Chapter 47 I Have an Idea
I have an idea
We wake up the next morning in each other’s arms again, a heavy feeling lingering between us.
I’m torn about what to do with my living situation.
I want to stay, live here for good.
Part of me worries if it’s too soon.
But I’m already here, so what difference would it make really?
What am I so darn afraid of? Why can’t I just do what I want, instead of worrying so much? Why do I care what anyone else thinks?
Instead of spiraling over that decision, I bring up the other one—the one I meant to ask him about yesterday. Buying Snips. It’s something I’d really love Lucas’s opinion on.
“So… I need your advice.” I say. “My boss is selling the salon.” He waits quietly, eyes on me, encouraging me to continue.
“She offered it to me first. I have until the end of the month to decide if I want it before she puts it on the market. I don’t know what to do. Running my own business has always been a dream, but I’m not sure if Snips is the right fit.”
“How much is she selling it for? And what don’t you like about it?”
“Ten thousand. It’s actually a great price for what she’s offering, but I’d want to refit it, change the colour range, maybe even the layout. And I really don’t like the name. Even the location—I’m unsure about it.” I let out a deep breath.
“Hmm,” he muses. “It doesn’t sound like it’s right for you. But… I do think owning a salon is the right move. Have you thought about opening your own place?”
That’s the dream. But could I actually do it?
“Of course I have. But I don’t even know where to start.”
“I have an idea,” he says, suddenly energized. “Get dressed and meet me in the car in ten minutes. I’m taking you for a drive.” He climbs out of bed, and I laugh, suspicious. “Okay…”
We drive along the waterfront esplanade, windows down.
The smell of sea salt fills my nose, and the rhythmic sound of waves soothes my soul.
I stare out at the beach to my left—families laughing, waves rolling in—and then to my right, admiring the cute shopfronts that line the street.
I’ve always loved this part of town. It’s not far from Lucas’s place.
He pulls over and parks, then comes around to open my door.
“Can you tell me what we’re doing now?” I ask nervously. He’s said nothing during the ride here.
“I wanted to show you something,” he replies, pointing at a charming old building currently under renovation.
“Cute,” I say slowly. “Um… what for?” I think I know where he’s going with this, but he’s insane if he thinks I could open a salon here.
He takes my hand, and we walk across the road.
“This could be yours. Can you imagine how beautiful a salon would look here?” He gestures toward the building, trying to get me to see what he sees.
And I do. Of course I do. A girl can dream.
“That would be a dream come true… but I’d be kidding myself if I thought I could ever afford it. Plus, I bet a million other businesses will be fighting for it when the renovations are done.”
“Well. Luckily we know the owner.” Then, casually, he walks up to the door and pulls out a key.
My jaw drops. I’m in shock. What does he mean? Someone we know?
Him? Of course, it would be him.
“Excuse me, do you own this place?” I question him before I follow him inside.
It’s beautiful, light and bright. The windows have a beautiful view of the bay.
The timber floors have just been redone, the walls painted a creamy white.
It’s a blank canvas. I could imagine working here, the lighting, the vibes.
This is my dream. I can see it all now. The stations could be over to the left and the basins to the back.
My desk right here near the big open windows at the front.
“Yeah, it’s mine. I bought it ages ago for a steal, it was falling apart at the time and I’ve been slowly doing it up. When I’m done I wanted to put it up for rent. It’s almost done. What do you think?” He says it with his arms open, showing me the space like it’s a present, just for me.
“Lucas, it’s beautiful. It’s perfect. This is exactly the space I dreamt of. But I could never afford what you would be asking for rent though. Plus don’t you already have people lining up for the space?” I say as I look around.
“I do,” he says with a shrug, “but it’s my space. I can choose who gets it. If it’s you, we could work out a price that works—something manageable. I want you to have your dream, Camille. Is this what you want?” I stare up at him, overwhelmed, his hands warm around mine.
“Of course it is,” I whisper. “But Lucas, I’d still have to buy all the furniture, colours—everything. I don’t know if I can afford to start from scratch.”
“How much do you have saved?”
“Eight thousand. It’s maybe just enough to cover what I’d need to start… but it would wipe me out completely.” I shake my head.
“Angel, you can do this. Once you’re up and running, the money will come back quick. I’ll help you finish getting the space ready—you just focus on what you need to buy. Let me help you. Please.”
