“I remember that part.”
“I heard you talking to Emma about your plans for the future. You didn’t want to stay in Raven’s Crest. Your dream was Hollywood or L.A. The excitement in your voice and the way you described it all, I knew if you stayed here, you’d regret it.”
Understanding sweeps through me. “You pushed me away.”
“I let you believe what it took to send you on your way.” His forehead lowers to mine. “It’s my biggest regret and a source of pride, too. You made it, baby. You won that baking contest, and you got a chance to live where you’ve always wanted. You got the life you deserve.”
Wow. I don’t know what to say. I’m shocked he did this. “Rex.”
“I can’t be the one to hold you back, Blissy Girl. I’ll never ask you to choose.”
That makes me angry because everything is different now. We’ve slept together. I’ve learned the truth.
“It’s not that simple now, is it?”
“No.”
“Do you still love me?” I dare to ask, my words sounding as breathless and uncertain as I feel. If it’s all in the past, I can’t be with Rex anymore. It makes me feel like I’ve given myself to him foolishly, but I don’t regret last night. I won’t make it something ugly. It was one of the most amazing experiences I’ve ever had. In truth, the best sex.
Rex’s palms cradle my face as he lifts his head. “I never stopped, Cami. I’ve loved you for over three years. It’s the onlyreason I could let you go. I love you enough to accept if you can’t stay here in Raven’s Crest.”
“That’s stupid,” I blurt.
He flinches like I’ve slapped him.
“If you love me like you say you do, then you have to fight to keep us together. I need to know you’re in it to win it, you big, stubborn mountain.”
His lips twitch. “Damn, baby, I sure love your sassy mouth.”
I smack his shoulder. “I’m serious.”
“I know.” His lips hover above mine. “I’m already fighting, Cami. I have been since I picked you up from the airport.”
I blink because he’s right. He’s gone out of his way to be kind, treat me with respect, and show me that he’s not an asshole who cheats on his woman. I was so wrong about him. “We’ve wasted a lot of time.”
“Nah. It was always gonna come back to this.Us.Right here in Raven’s Crest.”
“You’re so cocky.” But I love it.
“Now that I have you, Blissy Girl, I’m not giving you up.”
“No matter what happens?” I ask because I’m worried about the stalker and the arsonist. There’s too much danger and uncertainty. I can’t lose my Granny, and I can’t lose Rex. Not again. My heart won’t handle the loss of either of them.
“No matter what happens,” he confirms.
I wish it would make me feel calmer. It only increased my anxiety.
GRANNY JO TAKES ONElook at us when we enter the house and grins. “You’ve done the deed.”
Rex laughs.
Me? I’m mortified. “Granny!”
She waves me off like I’m being dramatic. “It’s just sex. Everyone does it.”
My cheeks flush with heat. “I can’t believe you just said that.”
She rolls her eyes and then turns to Phantom, who appears just as amused with the conversation as Rex. “Pay up.”
