11. Lizzie
11
LIZZIE
Wow.
I just walked inside my house, and I’m leaning against my front door, shaking my head.
At myself.
Did that actually happen?
Did he seriously say all that?
The ball was in my court, and what did I do? I avoided the subject and ran like a scared little girl in way over her head. Because that’s what I am.
I could have been sexy and flirty, but instead, I was a deer in headlights who brought up her pottery class for his kids. I’m sure that’s the last thing a guy wants to be reminded of when he’s trying to make a move on a woman.
It all just seemed so unbelievable to me that I couldn’t wrap my head around it, and I just clammed up.
Cameron Dylan was literally on his knees in front of me, looking at me like I was his dessert, and all I could think about was… How do I do this? I mean, I’ve fantasized about it about two hundred times, both awake and asleep, but nothing could have prepared me for it happening in real life.
I just didn’t know what to do. It all felt so surreal. I guess part of me still feels like that awkward teenage girl spying on him from my treehouse, knowing he would never look at me that way. So much so that adult me doesn’t seem to be able to trust it now.
I never got a lot of male attention in high school, being a late bloomer, and by the time I started appreciating my looks for what they were, I was more interested in getting my business started than saying yes to dates. And while I tell Lia—and myself—that I’m technically not a virgin, I’ve never felt more like one than when Cameron was touching my thigh and I was wishing that he would reach…higher.
God, his fingers were right there. And he was so gentle and caring and hot…I rub my thighs together. He didn’t even do anything, and my panties are damp.
I need to take care of this.
I run upstairs and strip down before jumping in the shower. The water is still cold, but I don’t care.
I close my eyes, and Cameron’s face immediately comes to mind. Him kneeling in front of me. His mouth right where I need it most. I move my hand down my stomach and between my legs and moan at how wet I am and how good it feels to brush across my swollen clit.
I imagine his mouth where my fingers are, and all it takes is a few more strokes and I’m falling over the edge, experiencing one of the best orgasms of my life.
God, I needed that.
I quickly finish my shower and get in bed, trying not to think of the way I fumbled the end of the night.
It’s not working, so I decide to replay the good things in my mind instead. Like the feel of his body against mine while dancing. His skin on mine in his kitchen. The way he wanted to take care of me.
So, for the second night in a row, I fall asleep thinking about Cameron. Wondering if the real him measures up to my fantasies.
And, more than anything, hoping I didn’t ruin any chance of knowing that for sure.
* * *
I climb out of bed after tossing and turning for most of the night and decide to jump in the shower. Again. The lingering smell of the arnica cream is another reminder of Cameron’s hands on my body, and I can’t take it anymore. After undressing, I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror and cringe. The bruise really is bad, and for the first time, I actually consider going to see a doctor.
After showering and dressing, I scrounge around my kitchen for breakfast but can’t find anything I want, so I decide to head to my parents’ house.
I swing the door open and stop short when I see a piece of paper with my name on it and the tube of arnica cream from last night.
Lizzie,
Apply this cream twice a day for the next few days. It’ll help a lot, I promise. Also, sorry for last night. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable. I don’t know what I was thinking, and it won’t happen again.
Cam
Well, that’s that. I officially ruined whatever chance I had with him.
Great.
I run back in and apply some cream, succumbing to the fact that I’ll have to deal with the reminder of last night every time a waft of the stuff hits my nostrils. I head next door and find the house empty, but I spot some freshly baked muffins on the counter and help myself. I bite into one and moan around the fluffy texture and zingy burst of blueberry. This is exactly what I needed. Homemade comfort food.
Grabbing another muffin and a cup of coffee, I head back to the barn to start working on a commissioned pottery piece I need done by the end of August.
I lose myself in my work for the next several hours, and it feels good. I can forget about everything when I’m working, and I’m usually only distracted if my stomach finally gives in to hunger, my mom or dad stops by, or Lia calls me non-stop.
Today, though, what finally snaps me out of my trance are the squeals of little girls outside. I peek out my window and see Mackenzie and Addy running through the sprinkler in their swimsuits while Cameron lounges in an Adirondack chair, wearing only swim trunks and sunglasses.
