Justice Falling (Falling #3)(32)

We were so busy making out in the back of the cab, I didn’t realize the carriage had stopped moving.

“Hey love birds! We’re here. Whad-da-ya say you pay up and move your sexy time to your own space, eh?” the cab driver scolded us in a thick, New York accent.

Camille’s cheeks pinked instantly. She held her hand over her lips and got out of the cab. I paid the man, tipping extra, and ushered my girl into the building.

“You live downtown?” she surveyed the area. “We’re so close to AIR Bright!”

I smiled. “Living in the city has its conveniences. One being, Stone, Walker, & Associates is just down the street. I walk to work unless it’s raining or I have clients to meet.”

“I have to take a train to work. I enjoy it though. Gives me some quiet time I’m not used to having.”

“Oh yeah? Why’s that? Because your roommate and her son are loud?”

“Sort of. I’m looking forward to finding out what you’re cooking for me.” She nudged my shoulder with her own, catapulting me into moving.

We rode the elevator up to my floor making small talk. I opened the door to my flat and took her jumper and hung it on the coat tree. When I turned around she had entered the main living area and was spinning in a slow circle, her mouth open, a wondrous look plastered across her lovely face.

“Wow, this is amazing.” The last word came out sounding like two words “Auh-Mazing.” Something about her loving my home sent my heart thudding in my chest like a bass drum.

“I’m glad you approve. I’ll give you the tour.” I held her hand and showed her the spare rooms, the den, my home gym, each of the three bathrooms and the wine closet. I brought her to the master bedroom. Instead of entering, I opened the door and let her look in. I didn’t want her to feel I brought her here to get her into bed. I genuinely wanted her to feel comfortable in my space and enjoy a home cooked meal with me.

Once she hemmed and hawed over each room, I brought her to the kitchen to one of my high back stools at the bar. “Fancy some wine?”

“Yes please.”

I served us both wine and then got right to work on the chicken marsala I had planned to woo her with.

“So who designed your place?” she asked.

“Actually, I did. But I’m having my brother’s girlfriend, London Kelley, redo the entire thing. You know London.” She nodded. “I’m looking for something a bit more sophisticated.”

“Really?” Her jaw hung and her eyes widened. “It’s so magnificent. If I lived in a home like this I’d never want to leave.”

“Thank you. I think it needs a woman’s touch and, since a woman has never lived here, it feels too bachelor pad.” I poured the pasta into the boiling water and took a sip of wine.

“So you’ve never lived with a woman?” She must have regretted asking. She gasped after the words escaped her pink lips.

I laughed. “Never met a woman I wanted to share a living space with. Until now maybe.” I crooked an eyebrow in her direction. Her eyes widened and her face paled. “Relax love. I’m not asking you to move in with me.” Her entire body visibly relaxed which I found adorable. “I can’t help saying though that I enjoy seeing you sitting in my home, drinking a glass of wine, me preparing a meal for you.”

Camille lowered her eyes but her smile gave away her pleasure. “I like being here. It feels comfortable. I worried that it wouldn’t.”

“Why’s that?”

“I told you before. I don’t have much experience…with um, men. I haven’t dated really in the last few years.”

The word “years” struck a chord. Tyler had said he dated Camille years ago. She just confirmed that she hadn’t dated in years.

“When was the last time you were on a date?” I did my best to soften my gaze and leaned over the counter to get closer to her.

She took a deep breath, blowing a few wisps of hair from her brow. “Can we talk about something else?”

I shook my head. “No, Precious, we can’t. How long?”

She pinched her lips, looked away, then finally spoke, “Five years.”

“You haven’t been with a man in five years? How long ago were you with Ty?”

Camille’s shoulders tightened. She lifted her glass to take a sip, then responded through her glass. “Five years.” were her muffled words.

“Ty was the last man you were with?” I jolted as she bit her lip, clenched her hands into fists, and nodded. Christ. Fuck all!

“I told you I wasn’t very experienced,” Her voice was so low I could barely hear her.

“Camille, is Ty the only man you’ve ever been with?” My tone was clearly shocked, because for f*ck’s sake, I was shocked. I couldn’t imagine such a beautiful woman only having been touched by one man. And of course the f*cking sod was none other than my best mate.

“Is it really that big of a deal?” she asked, pulling a long lock of hair into both of her hands rubbing it delicately between her fingers.

I placed my hands on the granite counter and took a cleansing breath. Was it really that bad? Yes. It was womanizer Ty who’d taken her virginity so carelessly. I knew that based solely on his vulgar reply to my text last week. Regarding the inexperience, no, that was a blessing. She was practically untouched. Heat built at the base of my spine spreading heavily to my balls and cock. Through the afternoon I was trying to keep it together but just the thought of being with such an innocent had me hard as the countertop.