“Then what’s wrong?”
I shrug. “I like having him around.”
“I still don’t see the problem.”
“Because once you're in a relationship, everything changes. The men I’ve been involved with always kept secrets. Big ones, like wives and other girlfriends.” I don’t tell her the one that hurt most was Miguel telling me that he was embarrassed to have me on his arm in public. I didn’t have the right look. He thought being seen with me would hurt his image.
Chapter 17
Stone
Camilla: SOS My parents didn’t go home. They’re here and want to come to the dance-off.
I read the message a couple of times before responding to Camilla. She’s my fated mate. If I had any doubts, kissing her last night blew them away. The moment our lips touched, my world tilted and spun backward. An explosion detonated inside me. The rock-solid parts of me were reduced to rubble, making room for something new to grow. I feel soft and squishy inside, and all I want to do is make Camilla smile.
Me: What time should I pick you up?
Camilla: Are you sure you’re okay with this?
Me: I’m all in.
Now all I have to do is wait for the hours to pass until I see her.
“HI,” I SAY, FEELINGawkward as I look Camilla over before leaning in to give her a kiss on the cheek. She’s wearing a pair of tight jeans that hug her hips and have her booty begging me to squeeze it. Her blouse is no better. Shades of pink and purple decorate the low-cut shirt. I have a hard time keeping my eyes off of her, and my hands ache to touch her.
“It’s okay, they aren’t here,” she says, looking around me to make sure. “They’re going to meet us there.”
“We could pick them up.”
She shakes her head. “I’d rather not. Honestly, I’d rather they not come at all. It was never my intention to go tonight, but this will be better than suffering through an entire dinner with them.”
“I didn’t plan to go either,” I smile. “I’m only going for you.”
“Aren’t Cayden and Raven your friends?”
“Yeah, but I don’t know, this dance-off thing, it’s kind of corny. Not my style.”
“What? You’re not hungry to show off your moves?” She lifts her arms overhead and bumps my hip playfully with hers.
“Nah, I like to show my moves off in private.” I remember that I’m holding something behind my back. “Oh, these are for you.” I hand her a bouquet of mixed flowers I picked up earlier in the day.
Her face lights up with surprise as her warm chocolate eyes lock on mine. “Stone.”
Time stops. There’s a heavy pounding in my chest. I look at her lips and hold back from dipping my head down and stealing a taste.
