18. Cam
CHAPTER 18
CAM
S tella feels so right in my arms. I didn’t lie. She’s gorgeous, but there are plenty of other beautiful women in the world.
There’s something special about this woman, though. Something that makes me want to keep holding her.
Her dog is still pulling at his leash, and I’m afraid it’s going to cut into Stella’s ankles. Reluctantly, I take one hand off of her so I can free her feet.
When I bend down, she rests her weight against my back to keep herself steady, and the gesture does something to me. Her needing my support, and relying on my strength, makes me feel like I’ve got purpose—like she needs me—and I could get used to feeling like this.
These kinds of thoughts probably make me some sort of caveman, but I can’t help it.
In a low-volume yell that’s respectful of the late hour, Stella calls for Goldfish, and tugs gently at the leash to urge him to give up the chase.
I join in the effort, crouching down and calling for him to come back, and after one final bark in the rabbit’s direction, he returns for more ear rubs.
“He really likes you,” Stella says.
“I’m very likeable.”
The smile she gives me tells me she’s starting to agree, but she says, “It’s getting late. I’d better get back home.”
“I’ll walk with you.”
“But you were jogging. I don’t want to interrupt your run more than I already have.”
“I’ll jog home after I drop you off. Unless you’d rather walk alone?” I’d like to think I’m pretty good at reading signals, but I don’t want to force my company on her if she doesn’t want it.
“Company is nice,” she says, and I couldn’t agree more.
I’d gladly give up my nightly jogs and walk with her instead.
“Jessie’s still talking about game night at your house,” Stella says.
“We’ll have to do it again soon, then. Jessie’s a really smart kid.” It’s the kind of thing I might say to make someone feel good, but in this case, I mean it.
“Thanks. I think so too.”
It would be so easy to take Stella’s hand, and I’d really like to, but being with her is like spotting an elusive animal in the forest. I don’t want to make any sudden moves and scare her off.
We reach her house much too quickly.
“Well, it was nice running into you,” she says. “Thanks for helping me rein in Goldfish.”
“Of course. Any time you need protection from the rabbits that run wild around here, I’m your guy.”
Hearing her laugh is like winning a million dollars.
“Good night,” she says with a small wave.
It’s like I’m bringing her home after a date, and all I can think about is how it would be to kiss her.