Camila takes a big, steadying breath. “I don’t ever want you to feel like I need that. Sex will never be a tool between us. When and if it happens, I want it to be because youwant it, to have me, not because you think that’s the only way I’ll believe this thing between us is real.” Camila gently squeezes Valeria’s hips. “I want you, Val, I do, but not like that. I’ll never want you like that. So we can put it off for as long as it takes for that voice in your head to quiet. There’s no timeline here and absolutely no pressure from me.”
A tide of emotions crashes over Valeria, leaving her breathless. She’s never felt so cared for. Every worry she’s ever voiced has been met with gentle understanding by Camila, who never makes her feel silly or broken for having them. She’s met every worry with care, never dismissing her, always talking her through it, wanting to understand. Valeria doesn’t know how to make sense of it all, how to put into words what it means to her—this feeling of being wholly understood.
She leans into Camila, letting herself be held. In that quiet and simple presence of someone who truly cares, Valeria feels something Camila has only recently returned to her ... safety.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
CAMILA
There’s something undeniably magical about having Valeria back at Camila’s place. The entire house feels warmer when she’s there, and Camila loves it. Loves waking up to Valeria in her bed, wrapped in early morning light, arm slung over her, a tiny soft snore tickling her neck. It makes her chest feel warm, and a flutter of pure joy dances in her stomach.
Sunday night, they fell asleep on the couch together, Valeria curled safely in Camila’s arms. On Monday, they binge-watched their favorite show until the screen blinked “no more episodes,” then ordered so much takeout that Camila and Valeria ate nothing but that for the rest of the day.
Camila even packed some for Valeria to take to work this morning, since she stayed another night—neither of them was ready to say goodbye yet.
It’s only Tuesday, and Camila already doesn’t know how she’ll survive the rest of the week without Valeria tucked in her arms. So seeing Zoe tonight—a little distraction—is more than welcome.
The bar they agreed to meet at comes into view, neon lights flickering. Camila pulls in and, as if on cue, Zoe steps out of her car.
“Hi,” Zoe says with a bright smile, leaning in to hug Camila.
“Hey,” Camila says, hugging her back easily.
They fall into step together as they head toward the front door, trading small updates about their day. When they enter the bar, they’re greeted by the hum of conversations and the clink of glasses. Warm amber lights hang overhead, casting a cozy gleam over the worn wooden booths. They walk a little farther in and find seats near the back.
A QR code sits neatly on the table, letting them browse the drinks menu on their phones. After a few minutes of scrolling, they place their orders, and both set their phones down.
“So, what’s new?” Camila asks as someone drops off two glasses of water.
“Personally or professionally?” Zoe tilts her head with a playful grin.
“Whichever you’re excited about the most.”
Zoe takes a slow sip of her water, sets her glass down carefully, and taps the side of it. “I started seeing someone.”
“Oh!” Camila says, trying—and failing—to keep the surprise from her voice. “Tell me more.”
Zoe tucks a strand of hair behind her ear. “Her name is Morgan. I met her on a dating app.”
Camila raises an eyebrow. “I thought you weren’t the dating-app type.”
“I’m not, usually, but with being in a new city, I figured I’d give it a shot. I wasn’t looking to meet anyone, just a general perusal, trying to make friends. She and I matched,we started messaging back and forth, had a six-hour-long FaceTime, and I’ve been captivated since.”
“Wow, Zoe. That’s amazing. I’m happy for you,” Camila says gently, offering her a reassuring smile.
Their drinks arrive then, and Camila lifts hers in a toast. “To you and Morgan,” she says as their glasses clink together.
“God, I really think she could be the one.”
“Really?” Camila says, eyebrows raised.
One of the first things Camila learned about Zoe was that she doesn’t do relationships. Now she really can’t wait to meet Morgan. She’s happy for her—glad she met someone who makes her want to try.
“I know—who am I?” Zoe says, a flush coloring her cheeks as she takes another sip of her martini. “How about you? What’s new?”
Camila bites her lip. “I’ve also started seeing someone.” Her smile is wide. A wave of butterflies explodes in her stomach, making her cheeks flush and her heart beat faster. Even the thought of Valeria is enough to warm her like a sunbeam.
“Spill,” Zoe teases. “That smile is brilliant.”
