Chapter 5
FIVE
Lymric
“Maybe I shouldn’t go,” I tell Lilou as she looks through her closet for dress options for tonight.
“You should! Besides, I get the feeling that Camden isn’t going to let you get out of the date without a fight,” she says with a laugh.
She’s right. Camden is persistent, and I know that he’s not going to give up. If I made up an excuse to cancel tonight, like that I wasn’t feeling well, he would just ask to change the date to tomorrow, or worse, show up here with soup and offer to take care of me.
“Yeah, probably not,” I mumble, and she giggles.
“I think it’s sweet…and kind of hot. Just don’t tell Milo that I said that. He’ll get jealous.”
“You don’t think that it’s crazy? I met the guy like two days ago, and he’s obsessed with me.”
“He knows what he wants. Nothing wrong with that,” she says, and I sigh.
“What if this is his whole scheme? Like maybe this is how he gets women.”
“It’s not. I asked around, and all of my friends said that he keeps to himself. They’ve never seen him even look at a woman before.”
“Maybe he’s just discreet.”
“He isn’t with you. He’s made it really clear that he’s all in with you. Besides, the guy is hot. Do you really think that he needs to like borderline stalk someone to be with them?”
She has a point.
“How about this one?” Lilou asks, holding up one of her dresses.
“You don’t think that it’s too much?” I ask, taking it from her.
I run my hand down the soft material. It’s a dark forest green crushed velvet dress that matches my eyes perfectly.
“It’s perfect,” she promises me, and I nod before I pull off my old t-shirt and yoga pants and slip the dress on.
Lilou passes me a pair of flats, and I sit on the bed as I put them on.
“You look great!” She squeals as I stand and do a spin for her. The dress hugs my curves in all of the right places. Perfect for date night.
“Thanks.”
“Where’s he taking you?” She asks, and I shrug.
“He didn’t say. He just asked to take me out to dinner.”
“Well, I’m sure that it will be great.”
“Are you sure that you’re not upset that I’m not hanging out with you tonight?” I ask for the millionth time today.
“Nah, we got to hang out all day. Plus, I’ll see you tomorrow to hear all about how tonight went.”
She hugs me, and I smile as I breathe in her familiar scent.
“It’s been so nice seeing you every day. I almost don’t want to leave in two weeks.”
“You could stay,” she says, and I smile slightly.
“I love my job.”
“I know you do, but you could get a place here. Put down some roots and then come back whenever you have downtime.”
“Maybe.”
She’s been asking me to come visit or move out here since she did a year ago, and the idea is sounding better and better.
“I’ll see you later, okay? Let me know if you need anything!” She says before she gives me another hug, and then she’s heading out the door to her living room to give me a moment to collect myself.
I watch her walk away before I turn back to take myself in. My nerves flutter wildly as I stare at my reflection in the mirror. The dress Lilou picked out for me hugs my curves perfectly, the deep green fabric shimmering slightly under the soft bedroom light. I smooth my hands down the material, inhaling deeply.
Why am I so nervous? It’s just dinner. Just one date. Just one very, very persistent man who I can’t seem to get out of my head.
A knock sounds at the front door, and Lilou squeals as she rushes to answer it. I grab my clutch and give myself one last once-over before I head out into the living room.
Camden is standing in the doorway, looking so good it’s almost unfair. He’s dressed in a dark button-down with the sleeves rolled up to his forearms, showing off his strong, corded muscles. His jeans are well-fitted, and the way he’s watching me makes heat creep up my neck.
“Damn,” he murmurs, raking his gaze over me from head to toe. “You look incredible.”
“Thanks,” I say, trying to play it cool, though my heart is doing somersaults.
“Have her home by midnight,” Lilou teases, nudging me toward Camden.
“I make no promises,” he says, his smirk entirely too cocky, and I roll my eyes.
“Let’s go before you two start planning my wedding,” I say, grabbing his arm and tugging him toward the door.
Camden chuckles, placing a warm hand on the small of my back as he guides me toward his truck. He opens the door for me, waiting until I’m settled before shutting it and rounding the vehicle.
“So, where are we going?” I ask as he starts the engine.
“You’ll see,” he says, that mischievous glint in his eye making my stomach flutter.
