Page 31 of That Kiss

I just lean forward, resting my head in my hands. This is gonna be bad.

“Goddammit son, what did I just say to you? You’re far too old to be doing this kind of shit, and you know it.” My dad’s voice booms over Ranger’s laughter.

“Hey, Dad, give him a break. He and Juney are both consenting adults, and if they like each other, then who cares?”

I appreciate Ranger’s effort, but it goes nowhere with my dad. He continues ranting and raving while I just stare out the window—laughing to myself that that just happened.

“You better clean this up and end it before it goes any further and you hurt her or her father finds out.”

“For the record, Dad, I’m a grown-ass man like Ranger said, and while I understand your concern, this is something between Juniper and me.” His eyes stare at me in the mirror. “And I’d appreciate it if you both would not only keep this between us, but also not interfere.”

The truck falls silent. Ranger looks at me then my dad, slowly passing his hand back to fist bump me below our dad’s eye level. It’s hilarious and ridiculous at the same time, like we’re 15 again and getting in trouble for skinny-dipping with girls in our parents’ pool.

“Are you serious about her?”

“Not talking about it, Dad.”

I turn my attention back to my phone, a tinge of guilt in my gut. I have no idea what this is between us. I had no intention of even entertaining the idea of it ever being something serious, but now I don’t know.

Me: Good. I won’t come by tonight since it will be late, but let’s talk tomorrow? I’ll come by around 7.

I put my phone aside, ready to be focused on our meetings today.

“Look, Son,” my dad pulls me aside when we get back to the ranch, “I’m sorry I overstepped a boundary today. I know you’re a grown man.” He squeezes my arm. “I just want you to find the happiness your siblings have found.”

“I know, Dad.”

“Do you want to settle down? Have a family?”

I nod. “Sure, who doesn’t? But I was also never in a rush.”

“I know, and that’s one of my favorite things about you. You do things in your own way, on your own time. Just . . . take it seriously when the time comes. I don’t want to see you go through unnecessary heartache just because something is fun and exciting. That wears off, but love, mutual connection, and ideals don’t.”

“Got it, Dad. Thanks for the talk.”

He gives me a hug and I walk over to my truck, climbing inside to drive back to my house. I drive slowly, letting the night air surround me. I know my dad’s concern is genuine, and I get it. I’m not sure if I’m running from what I left behind in Texas, or if I’m finally running toward what I’ve always wanted. When I pull closer, I see someone sitting on the porch beneath the dim glow of the light. I smile, my heart actually fluttering. I step on the gas to get to her faster, but when I get closer, I realize it’s not Juniper. My stomach drops when she comes into view, her hand lifting in a small wave as she stands from the porch steps.

It’s Camilla.

“Hey.” Her voice is light and airy, just like I remember it. She hugs her sweater around herself a little tighter as I walk up the front steps.

“Hey,” I shove my hands into my pockets, staying two stairs below her. “What are you doing here, Cami?”

She inhales sharply, her smile faltering a bit. “Can we go inside?”

“Yeah, sure.” I realize she must be cold from sitting out here. “How long have you been waiting?” I grab her small suitcase and unlock the front door, ushering her inside.

“Uh, not long.” I know she’s lying to be nice, so I don’t push it.

“Sorry, I had a meeting in Denver with my dad and brother. Had I known you were coming, I would have skipped it.” I place her suitcase down in the entryway. “Come in here; we can talk.” She sits nervously on the edge of the couch, her hands fiddling with the cuffs of her sweater. “So, wha—” I start to say.

“I’m ready to marry you.” She blurts the words out and I feel the color drain from my face.

“What?”

“I was scared when you asked me. I’ve never lived anywhere but Texas and my small hometown. I’ve never really traveled either, so the thought of being away from my family for more than a day or two terrified me . . . but not now.”

I rub my temples, in shock and unsure of what to say. She slides off the edge of the couch and kneels in front of me, reaching her hands out to take mine.

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