19. Lizzy
The moment a slow song starts, and couples pair up, that’s my cue to exit the dance floor. After weaving around the crowd, I spot Cameron popping up from his stool. In long, determined strides, he rounds the table, his fists clenching and unclenching as he turns toward the dance floor.
Uh-oh, what the hell is going on?
When his head lifts, and our eyes meet, I’m frozen in place.
His stony expression is unreadable and makes my nerves fire off like live wires.
As his determined strides close the distance between us, my stomach ties in knots.
I’ve never seen this look from him, and I have no idea what’s going on in that head of his.
The moment he’s directly in front of me, chills run up my spine. The sudden tension between us is palpable, and I see a heat in his eyes I finally recognize.
Ho-ly fuck, this man wants me.
“Wanna dance?” The invitation comes out deep and gravelly, as he reaches for my hand.
Between the want in his eyes and the sexy timbre of his voice, I’m certain I’d follow this man anywhere.
One nod is all it takes.
In a well-practiced move, he simultaneously rests our linked hands on his chest, as his free hand splays across the center of my lower back, pulling me close. The moment we start swaying to the music, my entire body melts into him.
Leaning my head against his chest, I inhale deeply.
Holy hell, this man smells utterly divine. It’s a spicy mixture of cinnamon, sandalwood, the ocean breeze, and something I can only determine as Cameron himself all rolled up into one.
Squeezing me tighter, Cameron exhales heavily. “I can’t believe how much I’ve missed this.”
We sway for a few beats before my brain needs confirmation. Hating to break away from him, I pull only my head back to look him in the eye. “You’ve missed dancing?”
A smile plays at his lips. “No. You sexy adorable woman. I’ve missed you.”
There’s no way he’s saying what I think he is saying, is he?
“I’ve seen you almost every day for the last month.”
“Yes, and in that time, it’s been hell keeping my distance.”
Pressing my body closer to his, I raise a brow and hedge. “You don’t seem to be keeping much of a distance now.”
The hand on my back grips me tighter, and his voice is thick when he says, “I was trying to be good. I was t rying to do what’s right for Emilia, and I was trying to do right by you.”
Grinding my hips into his, I innocently ask, “How’s that workin’ out for ya?”
“Jesus Christ, Elizabeth. Are you trying to get me killed?” he spits out.
Well, that’s not what I was expecting. “Killed?”
Pursing his lips, he glances over my head, then back to me. “Right now… there are three disgruntled guys who look like they might kick my ass if I hurt you.”
“Oh, please,” I huff, and then turn to see for myself.
Oh, shit. He’s right. Ryan, Jax, and Finn are all glowering at Cameron.
Obviously, they think he’s taking advantage of me.
Fuck, I need to prove them wrong before they cause a scene.
Turning back to Cameron, I ask, “Do you trust me?”
By the way his brows pinch together, I can tell he’s not following where I’m going with this. But once his eyes meet mine, he whispers, “Of course, I trust you.”
“One last question… Do you still want to keep your distance?”
“What do you think?” he says, gripping my back tighter.
That’s all I need.
Throwing an arm around his neck, I reach up and run a thumb along his cheek with my free hand. Guiding his face closer, I press my lips to his and kiss the ever-loving hell out of him. The chemistry we’ve been concealing all summer explodes between us, and I can’t get enough.
I may have started this kiss, but Cameron quickly takes over.
When his tongue sweeps against mine, I know I’m a goner.
He deepens our kiss, and I cling to his body with all my might.
A tidal wave of emotion swells within me. I’ve been denying my feelings for this man for way too long.
Here, at this moment, I’m done.
I want Cameron Kruse in every way possible, and it’s time I let everyone know it.
Thank God, Cameron has the sense to remember where we are. Before I can get too carried away, he breaks our kiss, leaving me breathless and panting.
A sexy smirk plays on his lips as he watches me catch my breath. “For the record, I will never complain about you kissing me like that, but what exactly was I trusting you for?”
Glancing toward my family, I see an assortment of expressions on each of their faces. Most are stunned, some are confused, while others are in awe of what they just witnessed, but none look like they want to kick Cameron’s ass.
Mission accomplished.
“For allowing me to save you from an angry mob.”
Chuckling, he challenges, “So, this was all for the sake of safety?”
“That… and I’m showing them this is my choice. That you aren’t taking advantage of me… Because… I want to be with you, too.”
“Thank fuck that’s settled,” Cameron mumbles. “I wasn’t sure how I was gonna convince you to change our arrangement when I walked in tonight or how we’d tell your family about us, but with a kiss like that, I’m certain they’ll figure things out for themselves.”
Nuzzling his face into my neck, he whispers, “I know we have a lot to talk about, but for the record, birthday girl, plan on going home with me tonight.”
“I can’t think of anything I’d want more,” I admit, and then kiss him once again.