Chapter 10

With the camera crew gone, her legs seem longer in the confines of my car. Her limbs angle towards me—smooth and tanned.

"You do realize you're risking one million dollars, which would leave you debt free and still have enough money to travel around the world. The million is still on the table."

She tilts her head and holds my gaze. "I know. But if you don't want me to risk it, then why is it an option?"

My hand instinctively finds its place on her leg, as if it's an old habit. A shiver races through her, causing goosebumps to rise along her thigh. The last time I had more than a physical response to a woman was Phoebe, and Cameron is the opposite of Phoebe in nearly every way. I barely know Cameron. I contemplate the stark differences.

Cameron, the daring, sassy, risk-taking entrepreneur to Phoebe's cautious, sweet, and shy nature. Before falling in love with Phoebe, I, too, embraced risk-taking behavior. While that part of me still exists, it now plays out solely in the realm of business.

"I guess I never thought anyone would risk that much money. A million dollars can still change your life, leaving you stress free."

"Have you risked anything to get where you are?" she asks as we arrive at the restaurant, and the driver opens her door. We slide out.

I lean down, whispering in her ear, "I've been taking risks my entire life. I may be taking one right now."

She suppresses a smile, but I see it at the corners of her lips and the small puff of air she inhales. Beneath the sarcasm is a thoughtful, sexy woman.

Barclay says, "I'll be in the valet lot."

"We won't be long," she says.

Barclay belly laughs. "You don't know Wells."

Nestled in the heart of Miami, Enzo's exudes an aura of sophistication and glamour that draws the city's elite and in-crowd. The exterior boasts a stylish facade with sleek, floor-to-ceiling windows that offer tantalizing glimpses of the chic interior.

"Wow, this is stunning." Cameron's eyes scan the room amidst the bustling of patrons entertained by the lively chatter of the trendy clientele, sipping on expertly crafted cocktails at the trendy bar or indulging in delectable dishes crafted by the acclaimed chef.

"Would you like to meet the chef?" I ask, surprised by my own question. For some inexplicable reason, I feel compelled to showcase her and for her to realize I'm not the arrogant jerk she thinks I am.

"Of course."

The hostess waves me through, and the crowd parts as we make our way to the kitchen. We zigzag through the tables until we reach the back of house, and I see his hands waving around, shouting instructions.

"Enzo."

"Winnie boy. One dinner wasn't enough? You're going to bruise my ego."

Cameron mouths, "Winnie?" Like now, she has the goods on me.

"Enzo, this is Cameron." Enzo's eyes sparkle as he looks between us and then jubilantly hugs me and Cameron.

"The dinner was wonderful. The ravioli was buttery and light. How do you make the cream sauce so delicate with all the taste?" Cameron asks as she comes out of his embrace.

"My Nona would kill me if I told her secrets."

"We've got to track down Wells," I remind her, knowing he's living it up and plans on including me in his mischievous endeavors.

Enzo, knowing my family in depth, responds with a sly smile. "Oh, you know Wells. He's probably surrounded by a gaggle of ladies." His hearty chuckle fills the air, making his employees' heads turn in our direction. "Nice to meet you, young lady. It's been too long since Winnie's brought a woman around."

My skin prickles on his words as Cameron gives him a closed-lipped smile. "You, too."

"We'll get out of your kitchen and find Wells." I shake my head.

"Stay out of trouble."

Together, Cameron and I navigate our way through the bustling restaurant, weaving through clusters of chattering patrons and clinking glasses until we finally spot Wells.

We find him on the patio, enclosed by lush topiaries that cast dancing shadows in the moonlight. Wells holds court with three stunning women, their laughter ringing out like crystal chimes. As we approach, the sultry beats of the music throb through the air, luring revelers to the dance floor where bodies move in a sensual rhythm, lost in the allure of the night.

"Do you want a drink?"

"No, thanks. We've already shared two bottles of wine."

Her hips sway and head bobs to the music when I finally say, "Let's break up my brother's harem. Do you like to dance?"

"I love dancing."

I slide my hand from her elbow to her hand, escorting her to the dance floor. Her hand feels warm and inviting just like her thigh in the car. I don't know why I brought her here to meet Enzo and my brother. This is next-level relationship stuff, and the woman hates me, but thankfully, the wine has softened us both.

"Winnie!" my brother screams. "And you must be the videotaping boat captain."

"In the flesh." Cameron smirks and raises her hand slightly.

Wells sweeps her away from my grasp, pulling her across the dance floor in steady movements. He has her laughing throughout two songs. Carefree and fun loving is how I would describe Cameron if this were the first time I met her. I can no longer stand seeing his arms around my girl.

My girl?

With determination etched on my face, I step in and claim her back from my brother's arms.

I pull her chest to mine as the vibrations from the heavy beat ensure our bodies move rhythmically. Her hands are loose by her sides, while I have one hand on her hip, making sure we stay in sync. There's not a chance in hell I'm letting her go tonight. It's the first time I've felt alive in years.

Song after song plays, and I haven't pried my eyes away from the gorgeous boat captain.

We're glued together at our centers and fuck if it doesn't make me hard. She pulls her hair off her neck and on instinct, I lean down and blow on her fiery red skin. Her scent is intoxicating—the faint smell of sweat mixed with a powdery, sweet, musky aroma. Cameron keeps her arms over her head, practically daring me to cross the line.

I mumble over the column of her neck, "Is this what you want?"

She lets her hair fall, and her arms thread around my neck. My body burns with need to touch her, wanting to feel every bit of her. Lazily, my lips trail over her scented skin and suck below her ear.

Her hands skate to my face, holding me as our eyes crash, and our bodies grind to the hypnotic music. Our lips are like magnets, unable to control the physics of them snapping together. I capture her bottom lip, and then our flesh combines like a perfect storm. I want her so bad, I can't see straight.

Cameron pulls back and with one finger on my lips, she says, "I have to go to the bathroom."

With a few confident strides, she's gone, and I'm left to decide whether to follow her.