Page 61 of Enthrall
The server reached over for my plate, quickly removing it.
I picked up Cameron’s champagne glass and snuck in another sip, throwing him a delighted smile that his game was over.
Cameron ignored me, keeping his focus on Richard’s reaction, his hand returning to my thigh. He leaned toward Richard, keeping his voice low. “I was sharing with Senator DeLuca the challenge we’re having with taming this one.”
Richard looked incredulous at him.
I poked Cameron’s ribs. “I’ll have you know I’m a free spirit.”
“I’d very much like to help with this,” said the senator. “In fact I insist.”
Cameron seemingly held back on a chuckle, his grip tightening. Bracing for another agonizing squeeze, I froze.
“Mia, now, please.” Richard nodded his approval when I rose. “So, I know a great place,” he stuttered. “The Ivy. Lots of celebs. You’ll love it, Marcello. How long are you in town?”
The senator’s gaze found me again. “A few days.”
I smiled at him, relieved this debacle was over.
“Perfect,” said Richard. “We won’t be taking up too much of your visit.” He clicked his fingers. “Mia.”
Cameron stepped out and I eased past him. Richard blinked several times at the hem of my dress and shot me a disapproving frown. He recovered quickly, gesturing goodbye to the senator and Cameron.
Richard led me out.
“What about my food?” I said.
Richard gave a nod of thanks to the maitre d’ and pulled me out onto the curb. For goodness sake, Cameron had pulled me in here and now Richard pulled me out. I felt like a rag doll.
“Get in,” snapped Richard, pointing to the open top silver BMW. He slipped several notes to the valet, and from the young man’s expression it must have been a lot. Richard leaped into the driver’s side.
I settled into the luxurious cream leather seat and offered a thank you to the valet for shutting my door. The car took off and my head jolted back against the headrest.
“Put your seatbelt on,” said Richard.
Winston sat on the backseat, happily panting away. Reaching back, I scratched his head and he licked my hand. “Hey Winston.”
“Seatbelt,” said Richard again.
I faced the front and pulled the strap round. “I thought you had a Jeep.”
“Please take your hair out of those ridiculous ponytails.” He threw me a look. “Could your dress be any shorter?” He turned the music on and Pearl Jam’sJust Breatheblared out of the sound system.
I wondered how much Cameron would hate me if I told on him.
Richard turned the music down. “Didn’t we have a discussion about you calling me?”
“Cameron told me there wasn’t time.”
Richard snapped his head round to look at me. “What do you mean?”
“When he picked me up. He told me we could call you from the car. He changed his mind.”
“You should have told me you were having dinner with him.”
“He just turned up.” I slunk in my seat. “Are you the assistant director?”
He sped up, taking a corner wide. “Of Enthrall, yes. Why?” Richard threw me a sideways glance.
