Page 55 of Camden

“Is there any way you can call in? Spend the day with me?” he asked. His erection pressed into my stomach as his soft touch wandered down my arms to rest on my waist. I swear his touch was everywhere.

I groaned. My head fell back against the driver-side window. “God, that sounds tempting, but another nurse is on vacation. I have to be there.”

“Come over for dinner tonight?”

“Are you cooking?” I joked, and he squeezed my sides.

“I promise I won’t be in the kitchen.”

I pressed a soft kiss to his jaw. “I’ll be there. Six?”

“Perfect.”

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

STEPHANIE

My perfect dayturned to shit quickly. Which is why I was standing on Cam’s front porch, staring at the door in the same scrubs I wore that morning. I left work at four and I still had two hours before we were supposed to meet, but I needed him. I needed his arms wrapped around me. I needed his comforting voice whispering in my ear.

I needed his safety.

A short, plump older woman wearing a ruffly red apron answered the door. Her dark hair sat on the top of her head in a beautifully twisted bun. She smiled brightly as she took me in, but her eyes creased with concern as they met mine. “Are you okay, honey?” Cam’s mother tilted her head to the side as she observed me.

I hadn’t met her in person yet, but she looked exactly like the pictures Cam hung in his house.

“I-I’m sorry. Is Cam home?” I stuttered. I didn’t realize she’d be here. I didn’t want to intrude.

“I’m afraid he ran to the store for me. You must be Stephanie.” She said softly and held out her hand to me. I took it. She had a surprisingly strong grip. “I’m Luanne. Cam’s mom. Come on in.” She opened the door wider.

I hesitated, shuffling a few steps back. “I can come back.”

She stepped out on the porch and wrapped an arm around my shoulders, bringing me into the house, which smelled amazing. “Don’t you even think about it.”

“Are you sure it’s no trouble?” I asked as she plunked me down on a stool by the island.

“Of course not. Plus, my son would ring my bell if I sent you away. I’m here cooking for you, after all.” And for some reason, that comment broke me. I covered my eyes as the tears began to fall. My shoulders shook uncontrollably.

“Oh, dear.” Luanne’s arms wrapped around me. She held on tight, rocking me slightly. Her fingers combed through my hair just like my mother used to do.

“I’m so sorry.” I hiccupped when the tears slowed.

“Come with me.” She led me to Cam’s oversized couch. “Sit. I’m going to make you some tea.”

“Oh, please. Don’t go through that trouble. I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to lose myself like that.”

“Nonsense. Here you go.” She handed me a steaming hot mug of tea identical to her own. “I use his electric water warmer every time I’m over here. I love that thing.” She crossed one foot under the other as she faced me, blowing on her tea. “Wanna tell me what that was about?”

“You don’t need to listen to all of my problems.” I wiped my cheek with the back of my hand, embarrassed. “I’m so sorry. This was not how I wanted to meet you for the first time.”

“Sweetie. My son has been gone for you for months. As far as I’m concerned, we should’ve met a long time ago. I don’t care that you showed up in tears at his house. I’m just glad I was here. So, tell me, what was that all about? Does my son need a talking to?”

I snorted. “No. Nothing like that. What has Cam told you about me?”

“That you’re beautiful. Which is true. Also, you’re sweet and you work as a nurse. I swear the boy thinks you walk on water.” I gave her another watery smile and sniffled. Because those are all things I imagine Cam telling her.

God, he could be too sweet for his own good.

“Thank you. I’m not sure that I look the greatest currently, but still, thank you,” I sighed. “I’m an ER nurse, so I never know what I’ll see come through the doors on any given day.” She squeezed my knee. Inhaling a deep breath, I continued. “I haven’t even told Cam about my past, but before moving here, I was in an abusive relationship. The reason I finally left was the same reason a woman came in today. I treated her. I held her hand while she cried.” I hesitated because I’d just spilled all of that to a woman I didn’t even know. She felt so much like my mother hugging me and comforting me.

---