13. Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Thirteen
Nila
The sound of snoring rouses me from my sleep. I turn over, reaching for my phone. Ugh … my alarm is going to go off in less than ten minutes.
Might as well just get up.
I peek down at the floor, but Cameron isn’t there.
Where the heck is he?
Honestly, I was so tired yesterday, I passed out as soon as the sun went down. He insisted I sleep in the bed, and I wasn’t going to argue. Now that I’m awake though, I figure maybe we can rotate.
There’s a chill in the bedroom, and I rub my arms violently as I sit up in bed, flipping the covers back. Before this day starts, I’m in desperate need of a shower .
I grab my robe and head for the bathroom. Stepping into the dark room, I turn on the massive stone-walled shower, hang my robe on the hook, and kick on the heater.
I stand there for a few moments, impatiently waiting for the water to heat up, and once it does, I strip out of my oversized shirt.
“Whoa.” I hear a groggy voice from behind me.
I jump around, startled, and turn on the light. “What the heck are you doing?” I take in the sight of Cameron, crammed in the bathtub with a pillow and blanket. I would laugh at the sight of the six-foot-something hockey center in the tub, but then it hits me.
I have no shirt on.
My hands fly up to cover the soft bralette I’m wearing, but I know it’s too late. Not to mention, my tight shorts barely cover my lower half. Cameron is staring wide-eyed at the sight of me, his gaze rolling down my scantily clad body in a way that leaves me shivering ... with excitement.
“Stop that!”
“Stop what?” He smirks. “You’re the one who took off your clothes. I mean, what a sight to wake up to, though. You can continue.” He gestures at me with a little wave, wiggling his eyebrows.
“You’re disgusting,” I snap. “Get out so I can shower.”
He laughs. “Okay, okay. Sorry.”
I should be pulling on my robe, but that’s the last thing on my mind as he stands to his feet, stretching his arms over his head, wearing only a pair of boxer briefs. My face grows hot as he steps out of the tub.
Now I’m the one gawking.
He eyes me and then laughs. “I guess you’re not the only indecent one.”
“Obviously,” I choke out, drinking in the sight of his chiseled, well-defined upper body. Every muscle seems to ripple and flex with each movement, drawing my gaze to them like a magnet. His biceps bulge and his abs are sculpted, with a striking v-line below his navel. I try to keep my eyes on the waist up, opting not to see what else there is to admire.
“You’re blushing.”
“Because this is entirely unprofessional,” I reason, though my voice is shaky as he grabs the blanket and pillow, obscuring my view.
That’s when I realize my hands dropped in the process of checking him out...
And now, he’s getting the full view of my cleavage, nearly spilling out of the top of my bra.
Oh my gosh.
My hands fly up as he stops a foot or so from me, his eyes dancing across my face with amusement.
“What?” I ask.
“This is gonna be more fun than I thought. ”
I reach out and swat his arm, my face feeling like it’s on fire. “Stop it.”
He chuckles, his voice husky, though his eyes remain on my face. “Just laugh about it, Nila. Otherwise, it’s just awkward.” There’s a genuine sincerity in his words that’s touching, and I feel a smile tugging at my lips.
“Yeah, I guess that’s true.”
“It is.” His eyes soften. “Everything is fine. You didn’t know I was in here.”
I nod, my heart squeezing at his reassurance. “Thanks.”
“Right back at ya.” He winks at me. “For the record, I think that’s the best view I’ve ever woken up to.” He disappears from the bathroom, and I’m left gaping at him.
And blushing.
Hardcore blushing.
But just as I begin to compose myself, I startle as his head pokes back through the doorway. “I’m gonna cook us some breakfast. How do you like your eggs?”
“You … cook?” I ask, raising an eyebrow in surprise.
He grins, his eyes sparkling mischievously. “Oh, I can do more than just cook, Nila. But let’s start with breakfast first, shall we?”
I chuckle nervously. “Alright, then. I’ll take my eggs over medium … on toast.” My mouth waters at the thought of warm, crispy, buttery toast covered in creamy egg yolk .
“Excellent choice. Eggs over medium on toast, coming right up,” he calls, disappearing from the doorway.
I stand dumbfounded for a moment.
I had no idea that Cameron was capable of being so ... charming.
But I shake it off and lock the bathroom door before I finish undressing. From now on, I’ll definitely check the bathtub before stripping down.
I glance up at Cameron as we head toward the main building, which just so happens to be a nearly three-quarter mile walk. Tina wasn’t kidding when she said it was a good thing we were in shape. The downhill trek is a little treacherous with the lingering snow, but I can only imagine what it’ll be like when we head back up to the cabin.
“I need to work out more,” I huff, my calves burning as the main building comes into sight from the trail.
“Can’t tell.” Cameron snickers.
I glare at him. “I don’t know what that means or how to take it. ”
He looks over at me, his eyes sparkling under the morning sun—I have no idea what has him in such a good mood. “Just take it as a compliment.”
“But it sounded like sarcasm.”
He shakes his head but then winces and rubs the back of his neck. “It wasn’t.”
“You can have the bed tonight,” I offer, feeling guilty. After all, he’s the one here for the therapy, not me.
“No, I’m not going to make you sleep on the floor or in the bathtub. My dad would skin me for that.”
“Yeah, but I’m sure Tina can find us an air mattress or something.”
“Or we could just sleep in the same bed,” he reasons. “It’s not like it’s that big of a deal. I’m not going to try and touch you or something.”
“I know,” I say, my eyes dropping away from him. “It’s just not very professional.”
