Jasmine scrunched up her nose. “I didn’t think he would be someone you’d like.”
“Don’t try and put me in a box, babe, because I just may shock you.”
“I’ll try and keep that in mind.” Jasmine knew he was warning her not to stereotype him or she would end up with egg on her face.
She and Cameron encountered another crew member who led them to their assigned table. Three other couples were onboard, the men wearing tuxedos with black-and-red striped ties, while their dates had chosen blacks gowns that revealed an excessive amount of skin. Jasmine didn’t know why, but suddenly she felt overdressed.
Round tables on the first deck were arranged nightclub-style with seating for two. Centerpieces were oil candles and bud vases with red roses. She placed her purse on the chair and covered it with the shawl at the same time a man with bright blue eyes and thinning red hair spotted Cameron.
“Singleton, where the hell were you this morning? We missed you at brunch.”
Cameron gave his former roommate a rough embrace. “I ordered room service.” He rested a hand on Philip’s shoulder. “I want you to meet my date.” He smiled at Jasmine. “Darling, I want you to meet Philip Baxter. Phil and I were roommates and occasionally partners in crime. Phil, Jasmine Washington.”
Philip stared boldly at Jasmine before extending his hand, seemingly in slow motion. “Damn! You’re beautiful.”
Jasmine’s smile vanished, apparently stunned by his compliment. Seconds later she recovered and took his hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Philip.”
Philip kissed the back of her hand. “The pleasure’s all mine, and please call me Phil.”
“Then Phil it is.”
Cameron knew it was time to step in or say something that would spoil the evening for everyone. Phil was a notorious flirt, and apparently it didn’t matter to him that he was engaged to marry his fiancée sometime the following year. “Where’s your fiancée, Phil?”
He released Jasmine’s hand and pointed to the bar. “She’s getting a drink.”
Cameron stared at the woman slated to become the third Mrs. Philip Baxter. Despite the twenty-year-plus age difference, Tiffany appeared to be very much in love with Phil. “Jasmine and I are going to circulate until everyone gets here.”
“Don’t forget to save me a dance, Jasmine,” Philip called out as Cameron led her over to the railing.
“I’m sorry about Phil. He can be a little overbearing at times.”
Jasmine looped her arm over the sleeve of Cameron’s jacket. “There’s no need to apologize. He’s harmless.”
“Yeah, right.”
“Why would you say that, Cameron?”
“He’s so harmless that he’s working on his third wife.”
Her mouth formed a perfect O. “It sounds like he’s really been busy.”
Cameron stared across the Hudson River at the New Jersey shoreline. “I love Phil like a brother, but he’s always been an incorrigible flirt when it comes to women.”
“Can you answer one question for me, Cameron?”
He gave Jasmine a sidelong glance, silently admiring her delicate profile. Phil was right. She was beautiful. “Only one?” he teased.
“Right now, yes. Why did you call me darling?”
Cameron turned and stared directly at her. “I did?”
“Yes you did.”
He blinked slowly. “If I did, then it was the slip of the tongue. You don’t believe me, do you?” he asked when she gave him a questioning look. A hint of a smile parted her sensual mouth. Cameron winked at her. “I guess you got me.”
She leaned closer. “Yes, I did and I know you did it because you were marking your territory.”
Cameron traced her hairline with his finger. “You’re very perceptive. I don’t think I’m going to get away with much with you.”
