The raw truth of his statement somehow makes this opulent lobby melt away, leaving only the two of us.
"You're cute." He reaches to me, turning my face toward him with one warm finger. "And I’m going to kiss you now, Cinderella.”
He says it like kissing a stranger, a girl he barely knows, is the most natural thing in the world.
He may have pulled this kissing trick and used this same corny line a thousand times before.
Yet his gaze holds an intensity that suggests I'm the only one in the room. That he’s saying this to me for the first time ever.
The moment his lips touch mine, I melt into the kiss like sinking into a warm jacuzzi.
Cameron’s hand slides from my chin to the nape of my neck. His thumb draws slow, deliberate circles against my skin that awaken something primal in me.
He tastes of lime, tequila and something uniquely him, warm and intoxicating. It’s a magical kiss that confirms the tea reader’s words in the most visceral way.
Everything about this feels like a dream—the plush sofa, the golden lighting, Cameron Crow's mouth on mine.
Yet, this is really happening.The tea reader was right.
I don't know how long the kiss lasts. I'm not counting. I'm just floating in a perfect bubble where fairy tales come true.
When Cameron finally pulls back, his lips brush against my ear, sending another jolt through my system.
"My place isn't far," he whispers, his voice low and husky. "Want to celebrate your 21st birthday in style?”
My body screams yes. Every nerve ending is alive, electric, buzzing with a desire I've never known.
"Well?" he says, those blue eyes holding mine, searching. "What's it going to be, Cinderella?”
The nickname sends shivers through me.
"There you are!”
I whip around, startled to see Zaza and Keesha standing in front of us.
"We've been waiting for you," Zaza says. Her expression holds a mixture of surprise and curiosity. "We came to see what was taking you so long."
"How did you find me?" My voice comes out breathless, guilty.
"The bartender came to our table. He wanted his key back," Keesha explains, then stares openly at Cameron. "You're Cameron Crow."
For a moment, both my friends just gape at him, mouths ajar.
"I was just asking your friend if she'd like to see my apartment. It's not too far," Cameron says smoothly, looking directly at me.
There's a question in his eyes, like he's giving me one last chance to choose.
Part of me wants to tell my friends to go away. To follow this gorgeous man and live out whatever fantasy he's offering. But the responsible part of me - the part that's kept me safe for twenty-one years - kicks in.
"I should go with my friends," I tell him reluctantly.
"Well, then." He stands gracefully, that rock star confidence radiating from every movement. "It was nice meeting you, Cinderella."
With that, he saunters toward the hotel elevators, not looking back. I watch him disappear behind polished brass doors, my heart still hammering from his kiss.
"Did Cameron Crow just follow you from the club?" Zaza asks.
"No, I don't think so. I guess this really is my Cinderella night."
