“It would be easier for everyone if I disappeared.Is that what you want?”
The plan was to fill him in.Yet all she’d done was ask questions.It wasn’t her style to be insecure, even a little bit, but the thought of losing him for good did something to her vulnerabilities.
“You know me better than that,” he said.“And there’s no pressure, I’m a patient guy.”
She laughed.“Yeah, restraint of steel, that was one of the first things I learned about you.”
His head bopped side to side.“In that way too.But I meant about the other stuff, your past.”
It had never occurred to her that someone might come into her life who she’d want to share any of the past with.Since losing Spencer, it had become normal to be on her own, to think for herself.The easiest way to do that was to keep going, one day at a time.Mason hadn’t cared, he’d never asked.She didn’t think anyone ever would.
Cam was the kind of guy no woman could anticipate.That didn’t mean he was obligated to her in any way.This conversation was optional.No, she didn’t want to be without him, but if that was what he needed, she’d go.
“I asked Brooker for another assignment.”
His ease became a frown.“Is that why you’re here?To tell me you’re leaving?I don’t want you to go.”
What a guy.Not only was he patient, he was clear.Communication was one of his strong suits.Was that really a surprise given his family specialty?
“I know you’d never want to hurt me.I honestly had no idea you were one of those Colliers.If I’d known, I never would’ve…”
Taken the job?Kissed him?What step did she regret?
“I didn’t mean to deceive you.It’s not something I bring up or confess often.I’m not embarrassed of who I am, I’m just used to people knowing.”He narrowed one eye.“Is that really arrogant?”
She pulled herself a half-inch closer.“I already knew you were full of yourself, no big revelation there.”His smile almost tempted her to kiss him.What a ridiculous thing to be thinking at a time like this.Now wasn’t the time to indulge herself.That wasn’t why she’d come.“There was a lot neither of us shared.”
“Now I get why you were reluctant.You went through something… traumatic.Lost a person you loved—”
“If I don’t talk about it, if I don’t trust someone…”
“You could be running for the rest of your life.”
“But you’re a Collier.Doesn’t that make you the absolute wrong person to talk to?”
“To trust?”he asked.“Do you think I would exploit you?That I would let anyone hurt you?My job is to protect you, Candy, and when it comes to family, it’s one I’m really good at.That said, I promised I would never ask you about him and I will keep that promise.”
She didn’t need him to be so vehement.Though that may not be for her benefit.Could be he was offended, and she got that.
“You can ask about him.The truth is out.”Sort of.“I think we’re past the point of denials.”
“Whatever you need.”
She trusted Cam.That didn’t mean getting the words out was easy.
“When we left and the press got interested…” She paced herself.“I’d never lived anything close to it.We were alone and…” She exhaled.“I trust you.You’re my unicorn, of course I trust you.”
“But of all the bars in all the world…”
Again, he proved he was right on her wavelength.
“Back then, in the early days, there was a lot of strain,” she said.“I couldn’t do much to help.I heard Spence argue, over and over again—”
“With his family?”
“With Whey Conglomerates mostly.”
“Yeah,” he said, “Whey was tight with Raith Senior, and Senior Senior before he passed.Don’t get Mimi started on the good ole days.”
