“They’re just overbearing. They’re worried because I don’t have friends here.”
“Hey,” he swipes at a disobedient drop rolling down my cheek with his thumb. “That’s not true.” He cradles me in his arms. “You have me.”
I shake my head because nothing about this is okay.I ruined everything. I’m confused because the last thing I want or need is to be distracted by a man. Especially Stone Flint. I have too much to lose. I need to fight this attraction—keep thingsprofessional. Yet, here we are, staring into each other’s eyes. And I know I’ve already lost.
Chapter 15
Stone
“Why the tears?” I haven’t kissed many girls, but I’ve kissed enough to know that they aren’t supposed to cry after the fact.
“I’m not crying,” She lies with a sniffle.
“You’re not sobbing, but these drops rolling out of your eyes are tears,” I say as I swipe another one away. “And they keep coming, so I’d say you’re crying.”
She shakes her head and pulls away from me, taking her warmth and soft curves with her. I don’t usually notice small shifts in temperature, but the further Camilla gets from me, the colder and emptier I feel.
“I’m fine. I just need a minute.”
My muscles twitch as I strain to stay put and give her the time she asked for to collect herself. I can see that she’s engaged in a silent battle, and I want her to open up and tell me what’s really going on. I can help if she gives me a chance. I debate sharing my own secret. That will make her see I can be her safe space. Either that, or she’ll be terrified and run for the hills.
“I’m sorry,” Her voice snaps me out of my thoughts. “I didn’t mean to kiss you.”
She has to be kidding. No one puts on a show and kisses like that by accident. “I’m pretty sure you did. You see, first, you grabbed me—”
“I don’t need to relive it, okay!?” She scrubs her hands over her face. “Are you always so contrary?”
“I’m just telling it like it is. By the way, I’m not complaining.”
“My parents are obsessed with my dating life. I thought if I told them I have a boyfriend, they might back off.”
“Tell yourself what you need to, but I know your secret.”
“What’s that?”
“You can deny the fact that you want me, but I know what I felt in that kiss. The truth is, Camilla, I want you too. Have since I first saw you.”
“I can’t do this, Stone. Not now. Not with you.” Her voice trails off for the last part.
“Why not? Why not take a chance on something new?”
“I did. That’s how I ended up here. I don’t know anyone but you and a couple of your friends. What do I do when it’s over, and Raven and Cayden stop talking to me?”
“Why does it have to be over?” I can’t believe those words left my lips. It’s like someone else is speaking for me. “Even if it were to end, Cayden and Raven are trying to help you because they’re good people. Not because of me.”