We drive through the town, passing quaint shops and twinkling string lights. Eventually, he pulls onto a winding road that leads out of town, the towering trees surrounding us making the world feel smaller, quieter.
“Are you taking me to murder me in the woods?” I joke, and Camden laughs.
“Not tonight,” he teases. “I wanted to take you somewhere special.”
After a few more minutes, we pull up to a cozy cabin, nestled against a backdrop of towering pines. Soft golden light spills from the windows, and the sight of it sends warmth through me.
“This is my place,” Camden says as he hops out and jogs around to open my door. “Figured I’d cook for you.”
I arch a brow. “You cook?”
He smirks. “Guess you’ll have to find out.”
I follow him inside, taking in the rustic charm of the place. The interior is warm and inviting, with exposed wooden beams, leather furniture, and a fireplace crackling in the corner. It feels…safe. Like a home.
“You live here alone?” I ask as I wander into the kitchen, noting the neatly organized space and the faint scent of something delicious already cooking.
“Me and Gunner,” he says, nodding toward his massive dog, who is currently sprawled on the couch, tail thumping happily.
“I like it,” I admit, running my fingers over the polished countertop.
“I was hoping you would.”
That comment makes my breath catch, but before I can overthink it, Camden moves to the stove, stirring a pot of pasta sauce that smells heavenly.
“Dinner will be ready in about ten minutes. You want some wine?”
I nod, watching as he pours us each a glass and hands one to me. We clink glasses, and I take a sip, letting the smooth red swirl over my tongue.
“Okay, I’ll admit, this is impressive,” I say, leaning against the counter. “Most guys would’ve just taken me to a restaurant.”
“I’m not most guys,” Camden says, and damn, I believe him.
Dinner is incredible—some kind of homemade pasta with a rich, savory sauce. We eat at the small dining table, and the conversation flows so easily it surprises me. He asks about my job, my favorite places I’ve traveled, my childhood with Lilou. I ask about his time in the Marines, his transition back to civilian life, his family.
The more I learn about him, the more I realize how much I like him. He’s intense, sure, but he’s also funny and thoughtful in a way I wasn’t expecting.
After we finish eating, Camden grabs another bottle of wine and leads me to the couch. Gunner immediately hops up onto the other end, resting his head on my lap like he’s known me forever.
“You’ve got a new best friend,” Camden observes, watching me scratch behind Gunner’s ears.
“He’s cute,” I say, shooting him a teasing look. “Much less intense than his owner.”
Camden chuckles, leaning closer. “I don’t think I can apologize for that.”
The space between us shrinks, and my breath catches. His hand comes up, brushing a stray curl behind my ear, his fingers lingering against my cheek.
“I’ve wanted to kiss you since I saw you on that trail,” he murmurs, voice low and rough.
My heart slams against my ribs. I should pull away. I should be cautious. But instead, I tilt my chin up, meeting his gaze.
“Then what are you waiting for?”
His lips crash against mine, and everything else fades away. The kiss is deep and consuming, his hands sliding around my waist as he pulls me closer. I melt into him, wrapping my arms around his neck as he deepens the kiss, tilting my head to get even closer.
A sharp ring slices through the moment, making me jerk back.
“Damn it,” Camden mutters, exhaling heavily as I reach for my phone.
Lilou’s name flashes across the screen, and I answer breathlessly. “Hey.”
“Just checking in! Wanted to see how it’s going,” she says, and I can hear the amusement in her voice.
I glance at Camden, who is watching me like he’s about to pull me right back in for another kiss.
“It’s…going well,” I say, trying to sound casual.
Lilou hums knowingly. “Mmmhmm. Well, if you need rescuing, let me know. Otherwise, want to grab breakfast in the morning?”
“Yeah, definitely.”
“Okay! Have fun,” she chirps before hanging up.
I sigh, setting my phone down as Camden smirks. “I like her.”
“Yeah, she’s the best,” I agree.
“I’ll drive you home,” he says, standing and offering his hand.
I hesitate, half-tempted to stay. But this is already moving fast, and I need a minute to breathe.
He drives me back to Milo’s place, and when we pull into the driveway, he leans over, brushing his lips against my cheek. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
I swallow hard, nodding before slipping out of the truck. As I watch him drive away, one thought keeps circling in my mind.
I might be in serious trouble.