She knew exactly what I was doing, shifting again and looking behind her at the traffic. “You think we’re being followed. Don’t you?”
“No, I don’t, but I can’t allow that to happen.”
“Now you’re scaring me.”
“I’ll be honest with you. You should be. That’s why I’m here and will be here as long as you need.”
“Why? You have your life to live. I’m just some girl who walked into your courtroom because she took a shortcut to her car on a rainy night.”
Camille’s obvious pep talk had gotten to her. Instead of being angry with her, I needed to face her question head on. Was I just trying to right a wrong from years before? I hadn’t been able to save my sister and I hadn’t managed to take away Camille’s pain.
The ache in my heart increased with every passing second.
Valentina’s question also burned in my mind as I slowed, making another turn and slowing down. What struck me was that for the first time in years, I’d allowed myself to feel anything again other than anger. That had everything to do with Valentina and nothing to do with the past. “First of all, you’re not just some girl. And maybe the truth is that I am living perhaps for the first time in years. I know. Strange timing. Right? Well, I can tell you that often I suck with appropriate timing.”
My admittance seemed to shock her and I was rewarded with a smile. “I’ll accept your answer and right now, your timing is perfect. So where are you taking me?”
I sensed she wanted to lighten the conversation and I was relieved.
“Well, you see. I have this favorite pizza joint. When I moved here a thousand years ago, Sal’s Pizza became my favorite place. See that building over there?” I pointed across the street and in searching for which building I’d mentioned, she moved closer. Close enough her incredible perfume painted my nostrils, filling me with another strong sense of desire.
So strong my balls were aching.
“The building with the strange bluish tint?”
I laughed easily this time. “That’s because of all the neon lights. Back then the area wasn’t considered on the fringes of South Beach. I was able to get an apartment for cheap. On the corner was a little convenience store that had everything I needed. Peanut butter and sardines. Everything a growing boy needs to eat.”
There was nothing so soulful as the lilt of her laugh. “Isn’t that part of a Jimmy Buffett song?”
“Hey. Everybody has a cousin in Miami.” When I shot out a line from one of my favorite pieces from the entertainer, she placed her hand on my leg as I’d done with her a few minutes earlier.
I’ll be damned if my dick wasn’t at full attention. If she kept it up, I’d never be able to survive the night.
“And the pizza?” she cooed as soon as I was successful in finding a spot in the crowded parking lot.
“A treat. That was back when I was a newly minted attorney. When I won a case, I allowed myself two slices of pepperoni and extra cheese pizza. Dripping with sauce and grease. That and two beers and I thought I was king for a day. Then I’d play cards all night with a couple buddies of mine.”
Valentine unfastened her seatbelt and crowded even closer. Now she shocked me when she gripped my arm, kissing my cheek. “The same buddies you play poker with now?”
Forced to take a deep breath so I didn’t ravage her in the car, I allowed a single growl. “The same ones.” I hadn’t really realized how long the five of us had been friends. How things changed.
And not necessarily for the better.
“I’ll need to meet these special men one day. Just to see how many Jimmy Buffett songs they know. Call it a test.”
“Let me guess. You think you can win.” At least her mood had brightened. Then again, so had mine. She had a way of bringing sunshine even when the clouds threatened to consume the brightest sky.
She pressed her index finger into my arm, twirling it as she peered up at me. I could swear she had the same lust in her eyes that I felt deep in my loins. “I win at everything. Just test me.”
“Hmmm… Challenge accepted. Just be careful what you ask for, little lady. I play to win.”
“We shall see.” Her voice singsong, she blew me a kiss before easing out onto the pavement.
I had to adjust my cock to prevent my zipper from pinching my skin. What in the hell was I going to do with her?
Her laughter lingered long after she shut the door, waiting for me to join her.
A vibrant vision drifted back and forth in my dangerous mind, every image filthy as sin.
