Page 46 of Camden

“You’re good.” I laced my fingers with hers.

A soft smile played at her lips, and she fidgeted with her jean shorts again, drawing my eyes to her smooth legs. The same legs that were wrapped around my waist not even twenty-four hours ago. Okay.”

“How come you didn’t respond to my text?”

She licked her bottom lip, drawing my attention. “I didn’t know what to say. I’m not used to people complimenting me.”

That couldn’t be true.

I knew for a fact men hit on her all the time. It took every ounce of control I had every time we went out not to knock them on their asses and claim her as my own. It wouldn’t be a problem next time, that’s for damn sure. I’d be like a fucking caveman marking my territory. “I’m sure that’s not true. You’re gorgeous.”

She rolled her eyes, but a flash of uncertainty lit up her eyes. “Okay. Let me rephrase. I’m not used to people complimenting and meaning it the way you do. You can be intense.”

The words punched me in the gut. “Do I need to back off a little?” I wanted her to understand that I wanted her, but I didn’t want to scare her. If I needed to back off, I would.

I just wouldn’t like it.

Stephanie untangled our hands and placed hers on the side of my jaw. I loved when she initiated the contact. “No. No. I like it. I’m just getting used to it.”

The tension in my chest uncoiled. “How about this, then? I will remind you how beautiful I think you are every day until you get used to it.”

Her hand dropped to my forearm, resting on the console between us. “You’re crazy.”

“And you are beautiful.”

Her face softened, but she changed the subject. “Do you want to tell me why you and Mason were stalking us?”

“I wanted to see you.” I shrugged a shoulder.

“You just saw me last night.”

“And I wanted to see you today. Plus, I was an idiot and didn’t lock down a second date.”

She tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. “Who said I wanted one?”

“You do.”

“You seem so sure.”

“That’s because I am. You can’t fake this.” I motioned between us.

“You know I need to go slow.” She reminded me but didn’t lean away.

I nodded. “I know. We will.”

“Okay. What did you have in mind?”

“Are you working Friday night?” I asked.

Her forehead crinkled. “The Fourth of July?”

“Yeah.”

“Yeah. It’s like the national day for people to blow their limbs off. I’m surprised you’re not working.”

“I’m not scheduled, but I was going to pick up a shift. I wanted to make sure I didn’t have a better offer.”

“You mean spending time with me?” She hesitated, and my chest ached. I hated how she was so unsure she sounded. How anyone could pass up spending time with her was beyond me.

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