“Says the girl whose boyfriend almost wound up defending her honor via fist fight last year,” Willow counters, her brow arched.
The girls continue to chatter back and forth, recounting their previous experiences at Kappa Sig parties, but I barely hear a word of it. I’m too focused on Camden’s face and the way it’s fallen, though it’s slight. A fraction of a centimeter, likely invisible to the girls, but thanks to the time we’ve been spending together, I notice it instantly. And for some odd reason, seeing his disappointment makes me feel even guiltier than seeing Lexi’s.
What the hell?
“You could come too, you know,” Camden murmurs. “Who knows, it could be fun.”
It almost has me saying yes.
Almost.
I shift my attention to the ground, as if the sidewalk is who I’m about to let down gently instead of the man whose hand is currently wrapped around mine.
“No, it’s okay. I’ve been slacking on some course work, so I should probably use the time to do that instead.”
There’s a playful twinkle in Lexi’s eyes when she supplies, “Meaning he’s going to be up all night drawing and watchingDemon Slayer.”
“I’m watchingSolo Levelingright now, actually.”
My attention shifts back to Camden, finding his bright blue eyes still locked on me. The intensity has my throat constricting, but it’s the gentle way he speaks, just loud enough for me, that almost steals my ability to breathe entirely.
“I don’t have to go. I don’t mind staying home with you.”
It’s then I realize just how close he is, his face less than a foot from mine now, and the proximity paired with the way he’s staring at me makes it feel like he can see right through me.
“No, you should go.” I plaster on the most believable smile I can, and tighten my fingers around his. “Just because we’re dating now doesn’t mean I’m gonna stop you from having fun. With or without me.”
I hope it comes off as the supportive boyfriend I’m supposed to pretend to be. And more importantly, I hope it’s convincing enough to get him to go. Which is why I look over toward the girls, ready to ask for some backup on this, only to find them enraptured by the two of us. Lexi especially, from the way she’s biting back a grin.
“Yeah, Cam. You can leave this stick in the mud at home to watch his cartoons and have fun with us instead,” Willow taunts.
I roll my eyes. “Just be safe and call me if you need anything.”
The statement is for all three of them, but once again, it’s Willow’s smart-ass mouth that comes back with a dry “Yes, Dad,”to which I flip her off with my free hand.
Having never felt Camden’s gaze waver throughout the exchange, I’m not surprised to find it once I look back at him. The only difference this time? He seems resolved that I won’t bejoining their trio this evening.
“Okay, Little Reed,” he says with a nod. “We’ll do this your way.”
A rush of relief warms my stomach, but it’s short-lived when Camden’s face drops down toward mine slightly, offering a clear indication on what I should do next. Which is why I lift a hand to the side of his neck and shift my weight upward, meeting him halfway for a kiss.
More heat rushes through my torso at the contact, but it’s different than a few moments ago. It’s hotter, spreading up my chest and through my extremities. I don’t let it deter me, though, keeping my lips molded against his for a solid five seconds before pulling away just enough to speak.
“Have fun. Just not too much,” I whisper against his mouth.
Then I press my lips to his again for good measure. Briefly this time, but to really sell it.
Camden’s sapphire gaze skates over my face for a second, almost like he wants to say something. Something other than the raspy “I’ll do my best” that comes out after he clears his throat.
But whatever it is, it never comes.
“Good. Then I’ll see you when you get home.”
He doesn’t say anything else, simply offers a brisk nod, lays a gentle kiss to the side of my head, and releases me.
“Ugh, you guys are sickening,” Willow admonishes, which draws another bout of laughter from Lexi.
“Or maybe you’re just turning into a lonely, bitter hag since swearing off boys.”
