Harlow widens her eyes and a blush creeps up her cheek.
Cam mindlessly runs her fingers over the book sleeve. “Still, a book signing would be good publicity, don’t you think, Harlow?”
Harlow nods in agreement. “I’m sure all your fans would love to meet you in person.”
Felix picks the paper back up and unfolds it with a flick of his wrist. “All right, I’ll do the damn signing for an hour on Sunday and that’s it.”
Cam hands the book back to me as she corners the counter, looking rather pleased with herself, then takes her apron off.
“What are you doing?”
“I have some advertising to do. You can thank me later.”
“I’m not here Sunday mornings. You know that, right?”
“It’s fine. I can handle an event. Besides, Trudy, Julian and Glory will be here to help.”
“Julian isn’t down for that day. He’s booked the weekend off, taking his boyfriend away for his birthday.”
“It’s fine. We’ll manage.” She sits at an empty table and opens her laptop. There’s no reasoning with this woman, though I admire how talented she is at some things. The website’s amazing. In the last few days, I’ve noticed more customers.
* * *
I brush past Cam, carrying a three tier afternoon delight, my other hand grazing her shoulder. She glances up and smiles, causing a skip in my chest.
After delivering the afternoon treats to the garden, I brush past her again on my way to the counter, this time moving her hair from her ear. “Want to go out later?”
“Sure, that would be nice.” She smiles again, then goes back to coding on the laptop. Each time I glance at the screen, I see rows of text that mean nothing to me. It may as well be the matrix, but I’m in awe of how much of a website coding genius she is. She was always smarter than me. That’s one of the things I liked about her. The only reason I got into college was because I was the best quarterback around until I got injured.
Last night with Cam, I almost told her how I feel, but I need to know she feels the same before I make a fool of myself. A few drinks tonight should loosen her up and give me an idea of what’s really going on in that head of hers.
CAMI
Gray presses his hand against the small of my back as he guides me past the tall Greek columns in the taverna. The place boasts a Mediterranean vibe, and I inhale the fresh aroma of Greek cooking floating from the kitchen. Families sit around tables full of mezzo platters and American fries. It’s a delicious combo that has my tummy rumbling.
As I walk towards an empty table, Gray slides his hand around my waist. “We’re over in the other side.” He nods to a section of the restaurant on the other side of the bar. “The naughty side.”
My eyes sparkle, walking into what looks like an adult only section with karaoke. We sit next to an open sliding door between two columns so we can watch the sunset.
“Gray, this is lovely.” It’s almost like a date. Is it a date? My breath halts. I’ve always wanted to go on a proper date with him, but maybe he wants a bit of fun, no strings attached. If Gray wanted me the way I want him, I’d have a reason to stay. But I couldn't stick around and watch him date other girls.
“Grayson, how’s it going?” A server asks in a Greek accent.
Gray shakes his hand. “It’s going, Thanasis, it’s still going. Have you met Cam, Betty’s great-niece?”
I hold my hand out for a handshake from this Greek God of a man, but Thanasis dives right in, giving me a kiss on both cheeks, rendering me speechless. “Welcome to our taverna, beautiful lady. You have your aunt’s eyes, as blue as the Mediterranean Sea on a summer’s day.”
My lips can’t form words. Drool slips out of my gaping mouth.
Thanasis flicks back his slick black hair, revealing more of that olive skin on his forehead. “We should get together. We can discuss your great-aunt’s sweet tea recipe, neh? For years, I’ve been trying to get it out of her. Please tell me it didn’t die with her. God rest her soul.” He makes the sign of the cross, then kisses my hand, sending tingles up my arm.
Gray straightens in his seat and clears his throat. “Thanasis, you’re barking up the wrong tree if you want the sweet tea recipe. Cami here only just learned how to boil a kettle.” Gray grins as I slant my eyes at him. Cheeky twat.
Thanasis turns to Gray. “You mean I have to seduce you instead?” He chuckles. “Why, Grayson, what beautiful brown eyes you have.”
“Cut it out. Are you serving us today, or did you just come over to flirt with my girl?”
My ears prick up at my girl. Did Gray actually just say that? I swallow. My mouth fills with saliva faster than a river during a monsoon. Thanasis may have the smile of Apollo with the body of Hades, but Gray is the one that gets my knickers in a twist. In more ways than one.
