Brenda Jackson - Risky Pleasures

T ake it from someone who almost found out the hard way, Van. Running away never solves anything.

Vanessa Steele shifted her gaze from the open suitcase to the woman standing in her doorway. Sienna Bradford had been her best friend since grade school, but it bothered Vanessa that at times Sienna thought she knew her better than she knew herself. Unfortunately, some times Sienna actually did.

I am not running away. But not even Vanessas short, gruff tone could convince anyone that she wasnt getting the hell out of Dodge because a certain man by the name of Cameron Cody was on his way to Charlotte, supposedly to spend some time visiting with her cousins.

Then please explain what youre doing if youre not running away.

Vanessa sighed and tossed aside the blouse she was about to pack. Im leaving for Jamaica because Cheyenne called and asked if I would house-sit while the builders are putting in her pool. She hadnt planned on having to go to Italy for an un-scheduled photo shoot, Vanessa said of her sister, an international model. Theres not a lot happening at work and a vacation in Jamaica is just what I need.

Sienna arched a brow. And your leaving has nothing to do with Cameron coming to town?

Vanessa nervously averted her gaze. I wish I can say one has nothing to do with the other but that wouldnt be true and you and I both know it. Cheyennes phone call gave me the out I need, and Im taking it.

Sienna came farther into the room, forcing Vanessa to look at her. What are you afraid of, Van? Why do you feel so much dislike and anger toward one man?

You of all people know why, Sienna. You know what Cameron tried to do to my familys business.

Yes, but that was three years ago. And if your cousins have gotten over it and consider him a friend, why cant you?

Ill never consider that man a friend, Vanessa snapped.

Then maybe you need to wonder why, Sienna replied smoothly. There has to be a reason for your intense dislike of him.

Vanessa rolled her eyes. There is, and Ive told you what it is.

I only know what youve convinced yourself it is.

Vanessa lifted a brow. And whats that supposed to mean?

Only that I have eyes. Ive been watching you and Cameron for a while now, especially at Morgan and Lenas wedding last month. What I saw between you wasnt animosity, but a buildup of sexual chemistry of the most potent and compelling kind. And I think the reason you dont like being around him is because, if given the chance, youd want to have your way with him. Sienna grinned. Youd probably jump his bones in a heartbeat.

What! Vanessa exclaimed, folding her arms over her chest and giving her pregnant best friend an incredulous look. How can you even think of anything so ridiculous?

Is it really so ridiculous, Vanessa? Think about it. Hes the only man I know who has pushed your buttons since that guy you met in London.

Well, yeah, that might be true, but hes pushing them the wrong way.

And what if he starts pushing them the right way? What if one day you discover that Cameron isnt as bad as you think and that an affair with him is just what you need to take the edge off?

Vanessa laughed. I dont have an edge on.

Yes, you do, and we both know it.

Vanessa walked over to her bedroom window and looked out. Yes, she had an edge on, all right. Not that she was counting, but it had been almost four years since that summer shed spent in London with Harlan, a man she had fancied herself in love with. But Harlan couldnt hold a candle to Cameron Cody. As far as she was concerned, Cameron was the sexiest, most handsome man alivewhich wasnt helping matters. It would be a lie to say she hadnt thought about doing him, because she had. A part of her saw it as the perfect way to get him out of her system. Right?

Wrong.

Another part of her saw it as dominance on his part, a sure victory for him. Eventually hed take her over just as hed enjoyed taking over corporations that suited his fancy. He had a reputation that made Genghis Khan look like a choirboy.

Van?

She turned back around to Sienna. Are you suggesting that I engage in an affair with Cameron? Especially after what Harlan said?

Sienna frowned and rubbed her stomach as she felt her baby kick. Forget about what Harlan Shaw said. As far as Im concerned, an affair with Cameron sounds like a good plan to me. Youre twenty-six, old enough to know the score, and you and Cameron are spontaneous combustion just waiting to happen. Ive never been around two more volatile individuals. And Im not the only one who can feel the intensity, the passion, when the two of you are in the same room. Do us all a favor and finally do something about it.

Vanessa fought back the fear that ran through her at the mere thought of what would happen if she followed Siennas suggestion. She would find herself at Camerons mercy, become beholden to himas she had to Harlanand the thought of that filled her with disgust. On the other hand, the thought of sharing a bed with Cameron and finally letting go, putting aside her dislike of him to appease her overworked hormones, suddenly replaced the fear with red-hot pleasure. Wanton pleasure. It would be risky pleasure of the most intense type, the kind that would finally take the edge off. Her insides quivered at the very idea of Cameron giving her the best sex of her life. It was too much to think about. Downright scary.

She never wanted to be that vulnerable to a man. Especially not that man. There was so much about him she disliked. His chauvinistic, egoistical attitude was one a modern, liberated woman like herself couldnt stand or tolerate. Besides, there was her concern about just what kind of bed partner she would be. According to Harlan, she needed vast improvement in that area.

Will it help matters if I promise to give it some thought while Im relaxing on the beach in Jamaica? Vanessa finally asked.

You cant run forever. At some point youre going to have to stop running and do something about Cameron. Its obvious that he wants you, Van, and he comes across as a man who gets whatever he wants.

That was exactly what had her worried, Vanessa admitted silently. For some reason she had a feeling that Camerons upcoming visit had a purpose, one that involved her. Maybe it was the way he had looked at her at the wedding, as if her time for avoiding him was up and that he was about to make his move. Unfortunately, it would be a wasted trip. When he arrived in Charlotte, shed be long gone.

T his is paradise, Vanessa thought as she stood on the shore of the white-sand beach that overlooked the deep blue waters of the Caribbean Sea. Cheyennes two-story home was located on a secluded cove in Montero Bay, on a private street with one other house.

Other than the pool workers, who arrived at nine and left by five, Vanessa was alone, except for the two days a week that the housekeeper showed up.

Cheyenne had already left for Italy by the time Vanessa had arrived so her first days were spent unpacking and shopping.

This was day three and she had decided just to do nothing. Since weather reports had predicted it would be another scorcher of a late-July day, she stayed inside working crossword puzzles and sipping lemonade while reading a book she had picked up yesterday. Later that day, after the workers had left, she gathered up her large straw hat, her beach bag, which was stuffed with a bottle of wine and a glass, and a huge towel to head down to the beach.