Page 10 of Midnight & Magic
“Well, we can get the names of some kids from a shelter or home and add their names to a tree in the main lobby. Each person can pick a name and get the gift that the child wishes for, and on the night of the party, we can invite the kids for, say the first hour—early—of course, and someone can play Mr. & Mrs. Claus and hand out the gifts to them. You are still giving to a charity, but it’s on a more intimate level. Kinda like how the spirit of Christmas is.”
“I actually really like that idea! Let’s add that to the list. And honestly, I know the perfect orphanage, too. But we should still go with tradition and have the auction. We’ll have that later on in the evening, though.”
“Sounds lovely.”
“I’m thrilled that Cheryl suggested I hire you. This turned out to be an excellent decision.”
The waiter appeared with their meals, and the two continued to chat and get to know each other between bites. The meal turned into dessert, followed by a dessert wine, and Camden was trying to find any way he could to keep the date going.
“Would you like to go somewhere else for a nightcap?”
“I would, but it’s getting late, and I think my boss would get a little upset with me if I didn’t make the 5:30 AM subway to get to work on time.”
Camden smiled.
“I think I can persuade your boss to get you in at a more decent time of the morning instead of the crack of dawn.”
“Oh, really? Does that mean I’m holding up my end of the bargain and getting you to relax a little?”
“Only if you agree to a nightcap at the best place in New York City, my place.”
Cassidy’s eyes widened.
“Cam, I don’t know if that’s such a good idea.”
“Just one drink, that is all I’m asking. I don’t want this night to end because I haven’t enjoyed myself this much in probably forever. After that, you can have Sam drive you home—promise.”
“Nonsense! I can take the subway! It’s fine.”
“Not at night.”
“Cam, I’ll be fine!”
“It doesn’t matter because no girl of mine will ride the subway on my watch. No, I want you safe.”
Cassidy raised an eyebrow.
“Girl of yours?”
“I’m sorry. I know we agreed to take this slow, and it’s, well? You know how protective vampires can be with those they care about.”
“Okay.”
“Okay? Okay!”
Camden finished paying for the meal, and they stepped out of the restaurant as Sam pulled up to the curb. He got out of the car, opened the door for them both, and they slid in.
“Where to, sir?”
“To the penthouse, Sam.”
“Excellent, sir.”
Sam raised the partition again, leaving the two of them alone. Camden had a half-smile on his face. He stroked Cassidy’s bare arm with his index finger, and the gesture pricked her skin with goosebumps.
“I’d like very much to kiss you, Cassidy.” He said as his eyes bore into hers and flicked to her lips.
“I’d very much like that too.” Her tone was almost inaudible.
