Chapter 31
Month Four
Camila
Camila
I’ve been thinking about the Fourth of July, and I know I said I would go, but I just don’t think it’s a good idea.
Hess
Can you tell me why you don’t think it’s a good idea?
Camila
I think I told you back when you asked me. Involving your family in such a temporary situation isn’t good for them.
Hess
I know you don’t know them yet, but you’re not giving my family enough credit. They’re adults. They can handle me bringing my temporary wife to a family event and staying out of the messiness. Do you have any other objections to coming?
I stare at my phone, pacing back and forth in my bedroom.
Yes, I have objections.
I’m terrified.
Camila
I’ve never met a man’s family before. I’ve never traveled anywhere with a man before. I feel very unequipped to handle this situation. Plus, I don’t want you to get too attached. I know you said a couple of weeks ago that you wanted to “date” me, and I just feel like you’re wasting your time.
Hess
I’ve got nothing but time.
He’s relentless. You have to give him that.
Camila
Yes, but I just want to be honest with you. I’m not the type of woman who can be tamed.
Hess
I agree, and I completely understand.
Camila
You do?
I’m surprised and maybe a little disappointed by how quickly he gave up.
Hess
Yeah, it all makes sense.
Camila
Okay, good.
Hess
So be ready to go at noon. That’s when we’re leaving for the cabin.
Camila
Wait…didn’t you hear what I just said.
Hess
Yeah, I heard everything, and I understand where you’re coming from, but I still want you to come to the cabin with me. So be ready to go at noon.
I guess Hess didn’t give up after all.
Nope.
Didn’t give up at all.
The Taylor cabin looks like it was plucked from a postcard, all honey-colored logs and green roof nestled into the tall pines.
The wraparound porch is alive with nieces and nephews darting between rocking chairs, bare feet thumping across the planks, laughter ringing out into the mountain air.
The smell of pine and freshness clings to everything, making it feel like a world away from the city.
Inside, the house is just as cozy—a stone fireplace, walls lined with wood, family pictures hung in every corner, scratches made in log walls detailing how each child has grown over the years. It’s the familiest thing I’ve ever seen, the complete opposite of how I grew up.
“This place is incredible,” I say as Anita leads us up the stairs.
“Bart built it back in the nineties, and we’ve been coming ever since.” She pushes open a door at the end of the hall. “You two will be here.”
I step inside first. The room is small and warm, afternoon light glowing against pine walls. The quilts on the bed look soft and handmade. But the bed…there’s only one. A very large one, but still. Singular.
Behind me, Hess groans, “Mom, we can’t stay in here together. There’s only one bed.”
Anita’s brows lift, her expression equal parts amused and feigning innocence. “Why not? You’re married, aren’t you?”
I freeze on the rug, caught between laughter and horror.
“Remember how we talked? This isn’t a real marriage. We don’t even share a room back at home.”
“Every marriage is real to me.” She waves him off like he’s a child whining about chores.
“All the other beds are taken, and the couches too. There’s nowhere else to sleep, so I guess you’re stuck.
” And just like that, she’s gone, footsteps light as she heads back down the hall, unaffected by our predicament.
Silence fills the little room. I glance at Hess. He’s still standing stiff in the doorway, like Anita just told him to bunk with a wild animal.
“I think your mom set us up.”
“I know she did.”
I laugh, dropping my bag onto the bed. “You’re freaking out.”
“I’m not freaking out.”
“Yes, you are. You look like you’ve been sentenced to death.”
“No”—he throws his bag next to mine—“I’m just trying to be respectful to you.”
“You’re overreacting. We can sleep on a bed together in a totally platonic way.”
His eyes flick to me, darker now. “Overreacting?” his voice drops, rougher, like it scrapes along my skin. “Camila, I don’t think you understand how beautiful and tempting you are. It takes every ounce of willpower I have to be the perfect gentleman you deserve.”
For a second, I just stare, heat crawling into my chest. Then I let a slow, teasing smile tug at my mouth. “So are you saying you don’t think you can keep your hands off me?”
“No, that’s not what I’m saying. I’m a grown adult who can control myself.” He steps closer, flirtation rounding out his gaze. “But I’m going to hate every second of it. I’ll probably lie awake all night long, thinking about how much I hate it.”
I arch a brow, folding my arms. “And what? You think it will just be a walk in the park for me?”
“I don’t know. You tell me.” He leans one shoulder against the log bed post like he’s got all day to spar with me. “Are you attracted to me, Camila?”
“I guess it depends.” I tilt my head, pretending to think. “Are you going to be wearing your cowboy hat all weekend?”
A small smile cracks through. “Didn’t even bring it. I went with a baseball hat.”
“Then there shouldn’t be any real temptation for me,” I lie. “But you…you’re in trouble. I packed my royal-blue bikini for the hot tub.”
“I thought we made a rule you couldn’t wear that around me.”
“I thought you said you’re a grown adult who can control himself.”
His grin widens, lazy and lethal. “Careful, Camila, or I might start thinking you want me to lose control.”
“Maybe I just like watching you sweat.”
He chuckles low, and then he moves, stepping around the corner of the bed to where I stand. His chest brushes my arm, the heat of him skimming too close. I inhale sharply, pulse jumping, but I refuse to step back. If anything, I plant my feet firmer.
For a suspended beat, we just stare at each other, the air between us growing with tension. His gaze drops to my mouth, and instantly, my mind races back to when he kissed me over a month ago. I recall the heat, the tenderness, the way it unraveled me completely.
Despite the warnings, I want him to kiss me again.
I tilt my chin up, an unspoken invitation. His gaze darts to mine as he leans in. My lips part, ready for his kiss, when his nephew barrels past the open door, shrieking with laughter. The noise jolts us apart.
I exhale shakily and glance at Hess. He looks as rattled as I feel. He mutters something unintelligible and continues unpacking his bag.
We’re thirty minutes into this holiday weekend, and we’ve already almost kissed.
That can’t be good for two people who are supposed to be getting a divorce in two months.
And who are sharing a bed tonight.