Right now he’s mine, and I’ll be damned if I do anything to jeopardize the connection we’ve formed.
Lizzy takes my hand one last time before she says goodbye. I resist letting go, and hold onto her for a few seconds too long. When her hand slips out of mine, my tears stream down my cheeks like a flash flood.
My emotions overwhelm me as I watch her disappear into the security line. My tears turn into sobs and my shouldersshake. Had Adam not been there to hug me tight, I would’ve fallen into a puddle on the floor.
For the second time today, I break down and cry. Really, really cry. Only this time, I have the comfort of Adam’s arms to soothe me.
CHAPTER 19
ADAM
For the past two weeks, Camille and I have coexisted in a constant state of bliss. Something shifted between us the night Lizzy flew back home. She’d been so upset to see Lizzy leave. It pleased me immensely when she leaned on me for comfort and support.
I had prepared myself for her to retreat and cut me out. But that isn’t what happened. Instead, she’s been more affectionate and needy of my time. I don’t mind one little bit.
We’ve fallen into a comfortable pattern of her writing in her studio during the day and me managing the crew to get this remodel done. We’ve nearly finished downstairs. All that remains is her studio.
This week we start upstairs. All the plans are finalized with the exception of her master suite. She still can’t decide what she wants to do with her private rooms. We’ve stayed up late many nights over the past two week discussing options and ideas.
She’s torn between two different styles. I have a pretty good idea of which style she likes the best, but I haven’t nudged her yet. I want her to make the decision on her own.
But tonight I hope we can put aside all talk of work and enjoy a quiet dinner out.
Since meeting Camille, we’ve spent all our time together at her house. I enjoy staying in with her, and having her all to myself. Being behind closed doors with her is not something I’ll ever complain about. I’ve spent every night with Camille for two weeks straight, and there’s nowhere else I’d rather be. Her willingness to let me into her home and her life is more than I hoped for.
But it’s way past time I take her out on a date.
To make this as proper as I can, I went home early today to get ready. She thought it was silly of me to leave since I had plenty of clothes at her house, but I want to pick her up, woo her with flowers, and treat her to a special night out to one of the best fine dining restaurants in the area.
So, here I stand outside her door with a bouquet of red tulips—something I learned is her favorite—wearing one of my nicest suits.
I told her to wear something nice, but I didn’t tell her where I’m taking her. Aside from The Wine Room, she hasn’t been out much since moving to Watercress Falls. I’m excited to be the one to introduce her to some of my favorite places.
When she opens her door, she takes my breath away. She’s stunning in her form-fitting, pale pink dress—her signature color. It hugs her chest and stomach like second skin, then flares out into a flowy skirt. It’s an off-the-shoulders dress, leaving her skin bare around her neck. I can’t wait to press my lips on that skin as I strip her out of it later tonight.
But for now, I wrap my arm around her waist and tug her close. I kiss her lightly, doing my damnedest not to ravish her right here in the foyer. There'll be time for that later.
“You look amazing,” I breathe in her scent. The sweet smell of vanilla overwhelms me. “You smell good enough to eat, too.”
She chuckles and runs her hands down my beard then around my neck. She presses her lips to mine, deepening ourconnection. “Save that for later. I’m hungry, and you promised me a nice dinner that I don’t have to cook.”
I growl at her teasing. “That I did.” I kiss her one last time before I release her. “These are for you.”
I hand her the tulips and enjoy the grin that covers her face. “My favorite. You were listening.”
“I always listen to you.”
She gently presses her palm against my chest and kisses my cheek. “Thank you. And you look quite handsome tonight. I love you in a suit.”
I smile and revel in the way she touches me. She touches me a lot. It isn’t anything inappropriate or sexual. They’re simple touches, similar to how she just touched my chest. But it always sends electrical pulses through me that leave me tingling and trembling. I love the way she lightly brushes her fingers across my forearm when she walks past me while I’m working. Or the way she leans her head against my shoulder when she stops to admire the work I just finished. But my favorite is how she runs her fingers through the back of my hair when she serves me breakfast or lunch while I sit at her small eat-in kitchen table. It’s become such a normal thing for her to do, I don’t think she even realizes she’s doing it. I love it. It makes me feel wanted and desired.
Always touching and always kissing. We haven’t talked a lot about our feelings, but we express them often.
“Let me put these in water, and then we can go.”
I breathe in deep and stuff my hands in my pockets to keep from reaching out for her. I want to touch her, too. But in a very different way.
Later tonight, when I peel her out of that dress, I’ll show her all the ways I long to touch her. And when she screams out my name, it’ll be the best reward ever.
