Chapter 19
ADAM
For the past two weeks, Camille and I have coexisted in a constant state of bliss. Something shifted between us the night Lizzy flew back home. She’d been so upset to see Lizzy leave. It pleased me immensely when she leaned on me for comfort and support.
I had prepared myself for her to retreat and cut me out. But that isn’t what happened. Instead, she’s been more affectionate and needy of my time. I don’t mind one little bit.
We’ve fallen into a comfortable pattern of her writing in her studio during the day and me managing the crew to get this remodel done. We’ve nearly finished downstairs. All that remains is her studio.
This week we start upstairs. All the plans are finalized with the exception of her master suite. She still can’t decide what she wants to do with her private rooms. We’ve stayed up late many nights over the past two week discussing options and ideas.
She’s torn between two different styles. I have a pretty good idea of which style she likes the best, but I haven’t nudged her yet. I want her to make the decision on her own.
But tonight I hope we can put aside all talk of work and enjoy a quiet dinner out.
Since meeting Camille, we’ve spent all our time together at her house.
I enjoy staying in with her, and having her all to myself.
Being behind closed doors with her is not something I’ll ever complain about.
I’ve spent every night with Camille for two weeks straight, and there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.
Her willingness to let me into her home and her life is more than I hoped for.
But it’s way past time I take her out on a date.
To make this as proper as I can, I went home early today to get ready. She thought it was silly of me to leave since I had plenty of clothes at her house, but I want to pick her up, woo her with flowers, and treat her to a special night out to one of the best fine dining restaurants in the area.
So, here I stand outside her door with a bouquet of red tulips—something I learned is her favorite—wearing one of my nicest suits.
I told her to wear something nice, but I didn’t tell her where I’m taking her. Aside from The Wine Room, she hasn’t been out much since moving to Watercress Falls. I’m excited to be the one to introduce her to some of my favorite places.
When she opens her door, she takes my breath away.
She’s stunning in her form-fitting, pale pink dress—her signature color.
It hugs her chest and stomach like second skin, then flares out into a flowy skirt.
It’s an off-the-shoulders dress, leaving her skin bare around her neck.
I can’t wait to press my lips on that skin as I strip her out of it later tonight.
But for now, I wrap my arm around her waist and tug her close. I kiss her lightly, doing my damnedest not to ravish her right here in the foyer. There'll be time for that later.
“You look amazing,” I breathe in her scent. The sweet smell of vanilla overwhelms me. “You smell good enough to eat, too.”
She chuckles and runs her hands down my beard then around my neck. She presses her lips to mine, deepening our connection. “Save that for later. I’m hungry, and you promised me a nice dinner that I don’t have to cook.”
I growl at her teasing. “That I did.” I kiss her one last time before I release her. “These are for you.”
I hand her the tulips and enjoy the grin that covers her face. “My favorite. You were listening.”
“I always listen to you.”
She gently presses her palm against my chest and kisses my cheek. “Thank you. And you look quite handsome tonight. I love you in a suit.”
I smile and revel in the way she touches me.
She touches me a lot. It isn’t anything inappropriate or sexual.
They’re simple touches, similar to how she just touched my chest. But it always sends electrical pulses through me that leave me tingling and trembling.
I love the way she lightly brushes her fingers across my forearm when she walks past me while I’m working.
Or the way she leans her head against my shoulder when she stops to admire the work I just finished.
But my favorite is how she runs her fingers through the back of my hair when she serves me breakfast or lunch while I sit at her small eat-in kitchen table.
It’s become such a normal thing for her to do, I don’t think she even realizes she’s doing it.
I love it. It makes me feel wanted and desired.
Always touching and always kissing. We haven’t talked a lot about our feelings, but we express them often.
“Let me put these in water, and then we can go.”
I breathe in deep and stuff my hands in my pockets to keep from reaching out for her. I want to touch her, too. But in a very different way.
Later tonight, when I peel her out of that dress, I’ll show her all the ways I long to touch her. And when she screams out my name, it’ll be the best reward ever.
“Where are we?” Camille asks as I pull into a space that overlooks the lake.
The sun is setting on the horizon, but there’s still enough light to clearly see the lake and mountains. Late spring and early summer are my favorite times of year to visit this area. The temperatures are warm enough to enjoy being outside, and the mountains are still snow-capped.
