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was ever going to happen. She’d be lucky to keep her feelings in control even for one evening. But she was going to give it her best effort. Taking things further was out of the question.
    The wedding reception was a three-hour event, and every dish served was tasty and well prepared. Cami found the results very rewarding, and she learned a few things from Malena, who popped in with suggestions. Her boss even roasted the butternut squash and cut it into bite-sized pieces for the salads.
    The way she added the goat cheese and cranberries with a particular flourish was something to remember. At the end, she sprinkled a few of the toasted pumpkin seeds around the edge of the china plate, turning it into a work of art. It was a lovely presentation, and how food looked on the plate made a difference. For the upcoming cooking contest, Cami needed to work on that part. Taste couldn’t carry the show if the dish didn’t look delectable.
    Once the guests left and the kitchen was mostly cleaned up, Cami went back to the main room to check for anything they’d left behind. Jeremy was finishing up at the bar. She’d barely seen him all evening because they’d been so busy. He seemed relaxed, anyway.
    “Good event, huh?” He smiled, and Cami decided he was handsome. His dark hair was full and wavy, brushed back, leaving none on his forehead. His hazel-brown eyes and full eyebrows were attractive, his face friendly.
    “Yeah, we did good. Were you able to keep up?” Cami retrieved a forgotten cake plate.
    Jeremy nodded and continued cleaning up. “Sure, no problem. Hey, did you see that Ferris wheel?”
    “Yep. I came early just to gawk at the view.” Cami laughed.
    Jeremy smiled. “Have you been in it?”
    “The Ferris wheel?”
    “Yeah.”
    Cami shrugged. “Oh, well, no. Not yet. I’ve been kinda busy since I got here.”
    “You’re really missing something. I’ve lived here for years, but I still go. Great view.” He hesitated then went on. “Want to go? I mean, I’d like to take you. Would you go with me? We could grab some food and then go for a ride after?”
    A little surprised at the invitation, Cami didn’t reply at first. She just looked at him. He was good looking, though she’d only seen him in his white shirt and black pants uniform. His body was lean, more of tennis player than a weightlifter. Lean was good.
    He dried a glass and placed it on the bar, then looked at her, his hazel eyes conveying honesty or sincerity, or some other warm emotion. “Maybe Friday night? What do you say?”
    Cami smiled. Why not? He was a nice guy, certainly a lot better for her than Bradan. And much safer. “Okay, sure. I’ll go with you.”
    Jeremy grinned, and looked even more handsome than Cami had thought before. It would be fun. She’d wanted to try out the Ferris wheel ever since she had moved to Seattle, and he was easy to be with. It was a good idea. Maybe she’d have a good time, and she did need more friends. There was certainly no commitment between Bradan and her. That man had as many woman as he wanted, leaving no reason for her to impose restrictions on her own dating habits.
    Once she got back to her apartment, Cami pondered going out with Jeremy—but her mind kept drifting back to Bradan. That had to stop. It was one friendly date. That was all. She didn’t need to make any more out of it. But the image of him, the way pants kind of massaged his well-formed thighs, and the way shirts draped over his chiseled muscles, got her hot.
    It was going to be rough, being that close to him without touching. Another issue was what to wear. Cami dug through her closet trying on clothes. Nothing was right. Her sweaters were too bulky and her body was lost in them. The few dresses she had wouldn’t do for winter in Seattle. Finally, she just went to bed, exasperated.
    Refusing to pleasure herself at first, Cami stared at the ceiling in the semi-darkness. Then she tossed and turned for what seemed like hours, but