Be kind and gentle.”
I nodded as we walked towards the exit. “Kind and gentle…what the f*ck does that even mean?”
“I don’t know. I read it off a Hallmark card once.”
Chapter 5
Pea soup. That’s what the thick, gelatinous, mush previously known as my brain felt like as I sat at my computer staring blankly at the white screen. I needed to type a few letters for Mr. Jensen, but all I could think about was last night. The nauseating experience of seeing Tyler, and allowing him to slide a crisp hundred dollar bill into my G-string still soured my gut even twelve hours later. Dodging my worst nightmare after he caught me on stage was an epic performance. One of my best.
Once I realized who he was, I instantly went into fight or flight mode. Like the perfect little birdie, I chose flight. Before his gaze ever touched mine, I pirouetted on one heel, did a perfect back hand-spring off the stage and out of sight. The men in the club had gone absolutely wild, the cheering and applauding at my exit was something I’d now be known for. When the husband and wife duo who owned the club found me backstage shaking like an eighty year old woman, they thought it was from the adrenaline and paid it no mind. Thank God for small favors. Last thing I wanted to do was explain. My goal, while the bosses spilled their excitement in a glorious rush of accolades and booze-breath, was to get the hell out of the club as fast as my spiked heels would take me.
A ping from my computer noted that I received an email and broke me from my reverie at the same time the door opened. A pair of scrawny legs, worn-out red Vans, and a giant bouquet of yellow sunflowers mixed with white daisies completely covered any view of the person delivering them.
“Delivery for Ms. Johnston,” a pubescent voice rang out behind the array of sunshine and happiness.
I stood and grabbed the mosaic vase made up of tiny multicolored squares in a myriad of pearlescent hues. “Thank you,” I said, setting down the flowers. They were quite possibly the most beautiful arrangement I had ever seen. The yellow sunflowers, my favorite, split open with a wide center that reminded me of a perfect sunny day. I couldn’t help smiling.
The young man’s eyes widened as he scanned my form. Then he quickly looked away from my chest, shuffled his feet, and presented me with a clipboard. I thanked him. He had a hat on backwards and his hair was sticking out in all directions beneath it. He couldn’t have been older than eighteen. This was probably his first job. I sympathized with the kid. At almost twenty three this was my first real job, aside from waiting tables or dancing on them.
“Thanks, uh, yeah…okay. Bye then.” His voice cracked as he made a quick exit.
I gave a small wave dismissing the nervous delivery boy and looked at the incredible display. These were for me? Had to be a mistake. I’d never been sent flowers before. I spotted the small green envelope and pulled the card from the luscious golden petals and thick leaves.
Camille,
These reminded me of you. As lovely and warm as the sun.
Have dinner with me.
Nate