Chapter 3
Temptation is the devil looking through the keyhole. Yielding is opening the door and inviting him in.
– William “Billy” Sunday, professional baseball outfielder however, tonight she was playing a part, and she was enjoying the performance she was putting on for Javi.
He took her hand and led them into a basic eight-step bachata.
She was impressed, and once he realized she could follow and keep up, he started to show off.
Their movements were tight due to the cramped space of the busy club and their positioning had her nearly riding his thigh for dips and slides.
They rolled their bodies in sensual waves, and the energy exchange between them was palpable.
They flowed as if they’d been dancing together for years.
It was sensual and more intimate than it should have been.
Camdyn could feel his hard arm and shoulder muscles through his thin shirt, and she was amazed at how easily and fluid he could move his broad frame.
The bodies gyrating with them on the dance floor made the air hot and thick.
Sweat trickled down her back and was starting to bead on Javi’s forehead.
Still, for several songs, they danced on.
But the day was finally catching up with Camdyn and she was getting tired.
Either Javi was tired, too, or he was able to tell she was losing steam.
As the current song ended, he pulled her close, his cheek almost touching hers, close enough that she could feel his breath on her ear when he said, “Let’s get out of here.”
A shiver ran down her spine before she nodded, and he took her hand and led her out of the club.
She felt flushed, but in a good way. The night air outside the club was humid, in the way that all coastal places are, but it was a welcome reprieve and gave her a chance to catch her breath while Javi hailed them a cab.
It was only a couple blocks within the Gaslamp Quarter to the hotel, but Cam was relieved to not have to walk it.
“I haven’t danced like that in years,” commented Javi once they were seated in the back of the car.
“I haven’t either. I was surprised at how well you danced,” admitted Camdyn.
“I’m originally from Miami. My family is Cuban. Dancing seems to be inherent for us,” he stated with a wave of his hand.
“No one is born that good of a dancer,” said Camdyn. “I took classes for years and I would bet you took some, too.”
He laughed. “You’re correct. I had a few classes. My father thought dancing would enhance my body awareness and improve my strength and agility for baseball. But I was always good at my lessons, so I think it was mostly inherent.”
Camdyn was intrigued. She couldn’t imagine her brother taking dance classes. “Do you think the classes helped your playing?”
“I don’t think it hurt. Does that make me less masculine to you?” he teased.
She laughed. “No. I still find you very masculine.”
“How about handsome?” he questioned.
She tried not to smile. “Yes, I find you handsome, too.”
“That’s good,” he replied. He leaned closer to her, as if to divulge a secret. “Because I find you incredibly attractive, Cami.”
She raised a brow and questioned, “Cami?” Had he already forgotten her name?
“Sí, Camdyn. I think it suits you,” he replied while maintaining eye contact with her, as if challenging her to dispute it.
He had no idea how arousing she found that.
Their ride stopped in front of the hotel and Javi took care of the fare before taking her hand and leading her into the hotel lobby.
He stopped once inside and faced her while still holding her hand.
“This is my hotel. We can grab a drink in the bar and talk until you’re ready to go.
Or we can go up to my room. You get to lead. What do you want to do, Cami?”
With her free hand she reached up to stroke back a piece of hair that had flopped onto his forehead.
He was giving her a way out with drinks at the bar, but she didn’t want it.
Tonight she was being reckless. Just this once, but by her own choice.
Tonight, with Javi, she didn’t have to be an ice queen.
She didn’t have to be perfect and controlled. She knew she was safe with him.
“Your room,” she answered.
A smile spread across his face. It was easy to tell that was the answer he’d wanted. He tugged her hand and led them to the elevator.