“Oh, come on, Nila.” Cameron gives me a look. “You act like I’m going to go tell the whole world that you had to sleep in the same bed as me. I’m just trying to make this easier. We’re going to be here a while.”
“You’re trying to pressure me into sleeping with you,” I counter, narrowing my eyes at him.
His face drops. “No, not at all. I’m sorry. I’ll see if I can figure something out.”
Great, now I feel bad. “We’ll deal with it this evening.”
“Fair enough,” Cameron mutters, falling into silence as we finish the hike. As we step into the main lodge, I’m stunned by just how luxurious it is. It might as well be a resort, based on the high ceilings and elegant décor.
“Good morning,” Tina greets us with a smile. “I take it you’re here to meet with your counselor?”
Cameron nods. “Yeah, the schedule said I’d meet with them at ten.”
“That’s correct. I’ll show you to Dr. Shadid’s office. He’s one of the best, you know.”
“I’m sure he is,” he grumbles, falling in step behind her.
We walk down a long hallway, and I realize as we pass the other doors that they’re numbered like hotel rooms. “Are these for the other guests?”
Tina glances back at me. “Mhm. Guests stay on the first floor. Then the second floor is for staff only—it’s where all of the corporate offices are.”
I nod, wrapping my arms around myself. I pack for just about all seasons when I go out on the road, so my sweater and jeans are more than enough for the spring mountain weather. However, I’m still chilled for some reason.
“Here’s his office.” She gestures to a dark cherry wooden door. “He’s always on time, so I’m sure he’s ready for you.”
“Thanks.” Cameron opens the door and then peeks back at me as I linger outside. “Are you coming?”
“I’m sure the sessions with your counselor are private... ”
“They are,” Tina confirms, giving me a nod and then looking at Cameron. “Guests aren’t allowed to sit in the sessions without consent.”
Cameron rolls his eyes. “Okay, well, you have my consent. Come on.”
My brows shoot upward—as does Tina’s. “Are you sure?”
“Yeah, of course, I’m sure. I don’t have anything to hide. It’s not like I actually have anger management issues,” he adds, ignoring the way Tina shakes her head.
I bet she hears that a lot here .
“If he consents to your presence, you can sit in on the session,” Tina tells me, motioning for me to join Cameron. “It’s okay.”
I nod slowly, not sure how I feel about this. But I force myself to step into the warmly lit office, where an older man with dark-rimmed glasses sits behind the desk.
“Cameron Hastens,” the man says, standing to his feet and extending his hand. “It’s good to have you here. I don’t believe we’ve had an NHL player before.”
“Hmm,” Cameron responds and shakes his hand.
“And I see you brought your partner?”
Cameron’s silence jars me.
“I’m not his partner,” I clarify since he doesn’t. “I’m just here to document the process. My name’s Nila. ”
“That’s an odd arrangement,” Dr. Shadid says, extending his hand to me as well. “But it’s nice to have you here. You can take a seat.”
“Well, it’s just part of repairing my image,” Cameron says as he takes a step back, plopping down on the couch.
“Repairing your image.” Dr. Shadid chuckles, taking a seat as well.
I’m the only one left standing, and I opt to sit next to Cameron on the couch, taking in the surroundings—which remind me more of a library than an office. The walls are lined with shelves, and they’re full of books.
“Do you like to read, Nila?”
I whip my head toward Dr. Shadid. “Um ... I do.”
“Feel free to peruse and take a book.”
“Oh ... Um...”
“It’ll give you something to do in your downtime. I always recommend it. It’s a great way to relax. There’s nothing quite like a warm fire, a cup of tea, and a good book.”
I nod. “That does sound nice.”
“It is nice.” He smiles and then turns to Cameron. “So, let’s chat about you, Cameron.”
“My friends call me Cam.”
Well, then. He’s never told me to call him that.
“Ah, so would you prefer I call you that?”
He shrugs. “I don’t know.”
“We’ll just play it by ear then. Have you ever attended counseling or therapy before?”
“Yeah, when my mom passed away.”
I try not to listen in. I don’t want to eavesdrop, but at the same time, I’m so touched that Cameron wanted me to sit in with him—or maybe he felt like he had no choice? I make a mental note to ask him about it later. I don’t want to overstep boundaries...
I know I wouldn’t want someone sitting in on my therapy sessions.
“How old were you?”
“Seventeen.”
My stomach knots up as Cameron’s lips turn downward. Grief flashes in his eyes, and I know the feeling all too well. I clear my throat, feeling like an intruder in this deeply personal conversation.
Dr. Shadid glances my way as if noticing my discomfort. “Nila, are you okay?” he asks.
Cameron turns to look at me, his brow furrowing.
“Yes, of course.” I force a smile. “I was just taking in the room.”
Cameron narrows his eyes. “You don’t look okay.”
“I’d say she looks like someone who understands,” Dr. Shadid says warmly. “I see recognition and understanding.”
I raise my brows. This guy is good at reading people .
However, that’s all he says about it. He quickly moves on to asking Cameron some questions about his dad as well as his friends. Nothing too in-depth, really. And forty-five minutes later, we’re stepping out of the doctor’s office.
And Tina is right there.
“So, you’ll have free time until lunch,” she announces. “Then after lunch, there are a few activities for you to pick from. Most of them require pairing off with someone here at the facility, but you have a partner to do them with—if she wants to. Then, we have a campfire in the evening. It’s a nice time to unwind and talk with others. Dr. Shadid is often present.”
I nod, trying to keep the smile on my face as I glance over at Cameron. It feels like we’re at a summer camp...
And I’m not sure how I feel about it.