Cameron let out a sigh. “I’m not asking for a label, or a plan. Or even a timeline. I just want to know where your head is.”
I inhaled slowly.
My head was everywhere and nowhere, in Cameron’s hands, under Cameron’s mouth,
pressed into Cameron’s shoulder.
My head was terrified and hopeful at the same time.
I cleared my throat.
“What happened Thursday—and just now,” I began, choosing my words carefully.
I took another breath. “It mattered. And I know there was a moment yesterday when I thought I was making a mistake, but I don’t now. It’s just that…” I swallowed. “I don’t do this. Not normally. Not ever.”
“I know.” Cameron’s eyes were warm.
“And I don’t know what happens now.”
Cameron reached out and slid his fingers over my knuckles. I didn’t pull away.
“What happens now,” he said gently, “is whatever we choose.”
I swallowed again. “Would you understand if I told you I’m scared?”
Cameron’s thumb brushed my hand once. “Me too. That’s how you know it’s real.” He let out a breath. “So… Are you with me in this? Even if it’s messy? Even if it’s slow?”
I raised my chin to meet his gaze, and inside me, something steadied. “Yes.”
Cameron’s smile lit up his face. “Good,” he murmured. “Because I’m with you too.”
I expelled a long, unbroken breath.
Cameron nudged my knee with his, and I nudged back.
For the first time since letting Cameron into my bed, I didn’t feel as though I was about to shatter.
I felt?—
Found.
Chapter Twenty-One
Theo
I knewsomething was wrong the second I opened the apartment door. Not abadwrong, exactly. No, this was worse.
Cameron was up to something.
The Monopoly board was set up on the coffee table/chest. Cameron lounged on the couch in his joggers, socked feet up, his arms crossed behind his head. He looked pleased.
Then I reconsidered.
He lookedsmug.
I dropped my laptop bag onto the armchair. “What are you up to? And why do I feel as though I’m about to regret this?”
Cameron grinned. “Because you’re smart.” He paused. “You’ve been gone a while. Did you get a lot done at the café?”