Holy cow.
How can one person be so blessed with every mouthwatering trait known to man?
Gorgeous smile? Check.
Dark hair you hope to run your fingers through? Check.
Tanned skin? Check.
Irresistible muscles that glisten in the sun? Check, check, check.
I’m ripped from my Cameron-induced trance when I hear my phone ringing from somewhere in my mess of clay and tools. I finally spot it next to a pile of scraps and grab it before it goes to voicemail, seeing my best friend’s picture light up the screen.
“Hi, Lia,” I answer quickly.
“Hi,” Lia says, confused. “Why do you sound out of breath?”
“What?”
“You sound all breathy. What are you doing?” Lia’s voice is full of suspicion, like she’s trying to catch me doing something I shouldn’t. “Wait. Are you watching porn?”
“Seriously?”
“It’s fine if you are, but next time just don’t answer the phone. You can call me back later.”
“Stop it. I’m not watching porn!” I yell. I love her, but she can be really exhausting sometimes.
“What are you doing, then?”
“I’m working on a piece. Jeez.” It’s not a lie.
“And?” She knows me too well. I guess I might as well come clean.
“I was watching Cameron lounge outside,” I confess guiltily. Saying it out loud makes me sound like such a perv.
“Oh my gosh, Lizzie. So, you are basically watching porn. Your version of it, at least,” she says with a laugh.
“Whatever. Did you call just to badger me?”
“No. I called to check on you after last night since you never texted or called me. How’d it go with Cam?”
“It was fine. He drove me home and gave me some cream for my bruise. That’s it,” I lie.
“Seriously? He didn’t make a move? He seemed totally into you and all possessive. To be honest, it was hot.”
I quickly weigh my options, but I know that if I tell her the truth, she’ll freak out.
“Nope,” I say in a deadpan tone.
“Wow. Okay. Well, I’m sorry, Liz. That sucks.” She sounds confused and heartbroken for me, and it makes me feel bad for not telling her the truth. “Do you want me to grab dinner and come over for a girls’ night? We can badmouth stupid boys.”
“It’s fine. Really.” I look at the time and realize it’s so much later than I thought it was. “I’m going to shower and head over to my parents’ house for dinner.”
“Alright.”
“Wait! How did the meeting with your advisor go?”
“It was good. Just went over what I’m going to be taking in the fall. Met some my professors over video. All boring stuff.”
She seems off while she’s talking about it, but I chalk it up to nerves over starting a graduate program.
“I’m glad. You’re going to kill it, you know. You’re the smartest person I know.”
“Thanks, girl. Don’t forget I’m here if you need me,” she says before hanging up.
I take a deep breath, grateful that I got away with that. Usually, Lia figures me out right away.
I let myself stare at Cameron for another minute and then force myself to walk away. That’s enough torture for one day.
I clean up, take another shower, and briefly consider cooking something and just turning in early. But I think I need some of my mom’s cooking. It always makes everything better. So I make the short trek next door and immediately smell tomatoes, onion, and garlic wafting out the front windows. I smile and internally pat myself on the back for picking tonight to be lazy.
I throw the front door open and head toward the kitchen.
“Everything smells amazing, Mom. I hope you don’t mind one more for dinner.”
“What are you talking about, sweetie?” My mom gives me a confused look before continuing. “I was expecting you. We’re hosting the Dylans for dinner tonight. I texted you earlier and told you not to wear pajamas.” She looks me up and down, and I inwardly cringe. I should have checked my messages. It may not be pajamas, but it is leggings and an oversized T-shirt with an astronaut cat on it—and it has definitely seen better days.
“Oh.” I close my eyes and take a deep breath, trying to think of an excuse so I won’t have to face Cameron tonight. “Well, why don’t I head home then? To be honest, I’m not really that hungry anyway.” I start to turn and walk away, but my mom grabs my hand and turns me back to her.
