“You will,” Gypsy assured. “And I’m sure if the guy wasn’t some old geezer he’d want to marry you over it.”
Camila’s brow furrowed. “Did I say he was anold geezer?”
“Well, isn’t he? Sounds like it.”
She probably shouldn’t have said anything. If Gypsy believed Camila was working for some old guy she wouldn’t pester her about a possible romance. “Well, he’s old,” she lied. “But he’s notthatold…”
Her words drifted off as the ocean came into view.
Gypsy uttered something that network TV would have to bleep out. “You’ve got to be kidding me.That’sin your backyard?”
A wide grin spread over Camila’s face. “I guess so.” Distant glances over the balcony had not done it justice. Beyond a stretch of white, shimmering sand, the crystal blue ocean pushed tide after tide onto the shore. A breeze picked up, carrying the distant caw of seagulls on its wing.
“You are the luckiest woman I know right now.”
“Thisislike a dream,” Camila admitted. Nearer by, potted plants accented a turquoise pool in the yard. Beach chairs and umbrellas set the stage for a day of relaxing by the poolside, which would be tempting if it wasn’t for the beach just a walking distance away.
“You better get in that hot tub atleasthalf the nights you’re there,” Gypsy said.
Hot tub?Camila had missed that, but upon further inspection, the tempting sight came into view.
“Promise me you’ll get in there,” her friend urged.
An image of sliding into that hot tub beside a very gorgeous and muscular James Benton popped into her mind. Runaway goose bumps rippled over her arms, and Camila told herself they were brought on strictly by the breeze.
“I promise,” she assured.
“Why couldn’t you have like, snuck me into your suitcase? Maybe I can still come out. You can keep me tucked away in one of the rooms like your little dungeon girl and no one would even know.”
Camila scrunched her nose. “Dungeon girl?”
“You know what would be romantic?” Gypsy said.
“I’ve got to get back to work,” Camila said with a groan, but she knew it wouldn’t stop her friend from continuing.
“If the billionaire was like, kind of this mean awful beast at first, but then he started to get nice along the way—”
“That’s enough,” Camila said with a laugh. “This isn’t a cartoon, okay?”
But Gypsy carried on. “And suddenly he’s like this handsome prince who actuallydoeshave a good personality. It was just hiding beneath this mountain of hurt and fear.”
“Uh huh.” Camila glanced at the top of the screen to check the time. Only five o’clock.
“Think about it. You’ve got this king-sized mansion and it’s just you and him.”
“Anda housekeeper,” Camila added, recalling the sweet woman she’d met just hours ago.
“Yeah, well…” Gypsy said. “That makes the story even better. No housework for you.”
Camila gave into another laugh. “Well, if that magically starts to happen—everything that you listed off—I’ll be sure to let you know.”
“You better. I’ve got a date tonight, by the way. With this guy named Trinity. He’s got dreads. Seems nice.”
“That’s awesome,” Camila said. “Text me once you’re back. Let me know how it went.”
“Okay,” Gypsy said. “Maybe he’ll take me back tohismansion and I can live out the fantasy on my own.”
Camila chuckled as she hurried back up the steps. “Yeah. Maybe. Talk to you later.” She ended the call and folded her arms as a warm breeze rushed over her skin. Her surroundings nearly demanded she close her eyes and enjoy the moment. A full breath in, then out.