“This is Whitefish Lake, and I’m taking you to dinner at a restaurant that overlooks the lake. It has the best views, and the food is pretty damn good, too.”
“Good, because I’m starving.”
I kiss her hand before I get out of the truck, walk around to her door, and help her out. We walk hand-in-hand to the entrance and are immediately greeted by the hostess.
“Good evening, Mr. Landgon. Your table is ready.”
“Thank you, Sally.” The hostess leads us to a table for two by the window. Since I made a reservation and planned this meal out in advance, the table is already set for us with two glasses of red wine waiting.
After we both sit down, Sally smiles. “The first course will be out momentarily.”
Camille eyes the hostess curiously before she looks at me with a raised brow. “First course?”
I can’t hide my grin. “I know the chef well and arranged for his best menu.”
“You know the chef?” She crosses her arms over her chest and pins me with narrow eyes. She’s doing her best to act suspicious, but I can see the smile she’s fighting. It’s adorable and makes me want to kiss her senseless.
“Yes. In fact, you’ve met him, too. Remember my friend Ross?” I pick up my glass of wine and take a sip.
She pauses and looks at me while she runs through that night in her head. “The one whose wife never comes out with you guys?”
“That’s the one. He’s the chef here and makes the best food. Trust me. You’ll love the meal he’s prepared for us.”
“I’m sure it will be delicious.” She picks up her glass and takes a drink. She moans and slumps in her seat. “This is good.” She sets the glass down and rests her elbows on the table. “But you know, I’d been just as happy cooking for us at home. You didn’t have to take me out.”
I reach for her hand and pull it to my lips. “I know. But I told you I want to take you out for a change.”
“I know, but I love to cook.” She smiles. “And I love that you enjoy my food.”
“Are we going to have this conversation every time I want to take you out?”
“Probably,” she laughs.
“Well get over it.” I run my fingers up her arm until she squirms in her seat. “I know you love to cook for me. And I love that you love to do it, too. But you also deserve to be pampered and spoiled. Please, let me do this for you. Besides, Ross’s food really is damn good.”
With each course that’s served, Camille expressed more and more pleasure in the meal.
It was bad enough when she moaned with her first bite of Ross’s famous fish cakes with red pepper aioli, but when she wrapped her lips around a bite of the truffle pasta and groaned, my cock stood at attention.
I should have taken her out to dinner weeks ago.
She takes one last bite of her pasta and tosses her fork on her plate. “Oh, my God. I can’t believe I ate every bite. I’m so stuffed, but I couldn’t stop myself.”
She giggles, and I smile. Everything about this woman is adorable and sexy and drives me insane with need.
“I hope you saved room for dessert. Ross’s chocolate torte should not be missed.”
Her eyes widen, and her jaw drops. “You can’t be serious. I don’t think I can fit another bite in my stomach.”
“I’m dead serious,” I deadpan.
I try to hold my expression serious, but the look on her face makes me laugh. “We’ll take it to go.”
She smiles. “To go would be great.”
“Maybe we can eat it as a late-night snack.” The words come out gravelly and laced with all the desire building up inside me.
She meets my stare. From the heated look in her eyes, she understands my meaning.
I open the passenger side door and slide the dessert behind the seat.
Instead of helping Camille inside, I take her hand in mind and pull her close.
With my free hand, I thread my fingers into her hair and kiss her.
It’s a deep, unapologetic, demanding kiss.
I show her just how much she’s mine with every swipe of my tongue, the pressure of my mouth, and the tug of my hands.
I want to tell Camille just how much she means to me, but I don’t want to move too fast with her. Her pain is much greater than mine. But there's no turning back for me. I’m fully in this with her.
She slips her hand out of mine and wraps it around my neck. Pressing up on her tiptoes, she pulls me closer. I can feel every one of her curves against my body, and I ache to rip our clothes off. I need to feel her bare skin against mine.
Our kiss becomes more frenzied, and if I don’t stop now, we’ll put on quite the show in the parking lot. It hurts to break away, and when I do, it leaves us both gasping for air.
“Walk with me.” I manage to get out through ragged breaths. “It’s a warm night. It’s nice down by the lake.”