“First of all, Lizzie, you’re a horrible liar. I know for a fact that you were working all day in your studio and forgot to eat lunch. Plus, you would never turn down lasagna and garlic bread. Second, I know you get a little shy in front of Cam because of that teenage crush you had, but he’s our neighbor again, and there will be a lot of shared meals in our future that you’re not going to get out of.”
I wince at the crush comment but decide to take this opportunity to just face him and get it over with. “You’re right, Mom. I’m sorry.”
“Wait, I’m not finished yet. Third, those little girls already have a soft spot for you. All they were concerned about when I was talking to their daddy was if you were going to be here tonight.” She lets go of my hand and gives me her stern mom look. “And you, Elizabeth Jean Montgomery, are not going to disappoint those girls by pulling a disappearing act. Am I clear?”
“Oh my gosh, Mom. When did you turn into a tyrant?” I laugh and give her a hug, but I’m still on high alert after she full-named me. “Of course I’m going to stay for dinner. Would you like me to go home and change?”
Before she can answer, my dad walks into the kitchen and wraps me in a hug. “No need, Lizzie girl. You’re beautiful in everything you wear, and there’s no need to impress anyone.”
“Thanks, Dad.” My voice comes out muffled as he hugs me back.
“Why don’t you guys set the table while I finish making the salad? They should be here any minute,” Mom says with her back turned to us.
As my dad and I are grabbing plates, silverware, cups, and napkins, I’m internally freaking out about seeing Cameron. I thought I would have more time to prepare myself before facing him again, even though he made it very clear in his note that last night was a mistake that he has no intention of repeating.
Maybe I don’t need to impress anyone, but part of me is wishing I was wearing a sexy outfit to make him reconsider that decision. To make him realize I’m sorry for my reaction and I wish I could take it back.
Too late now. I have to roll with the punches.
My dad and I are putting down the last of the plates when the doorbell rings, and Mom zips by to answer it.
“Hi, neighbors. Thanks for coming over for dinner tonight. I hope you’re hungry.” My dad and I make eye contact and smile at Mom’s exuberance. It’s the thing we love most about her because it’s not an act. She really is just that happy and excited to have people over for dinner.
“Thank you for having us, Mrs. Montgomery,” Cameron says. “Now, girls, wipe your shoes on the mat and take them off before coming in. We don’t want to track mud on the beautiful hardwood floors.”
“There’s no need to do that, Cam. We aren’t that strict in this house.” My mom moves to stop the girls. “And please, call me Molly.”
“I was raised to know better than to bring a mess into someone else’s house. My mom and dad would come back to rip me a new one if they saw that.” My mom and Cameron both laugh at that, and the sound feels comforting.
I hear the sounds of shuffling shoes and feet before they all walk into the foyer, and I finally get a glimpse of Cameron. He’s dressed in black jeans and a dark gray button-down, and the girls are dressed in matching light pink dresses with purple tights underneath.
Cameron looks up and locks eyes with me, and I feel even worse knowing that he went through the effort to look nice for dinner at my parents’ house, and I showed up looking like I just rolled out of bed. “Hi, Lizzie. How are you doing tonight?” Cameron asks with his ultra-sexy, smooth voice that just about melts my panties off, while Addy and Mackenzie coming running up to me.
“I’m good. Hi, girls. I love the matching outfits! Pink and purple look so pretty on you both.” I look down at myself and feel the need to explain my appearance. “Sorry I’m not dressed nicer. I didn’t get the memo that we were having guests for dinner tonight.”
“Thanks, Miss Lizzie. I like your cat T-shirt. My cousin Ava has a shirt with a cat on it too.” Mackenzie’s voice is sweet and sincere, but it’s hard for me not to wince when my wardrobe is being compared to that of someone under the age of ten.
“Thanks, Mackenzie.” I chance making eye contact with Cameron again. He has a big smile on his face, but I can tell he’s holding back a laugh.
“You look beautiful in whatever you wear, Lizzie. Don’t sweat it,” Cameron says casually, like he actually means it. And then he disintegrates my panties when he winks at me before turning his attention to my dad to say hello.
