Page 38 of See You Again

“I'm not saying we have to talk about that… But if you are dating her, then I hope?—”

“Luke, you might live in your love bubble, or whatever it is you two want to call it these days. But my private life is just that. Private.”

“I'm not trying to pry. I'm just trying to say… Screw it!” Luke blew out an exasperated breath. “You are going to have to go to some of these events. It's part of our business. If you are single, then certain things?—"

“I'm not.” The words were out before he could stop them.

Fuck! Why had he said that?

Cami made him crazy. That’s why.

Luke's eyes widened. “You're not what?”

James shoved his hands through his hair, gripping it at the root. He needed to find a way to get himself out of the corner he’d just backed himself into—preferably one that kept his dignity intact. Find a way to twist the words so it didn’t look like he’d just said he wasn’t single any longer. But the more he tried to make his lips form the words, the harder it became.

“Cami and I ran into each other recently.” James finally decided on. Not a lie, but not the full truth either. “The history between us makes things complicated.”

Luke nodded slowly. “I get it. Why didn't you just tell them that? If you make a public statement, or hell, probably even a social media post, it would get all these people off your back. It’s an easy solution.”

“I have to talk to Cami before I do anything. We’re private.”

James would have to call Cami now. There was no avoiding it. He ignored the fizz of anticipation spreading through his chest.

Am I actually considering going along with her insane idea?

However, if Luke was correct, and all they needed was a public statement to get all of these women off his back… the galas, and luncheons and that asinine bachelor auction… It meant he wouldn't be swarmed every time he went out.

Maybe they could do a couple of public appearances to make it seem authentic. Then they would go their separate ways. If someone asked them in the future, they could just say they quietly broke up. No one needed to know.

It felt messy. James didn't like messy.

It also meant he would spend time with her again. A traitorous, happy flicker came to life inside him.

“I’ll talk to Cami about a statement.”

Luke took the hint and left, but James was already lost in thought. He pulled out a pad and made a list.

A contract. That's what they needed. Something clear cut and organized. Something that clearly delineated what their roles were and what they could expect. James's shoulders relaxed. He was feeling better already as he read over what he’d written. This didn’t have to be anything more than a basic business agreement.

He ignored the voice in the back of his head telling him being in Cami’s orbit would wreak havoc on his carefully controlled world. After one night with her, he still wanted more. She had a way of sucking him in, making him believe…

James pressed the point of the pen hard into the legal pad leaving an indentation. It didn't have to be like that. They'd had sex. It was incredible, maybe the best sex he’d ever had, but they were strangers now. Working towards a mutual goal.

That's all it needed to be. That’s all it could be.

He pulled out his phone before he could second guess himself and dialed the number for her office.

“I need to speak with Cami… Camellia. This is James Bloom.” There was a brief hiss of breath and the sound of the phone being covered.

Moments later, Cami picked up. “Hey.” Her voice was cautious. “Can you call me back on my cell phone.”

She hung up before he had a chance to answer, leaving him scowling at his phone. Still, he did as she asked, dialing the number she had put in his phone a few nights before. It took her three rings to answer, her breathless voice immediately taking him back to how she'd sounded when he touched her.

This is a bad idea.

“Sorry! I thought it would be better if we spoke privately. It’s a small office.”

“I understand.”