I’ve always done everything on my own. Paid the bills. Fixed what broke. Kept moving, even when I was exhausted. I used to think needing someone made me weak.
But then Lucas showed up. Not to fix me, not to take over, but to be there. To carry a little of it with me. For the first time, I don’t feel like I have to hold it all together alone. Maybe strength isn’t about never needing help. Maybe it’s about trusting someone enough to accept it.
And I trust Lucas. I want him, I want this. And I’m done denying myself what I want in life.
“Okay,” my voice trembles. “I have to see if Sarah would work for me. I can’t do it alone. I hate relying on people—but I’ll need help. Would you really do this for me?” Still in disbelief. This man. I can’t be this lucky, can I?
He takes a step closer and kisses me gently.
“Camille. I don’t think you understand the things I would do for you.
The lengths I would go. I would do anything to make you smile.
Your happiness, it fills something in me.
A space I didn’t even know was empty. In this short time I’ve known you, you’ve become everything to me.
Every piece of you fits perfectly with mine.
” He takes a deep breath before continuing.
“I’ve fallen for you, Camille… I think I’ve been falling since the moment I met you.” He squeezes my hands tighter and smiles.
“Helping you chase your dream… that’s not a burden. It’s the greatest thing I could ever be part of.” He moves his hands to my face and wipes the tears I didn’t even realise I was shedding.
“Lucas.” He keeps stoking my cheek, his touch reassuring.
“You don’t have to say anything, Cam.”
“No. I do. I do.” I take a shaky breath.
“Because even though it scares me to death, feeling everything I feel for you… so quickly, so intensely… I can’t deny it.
I feel it too. I’ve fallen for you too Lucas.
I tried to fight it, but the way I feel for you…
it’s inevitable. It was never something I could control.
I love you.” Tears spill freely now, but they’re warm.
Cathartic. This joy—it’s something I never thought I’d feel again.
Not for a long, long time. He lifts me into his arms, his mouth crashing into mine.
“God, Camille. I love you. So much. You’ve been all I’ve thought about since the day we met.”
We keep kissing. Our kisses start to grow desperate. Our hands touching everywhere we can. I grind my hips against him.
“I love you Lucas…” I moan as his hands squeeze my nipples through the fabric of my shirt. “I don’t think I can wait till we get home.”
Apparently, he feels the same because he walks us into the back room. Setting me down on the back kitchenette counter.
“I can’t wait either.” His kiss travels down my neck as he pulls my singlet down, exposing my breasts.
He moves down, licks my left nipple and pinches the other. He lifts my ass up and pulls my shorts and underwear down my legs.
Before I can do anything, he spreads my legs, puts his mouth to my core and starts to feast on me, like a man starving.
I cry out in pleasure. I’ll never get sick of him doing this. He slips two fingers inside.
“Fuck baby, you’re always so ready for me.”
I pull on his hair. He makes circles with his tongue over my clit, his fingers pumps in and out, in a perfect rhythm.
It doesn’t take long before I’m coming on his mouth, my legs shaking around his head.
He steps back, wiping his mouth on his arm before he pulls his shirt off and steps out of his pants.
“I don’t think you understand how fucking sexy you are Camille. I think you’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.” He walks back to me slowly, palm around his beautiful cock, pumping it a few times.
I pant, leaning my arms back behind me and open my legs wider for him.
“I want you inside of me Lucas. Now.”
He takes a beat, just staring in awe. Soaking me in. Then, quickly grabs a hold of me and sheathes himself inside of me, thrusting hard.
I have to hold onto the edges of the counter to keep still. I moan loudly. He grunts as he sucks my neck, his teeth grazing my skin. It’s the sweetest pain.
I claw my hands against his back as he takes me, thrusting in and out at the most glorious pace.
He moves his hand down to circle against my clit. His other hand moves to my ass, his finger brushing against my other hole, sending electricity through my body.
It only takes a few more thrusts before I start to tighten and I fall apart around him again.
He follows shortly after, spilling inside me.
He doesn’t pull out straight away. Kissing me while we catch our breath.
“I love you.” He kisses my mouth. Then kisses my breast, “I love you.” He pulls out, and kisses my stomach, “I love you, so fucking much.” I giggle at the feel of his breath where I’m ticklish.
He moves back up, and kisses me on the mouth. “I love you.” I melt.
“I love you so much too Lucas.” I kiss him back.
Afterward we spend hours in the space, working out plans for the salon.