A somber look crossed over his face. “You know, I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my lifetime,” James said. “It took me an entire year to face Winston’s death, and even then, I was only able to do it because she stood by my side.
“I fell in love with this woman. I really did. And then I made a mistake. One that might have cost me the relationship.”
The studio went quiet, but the voices in Camila’s head were making up the difference.What is he saying? Is this real? Am I sure I’m even awake right now?
“This time, I don’t want to sit around for another year before trying to make it better. So let me just say to her, if she’s watching…” James fixed those brooding blue eyes right on the lens.
“I was wrong. And as you know, Ilikeknowing when I’m wrong because it helps me to get things right the next time around. The thing is, I’m not interested in making things right in some relationship down the road, because I know that whoever comes along won’t hold a candle to you.”
More oohs and ahs sounded. Samantha fanned her face with her notecards.
Camila, on the other hand, was welcoming the warmth in her blood. The pool of happiness floating around her heart. The word elation came to mind. And that’s what it was, in its most tentative form, waiting to burst into a broader state of joy.
“I miss you. I love…everything about you. And I’m asking you to forgive me.”
“Whoo-wee!” Samantha rested her hands on James’ knee. “Iforgive you.”
The crowd burst into laughter. Camila did too.
“Oh, you weren’t talking to me, were you?” Samantha cooed. “Well, whoever this woman is, she’s lucky. And if she doesn’t hit you up after the show, I’ll always be right here.”
The camera started to pan out, and suddenly Camila remembered where she was and what she was doing. Quickly then, she wiped the happy tears from her cheeks, washed up at the sink once more, and got back to work preparing a meal she was now very excited to create. Boy, was her mind buzzing. And if Gypsy had seen what Camila just had, her phone would be buzzing soon too.
* * *
James’ phone came alive in the aftermath of the show. Everyone from his PA to his sister to his mom. But the one James’ responded to first—once he was settled into the backseat of the limo—was Duke’s text.
Duke:Way to put it all out there for a chick, man. Maybe this one is for keeps.
James fought to wipe the grin off his face. There was no guarantee here, well he knew it. But he also had the undeniable feeling that he and Camila were written in the stars.Please say she’ll forgive me.
He hurried and tapped out a reply.
James:If I have it my way, it will definitely be for keeps.
Duke:Wait, this is the chick you “accidentally” asked to marry you once? I have a feeling you’re going to be the first Benton married. That would be pretty wild, considering that you’re the youngest.
James:You never know…
He sent that last one with a smile on his face, one that faltered as he scrolled down the list of texts that had come in. Nothing from Camila yet. Which was fine; she was busy at work.
Still, a spark of fear flared in his gut. Perhaps this wouldn’t result in the ending he hoped for. Sure, Camila was busy catering a party for Shane—the one who’d made sure she’d seen the interview, bless him. And sure, James didn’tactuallyexpect her to be the one to reach out. That was on him.
The appearance on the show had been the perfect way to let her know—before she slammed the door on his face or blocked his calls—that he was sorry. Now it was time to go one step further. He only hoped she’d be willing to hear him out.
Chapter 26
Camila whistled a love song as she hoisted her cooking supplies from the back seat of her car. With stacked crates balancing on her forearms, she used her hip to bump the car door closed.
The pale blue glow of twilight lit her way as she carted her supplies toward the wide steps in front of her apartment building. Crickets chirped from the surrounding hedges, their happy echo competing with the sounds of nearby traffic.
Heaven must have helped her get through tonight’s catering job after seeing James’ live interview. Several times throughout the evening, Camila had forced herself to rein in the excitement. After all, she wasn’t even sure what would come of it.
James had said he was in love with her on live TV.Wow!And hadn’t he also said he loved everything about her? And that he hoped she would forgive him?
In a way, she already had. Mainly because she understood why he’d panicked over the submission. At least, the logical side of her did.
Camila had had to assure herself at least two dozen times that the interview hadreallyhappened. As dreamlike as it might have been, she hadn’t imagined seeing James on TV. She’d seen him, she’d heard him, and she couldn’t wait to see him face-to-face.
