"Pizza's almost here," he murmured. "Let's head down to pick it up."
I followed Cameron silently through the mansion. We didn't speak. Our footsteps echoed against the walls. This place was so empty. It wasn't creepy-empty.
Just lonely-empty.
I was beginning to understand why Cameron threw so many parties.
He met the pizza guy at the front door and pushed a wad of cash into his hand. From the look on the guy's face, the tip must have been over the top.
"Thanks, man!" he said with a wide grin.
"All the delivery guys fight over who gets to bring me my food." Cameron kicked the door closed with one foot, holding the box of pizza in his hands. "That's why it never takes more than twenty minutes for it to get here. They speed the whole way. They all want the big tip."
Cameron threw me a look, close to a leer, and wriggled his eyebrows.
Big tip.
I groaned. "That's awful." But secretly I was pleased. Cameron was back to his usual self, flirting and using innuendo around me.
"Lots more where that came from, Angel."
That pet name made me flush. It was the same thing he'd called me before. It reminded me of that night at the concert. Reminded me of his offer.
I had to stop thinking of that. Had to stop remembering those words on his tongue, and the look in his eyes as he said it.
We were just friends.
That's all we were ever going to be.
Chapter Eight
Ifollowedas Cameron took the pizza to the kitchen. He pulled out two plates from the cupboard. I was half surprised he didn't just eat off paper napkins. I told him as much.
"I know I have a bachelor reputation to uphold, but I do know how to behave like a civilized human being."
"Do civilized human beings casually talk about their kinks and love of sex?"
"I said I knowhowto act civilized. I didn't say I always did it."
As we spoke, Cameron placed slices of pizza on the plates. He handed me mine with three slices. Just the right amount of broccoli and spinach, perfectly proportioned.
"You sure you want to eat that?" The look of distaste on Cameron's face made me laugh. "There are more vegetables than pizza on that plate."
I nodded to his slices. "So fruit on a pizza is fine, but vegetables are gross?"
"Point taken." His eyes met mine, as if debating something internally. "You want to watch a movie while we eat?" he finally asked.
I was surprised he wasn't planning on just running away again.
"Sure. I could use a break from studying."
I thought Cameron would show me to one of his living rooms, probably with a big screen TV and comfy sofas.
Instead, he took me to the fourth floor and opened up a set of double doors. Inside was essentially a small movie theater. A dozen soft leather armchairs faced the screen, which took up most of the far wall. From what I'd seen of the house so far, I should have expected it. I was still taken aback.
"Have you got a bowling alley tucked away somewhere, too?" I asked. "A helicopter pad on the roof, maybe?"
Cameron looked around, as if seeing the place for the first time.