Page 44 of Best Part of Me

“What do you say we skip breakfast and go find that vibrator of yours?” He waggles his brows.

At this moment, the middle-aged waitress decides to present herself at our table and finally take our order. “Sorry about the wait. What can I get for you two?”

I straighten in my seat and clear my throat. “Everything. I’m starved,” I say without taking my eyes off Maverick. The tempting grin he gives me sends a humming between my thighs.

CHAPTER12

Maverick

Somehow, deep down, I knew Camille wasn’t this sweet, predictable girl. And that’s probably what drew me to her. What I already know about her is good. But I’ve been dying to peel back the layers and get to know the more intimate parts of her. To reach the layers that make her come undone.

With a full stomach, caffeine zipping through my veins, and an uncomfortable hard-on pressing against my jeans, I pull the Jeep back onto the freeway. It’s only another hour until we reach Zion National Park. Arriving earlier this time will hopefully result in better photos around the campground and the park. Originally I planned on driving to Death Valley National Park and catching Zion on our way back.

But I have a feeling Camille is going to love Zion. It’s strange how her wants and needs are already on my radar, and we’ve barely been on the road for two days.

I glance at her in the passenger seat. She looks content. Peaceful even. It causes a smile to tug at my lips.

“What?” she asks, her own mouth teasing a grin.

“Nothing. Just... I like seeing you like this.” I return my focus back to the road and pass a slow semi-truck.

From my peripheral, I see her tuck her hair behind her ear. “Yeah? Like what?” she asks.

“Settled. Happy.” My eyes flick back to her.

“I am happy.”

My heart shifts in my chest. Damn it. I try to ignore it.

“I haven’t felt like this in so long. I feel almost... carefree.”

With that, she pushes the button to open her window, and her hair flaps from the gust of wind whirling inside the Jeep. She reaches an arm out the window, making waves with her hand as the air swirls through her fingers. Her smile grows.

My fucking heart explodes with warmth. I want to be mad about my reaction, but if I can help bring Cammie joy, I want to do it. The desire to be any part of her reason to smile is taking precedence. Making the decision to not marry Chris, disappointing her friends and family, calling off the wedding—she’s had a shit week.

I tap my thumb against the steering wheel. “Yeah, well, you’ve always been like sunshine to me.”

“I don’t know how. I was miserable for so long after we lost my mom.”

“You might’ve been miserable, but you still had a sunny disposition. You’re one of those glass-is-half-full and shit kinds of people. I’ve always admired that about you.”

I can feel her staring at me, and heat unfurls in my chest.

“I guess so. And I mean, if losing my mom has taught me anything, it’s to not waste time being unhappy. It was her voice in my head as I stood there in my wedding gown, staring at my reflection and debating if I should go through with marrying Chris. And not the one reminding me how much she loved him. It was her voice telling me to make the most of each day.” She speaks softly.

Pieces slide into place. More reason backing up her choice of coming on this road trip with me. Our parents can hold more impressions over us than we realize. While she had the caring and loving type of parents, I got the short end of the stick with the leaving type.

I’ll never understand people who choose to have kids only to treat them as if they’re a burden.

I glance at her, and find her deep in thought with that familiar wrinkle in her brow. “Do you regret it?”

She locks eyes with me, giving me a questioning look.

“You know, bailing on your wedding? Slumming it with me?” I give a pitiful shrug.

The way she holds contact with me gets my head swirling and my hormones soaring.

“Are you kidding? Hell no. And I’d hardly call it slumming. That tent and mattress is luxury.” She smirks, drawing my hand into her grip and pulling it into her lap.

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