She hums with a nod of her head. I don’t want to move, not yet. I hold her in my arms for as long as I can, still inside her, soaking this moment in and etching it into my memory. Whatever happens, we’ll always have tonight. Even if she leaves again, she can’t take this memory away from me.
CAMI
Waking up in Gray’s arms is like all my teenage dreams come true. My lion, my protector. I’ve never felt as safe and loved as I do right now. My stomach bubbles like the boiling of hot water in a kettle. The hairs on his chest tickle my nose, and as I pull away, his arm tightens around me.
I give in to his strength and stay wrapped up in him for a little longer, worried this will all end when we’re both awake and thinking clearly. My eyes close, letting his breathing soothe my troubled mind.
What if this doesn’t have to end? Last night with Gray was everything I’ve ever wanted. Had I known he felt the same way about me, I wouldn’t have waited so long to come home. Home? This place has my heart. The longer I stay, the more comfortable I feel.
So many thoughts whizz around my head. I slide out from the bed and creep into the main living space. After cleaning my teeth, I make my way downstairs to make a pot of tea, then turn on my phone.
“That son of a pinecone.” My ex has only let himself into the apartment. I knew he still had a key, but I never thought he’d have the audacity to use it after he left me to pay for it on my own while he sodded off to Japan. Scrolling through all his texts, I’m steaming.
I call my PA at the London office. She answers on the second ring. “Hello, this is Iconic Designs. Cam’s office. How may I help you?” Her cheery tone always puts a smile on my face.
“Hi Shel, it’s me.”
“How’s it going?”
“I need help with my apartment. Derek is back, and he still has a key. If he won’t go, he can keep the apartment. He can pay the mortgage too, and buy my share of the deposit instead, but I want all my belongings. Do you think if I can arrange for you to go round, you can gather my stuff? It’s just the rest of my clothing, books, iMac. You can keep the wine in the rack. There’s a few bottles of Bollinger if Derek hasn’t drunk them. He can keep the furniture. I’ll put everything in storage for now.”
“No need. I’ll pop them in my spare bedroom.”
“Great. I’ll sort everything out and let you know when it’s convenient to go round. I guess I’ll have to talk to that twat, eventually.”
“Ugh. I still can’t believe he’s back.”
“Me neither. He keeps calling and leaving messages, said he made a mistake and he’s come back from Japan because he wants to be with me.”
“That lying piece of shit. I heard he was sacked for inappropriate behaviour in the workplace.”
“That wouldn’t surprise me. Derek was always sliming over the girls at his work. They didn’t call him Dick-rick for nothing.”
“So, where will you go?”
“I’m not sure yet, but there is a possibility that I might stay here.”
“No freaking way?”
I giggle, knowing this is so unlike me. I’m not usually spontaneous, but being here these past weeks and being with Gray has opened my eyes up to what’s important. Right now, I’m happier than ever and I don’t want this feeling to end.
“Will Phil let you work remotely long term?”
“I don’t know, but if he won’t, then I’m going to hand in my notice.” For too long, I’ve worked my arse off for that tight fisted git to get rich off the back of my ideas. I can set up my own web development business right here in Candy Cane Key, just like Gray said, or I could just work with him in the tea shop. The world’s my bauble, really.
“What’s brought this on?” Before I can speak, she sucks in a breath. “It’s Grayson, isn’t it?”
“Kind of.”
She squeals down the phone. “Cam, I want all the details.”
“You’ll have them, but I’m not sure where we stand yet. I’ll keep you posted.”
“Hey, I gotta go. The phone’s ringing. Good luck with Phil.”
“Thanks. Catch up soon.”
GRAY