Dinner goes smoothly. My mom’s lasagna is killer, like always, and we eat every last bit. Conversation is easy and comfortable, and Mackenzie and Addy are an absolute hoot and keep us laughing the whole time. Overall, it’s great.
Except for the stolen glances between Cameron and me, that is. I can’t fully read them. He said it wouldn’t happen again, but when he looks at me like that…I’m not so sure.
By the time we’re finishing our brownie sundaes, it’s obvious that my mom and dad have caught Cameron and me locking eyes too many times, so I decide it’s time to make my exit. “Well, it’s getting kind of late, and I have a long day in my studio again tomorrow, so I think I might head out.”
I get up and start gathering plates and silverware to drop off in the kitchen before I leave. I would offer to help with the dishes, but I know my mom won’t allow it. I’ve broken too many with my slippery fingers.
“We better head out too,” Cameron says while pushing back from the table. “Let me help you with the dishes before I leave, Mrs. Montgomery.”
“It’s Molly. And no need, Cam. I find that doing the dishes before bed helps me wind down a bit. It’s almost like therapy for me, if you can believe it.” My mom laughs like she just told the funniest joke and grabs the rest of the dishes before following me into the kitchen. I hear Cameron laugh and then say good night to my dad.
“Thank you again for having us over for dinner, Molly. That was the best lasagna I’ve ever had. I’ve never seen the girls eat so much in one sitting before, so I think they agree,” Cameron says as he pops his head into the kitchen.
“It was our pleasure. Mackenzie and Addy are absolute angels, so please bring them over anytime. Also, I’m free to help out whenever you need me.” Mom smiles brightly at Cameron before returning to the sink full of dirty dishes. “Oh, and we’ll make sure to invite Morgan next time too. I miss that girl, and I get so worried about her being all alone.”
“I appreciate that, Molly. She would love to come over. You know how much she loves you.” Cameron takes a deep breath before turning his gaze to me. “Can we walk you home, Lizzie?”
“Yeah, can we walk you home, Miss Lizzie?” the girls ask in unison, and I don’t miss the way my mom smiles at me. Therapy, my ass. She made sure this happened.
“Sure,” I answer with a laugh and a smile. “Ready to go?”
We all head to the front door and slip our shoes on before we start walking across the yard to my place. Cameron finally breaks the silence as we approach the barn door. “Your dad was telling me that Mikey Granger did the renovations on the barn to turn it into your studio and apartment.”
“Yeah, he did. He did a great job, too. Really professional, fair prices, and stayed on schedule. Are you going to hire him to help with your remodel?”
“Yeah. I realized I’m not as handy as I thought, so I’d better get some help. He’s Liam’s cousin, and he’s free to start next week, so I figured it’s meant to be.” He laughs a little under his breath and then looks down at his feet as if he’s nervous.
I’m about to bring up last night and apologize, which I know is stupid and will only make things more awkward, but I’m thankfully saved when Mackenzie tugs on Cameron’s shirt to get his attention.
“Can you ask Miss Lizzie if we can go to her pottery class next week?”
Cameron looks up at me and smiles. “Well, you could ask her yourself, but okay…Lizzie, do you have room for two more kids in your class next week? I know you’re pretty popular among the parents around town.”
“Of course I do. I can text you the details.” He passes me his phone to put my number in, and within ten seconds, I feel my phone vibrate in my pocket.
“Great. Well, I better get these girls home and into bed.” He leans in slowly as I look up at him and places a chaste kiss on my cheek, taking his time to pull back before he adds, “Good night, Lizzie.”
“Good night, Cameron. Good night, girls. See you soon!”
Then Cameron hightails it to his house with the girls in tow, but he looks back one last time and smiles before he disappears inside.
I stand outside for another minute. Cameron Dylan just kissed my cheek, and although I know it was just a good night kiss, I’m tingling all over. I’m suddenly taken back to the way his hands felt last night.
And that smile…
Maybe I should have opened up to Lia. She might have helped me rein this in with a healthy dose of reality.
I grumble under my breath and head inside, determined not to think about my next-door neighbor tonight.
Yeah, right.