Page 16 of Midnight & Magic
His colleagues in Japan disagreed and were already starting the rumor. It was something he couldn’t flat out say no to. And not because of the business side—he could disagree on that aspect. But Japan wasn’t his territory, so he really didn’t have a say in the idea.
The Zoom meeting ended within three hours with little to nothing accomplished. Just as Camden expected as he turned on the news to get ready for the day, the markets in America were already in a panicked uproar about the computer currency. He sighed as he pulled out a tie and a pair of shoes to go with the black pinstripe suit he planned to wear for the day. Camden then reached for a blue button-down and put on his ensemble. The last thing he picked out were his cufflinks and watch. He then walked over to Cassidy’s room; she was already up and running the shower.
He knocked on the door to the bathroom.
“Take your time. I’m going to call Stacy now. It’ll take her a few minutes to get up here. Would you like some coffee?”
“Yes, please.” Said a muffled voice through the door.
Camden walked out of the room and headed towards the kitchen, where he got out a couple of mugs, some sugar packets, several creamers, and a couple of pods. He had just finished brewing both cups when Cassidy came in.
“How do you take your coffee?” He asked her.
“I like it black.”
Camden looked up to meet her gaze.
“Really? I would have never pegged you as a purist with coffee.”
“I drink it with cream and sugar most of the time, but there are days when I need that extra kick.”
“Did you not sleep well?”
“Yeah, I was tossing and turning a bit. It’s not the bed—that was quite comfy. I just get nervous about my panic attacks. I once woke up in the middle of the night with one, and I will never want to experience one like that ever again. That was very scary.”
Camden’s face softened as he shortened the distance between them. He put his hands on her shoulders.
“Cass, if the time ever arises where you wake up with a panic attack, I hope you know you can count on me to help get you through it.”
“I can’t put you out like that. You are the boss, and I don’t want to call you in the middle of the night over something so stupid as this.” She looked away from him just as a tear formed in the corner of her eye.
He palmed one of her cheeks and kissed the other before he rested his lips over her ear.
“I’m a big boy and can handle a middle-of-the-night wake-up call. Especially when it is coming from someone as beautiful as you.” His voice was just a whisper, and then he drew her chin up to meet his gaze.
“I mean that. Besides, I’m usually up by 3 AM for the Tokyo market, so you won’t be bothering me at all.”
“I don’t like being a burden.”
“You wouldn’t be a burden! Cass, I care about you. You are mine and my primary concern. Don’t you understand that about the bond we share?”
“I do. Of course, I do. The thing is, it’s been forever since I’ve even had the slightest attraction to someone. And now, given what I feel for you, I completely understand the bond better. I’ve never felt this connected to someone ever in my life. And that’s just terrifying to me.”
“Hey,” He said as he slid his palm up to her cheek once more before continuing, “I’m a little scared too, but I know this is right. I know what we have is something real, something right.” He drew his lips to hers.
They were a breath apart when the doorbell rang, and a voice came through the speaker.
“Hi, Mr. Connel, it’s Stacy.”
Camden smiled.
“Saved by the bell. Honestly, if she didn’t come soon, I may have taken a personal day with you so I could have you all to myself.”
Cassidy gave him a half-smile as he turned on his heel to open the door. A short woman with red hair and green eyes entered the room.
“Hey! So I have three outfits based on your specifications.” She said as she glanced over at Cassidy. “Oh good! They look like they will all fit.”
“Wonderful,” Camden said as he took all three. “Just put all three on my account. If something doesn’t fit, I’ll get back to you by this afternoon for an exchange.”
