She sighed. “Thanks, Camden. I know we’re not friends anymore, but it was really great of you to come get me tonight.”
“Anytime I can help, I’m here,” I said. “We may not be as close as we once were, but I care about you. I’m always here if you need me.”
She gave me one last look before going inside.
And my heart whisperedI love you, I love you, I love youthe whole time.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
HIDDEN TRUTHS
JULIANA
Present
Last night in Camden’s office, when he said he’s always been looking at me, I just about keeled over. My heart was pounding so hard, the intensity in his eyes, his words––it was a sensory overload.
He was on his way toward me, his eyes on my mouth, when someone knocked on the door. He looked at me with regret and apologized under his breath, then left to settle an issue in the kitchen. I ended up going home without seeing him again…early morning and all that.
Now, it’s a new day and I’m wishing I could have a redo. My body is wired. I have enough adrenaline fordays, and I need that kiss.
I know we need to have a conversation too, but…first things first. My mouth is craving his. Andthenwe can talk about whatever he wanted to discuss. Now that I know he still wants––whatever we’re calling this between us––I can’t shove down the excitement bubbling up in me.
I don’t know how many times I’ve heard how happy I look today, or what a great mood I’m in. I’d think I must typically be a Dour Diane if I didn’t know my secret…Camden Whitman is into me!
Ahhh! I could squeal just thinking about it.
Papa Hector and Uncle Hal have been putting the finishing touches on the chicken coop and run, or else they’d probably be trying to get to the bottom of things.
Jackson bursts into the cafe, then stretches his arms out and points at me.
“Juju, you’re getting off early today,” he declares.
He comes over and does a drum roll on the counter.
I laugh. “Since when do you make my schedule?”
“Since we called a broomball night. Come on, you can’t miss it,” he says, grinning like he’s already won. “All of the Whitmans are in town. Dylan’s even here from California.”
“Why can’t it be later?”
“Okay, fine. I think itcouldbe later, since Camden’s staff convinced him to take a rare night off. But before he knew that was happening, we thought we’d need to do it earlier.” He sighs. “Please. It’s been a long day. Papa and Uncle Hal are obsessed with the chickens, and some of those ladies are aggressive! There’s this one in particular…”
I snort and roll my eyes. “So you’re saying you’re bored.”
He points at me again. “Bingo.” He clasps his hands together. “Please. You’re shockingly good at it. You always play with us. The rink they’ve built here is even bigger than the one we grew up playing on in St. Paul.”
“Why is it so shocking that I’m good at it?” I cross my arms.
He grins. “It’s not like you’ve played any other sports.”
“True,” I concede. “It helps that we don’t have to wear skates.”
He cracks up. “Yeah, you and skates are never a good idea.”
I try to act exasperated, but a thrill shoots through me at the thought of playing tonight. I love broomball, always have. And the thought of seeing Camden out there seals the deal.
“Suzanne was hoping for more hours. She’d probably be happy to close up for me. Let me check.”
