“Yeah, sounds good Emerson.” He replies as he tucks his hammer into his tool belt.
“So what’s happening with you and Dani?” I ask as we start to pack up. I’ve been meaning to talk to him about it since the other weekend but keep forgetting to.
“I dunno man. Sometimes I feel like she might let me in, then she justpulls back. She’s going back to Sydney soon, so I think in her head she doesn’t think it’s worth even trying. But mate, I’d follow that girl anywhere if she gave me a chance. She drives me crazy, but in the best way. You know?”
I nod. I get it. I appreciate that we can talk like this—openly, honestly—even though I’m technically his boss. He’s like a brother to me.
Camille’s gutted about Danielle leaving.
She can keep staying with me, though. That part I know for sure. I’ll support whatever she wants, even if that choice isn’t me.
I pat him on the shoulder. “I’m sorry, brother. Maybe just keep trying? You’ll get through to her eventually.” I suggest. But who knows with Danielle. She’s open, loud and fun, seems like she really liked him. But from what Camille says, she’s not open about love and terrified of commitment.
“Yeah, maybe.” He sounds unconvinced. “What about you and Camille? I’ve seen you guys lately y’know.” Of course he has. We haven’t really been hiding it. We just haven’t put a label on it.
“She’s amazing,” I admit. “I want to be with her. But I’m not rushing anything, just taking it slow. She’s still working through a lot, but every day I can feel her letting her walls down, bit by bit.” I take a breath and end the conversation by saying, “Let’s go, mate,” and we head off the job site.
I drive us home, and when I get there, I see I’ve got a text from Cam.
Camille: Will be leaving work in a hour. Let me know if I need to grab anything from the shop on my way home. See you soon xx
Me:All good, I’m home now and I got everything sorted. See you xxxx
Perfect. She’ll be home soon.
Once I’m inside, I head straight out to the gym for a quick workout,then jump in the shower.
I throw on some denim shorts and a white T-shirt, simple and clean.
I chill out on the couch while I wait for Camille to get home.
44
Welcome to the Emerson home
When I walk in the door, I find Lucas on the lounge, asleep. He looks peaceful and so goddamn handsome.
I head to my room for a quick shower and change into a short, flowy, pink dress.
When I walk back out, Lucas is just waking up.
“Fuck, I fell asleep,” he laughs.
“Yeah, you must’ve been tired. Sorry if it’s my fault. I wake up to you behind me during the night, and I can’t help myself.” I bite my lip playfully. He makes me insatiable.
He pulls me down for a kiss. “What’s the time?”
“Ten to five. Aren’t we supposed to be there soon?”
“Yeah. It’s a 30 minute drive out of town, so if we leave right now,we’ll just make it. But I don’t wanna stop this,” he grabs my ass and pulls me down for another kiss.
I laugh and pull back a bit. “Well, I don’t want to be late the first time I meet your family. So let’s go, big guy.” I slide off his lap. “We can finish this when we get home later.” I wink at him.
“Deal.” We seal it with another kiss, then head out to his parents’ farm.
“Any music preferences?” Lucas asks as we get in the car.
“Honestly, anything. I love almost every kind of music,” I reply, then pause. “Actually, scratch that—I’m not a big fan of opera. But anything else goes.” He laughs and puts on an oldies playlist filled with Goo Goo Dolls, Aerosmith, Savage Garden, Lifehouse, The Cranberries and more. All the songs that remind me of my parents. I grew up listening to this stuff with them, and they’ve stuck with me as forever favourites.
