finished her cognac.
Blair laughed softly. For once, it didn't bother her that she had to clear her plans with her security detail. Even she had to admit that Cam wasn't being unreasonable.
'I'm glad you agree,' Blair said. She sipped the heavy brandy and studied her dinner companion. For two hours they had talked of art, which cities they enjoyed most in Europe, and the comparative value of various martial art forms. What they had not discussed was politics, the stalker situation, or their personal lives. It could easily have passed for a first date, filled with the anticipation and excitement of learning to know someone new. She tried not to allow reality to dispel the myth. She felt like someone she barely recognized. She finally realized what was missing was the burning anger, her constant companion. That in and of itself was frightening. If she allowed herself to get used to this feeling, the emptiness and disappointment of her real life would be devastating. She was acutely aware of Cameron's gaze upon her. Cameron had a way of looking at you that made you feel like there was no one else in the room. Her glance was as palpable as a touch, and Blair imagined that her skin tingled as Cameron studied her. She struggled to keep her tone normal.
'I spoke with Diane this afternoon. She can't wait to go.'
'I'll see to the arrangements first thing in the morning,' Cam assured her.
'She told me she saw you today,' Blair added nonchalantly. That was far from the way she had felt when Diane casually remarked that she had had lunch with Cameron.
'Yes. We had a bit of business to do.'
'I'm sure,' Blair said sarcastically. She knew very well the kind of business Diane had in mind. She knew exactly the kind of woman Diane found attractive, and over the years they had often found themselves in competition for the same woman. When they were younger it had all been in fun, and no hard feelings whatever happened. This time, it felt like anything but fun. She was angry at herself for allowing her irritation to show. She kept her eyes fixed on the dark swirling liquid, afraid of what Cameron might see in her face.
Cam had a pretty good idea what Diane had insinuated about their lunch. The charming art dealer had certainly made it quite obvious what her interests were. Cameron was not offended by the blatant attempt at seduction, but she did not want Blair, for reasons she could not clearly define, to think she was so easily seduced.
'Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar.'
'I cant believe you just said that!' Blair laughed, coaxed out of her anger by the ridiculousness of the image.
Cam laughed with her, thinking how luminescent Blair's features were when she relaxed. 'Neither can I,' she replied. 'But in this case, its apt.'
'I promise not to tell her,' Blair continued smiling.
Cam inclined her head gratefully, 'Thank you.'
As they stepped out onto the street, Blair forgot for a moment that there were three Secret Service agents dogging their every step. It was one of those rare January nights when the stars could actually be seen over New York City. The meal had been wonderful, and the company better. She stopped in mid-step. Taking a chance, she asked, 'I don't suppose I could interest you in a trip to the bar?'
Cameron took a deep breath of the brisk chill air. She knew very well what Blair was asking her. She refused to acknowledge her own wishes. 'I can't accompany you. But if you want to go out, I will see that the team stays out of your way.'
'You didn't mind having dinner with me,' Blair pointed out, still not moving, not caring that they were creating a minor obstacle to other passers-by.
'That was business,' Cam responded.
'Was it?' Blair stated.
Cam knew very well she was stretching the definition of business. They could have discussed the upcoming ski trip in the morning. She had allowed the excuse of the trip to give her reason to have dinner with Blair. She was on dangerous ground, and she knew it. She could not let things progress further. She certainly could not go to a gay bar with Blair as anything resembling her date. And she definitely had no desire to go cruising with Blair. Watching Blair pick up strangers for sex was not something she enjoyed.
'I can't. I'm sorry. Do you want me to notify the unit that you'll be staying out?'
'No thanks,' Blair said bitingly. 'When I go out, I don't want their company.'
Cam supposed she deserved that. 'Then may I walk you home?'
'Yes,' Blair said with a sigh. 'But for God sake, tell them to stay off our heels. I'm perfectly safe with you.'
Cam nodded, whispering instructions into her microphone. She knew very well Blair could have been difficult about this. She was grateful that she would not have to worry about Blair's whereabouts, at least for the rest of evening. And on another level, she had to admit she would not have to worry about who Blair was spending her evening with.
Five days later they were boarding a private jet for their flight to Colorado. They would be staying at a small, rustic resort not usually known as a tourist center. It was likely to be less crowded, and an easier setting in which to protect Blair. It was a fairly isolated location, with few of the amenities so popular in Colorado ski resorts. There
