Page 29 of Best Part of Me

“That’s why it’s important I stick to my schedule. I only have ten days to visit eight national parks and photograph and document everything.”

My gut twists as the anxiety burrows. I hadn’t thought much about his job. I hadn’t thought of him at all when I asked to tag along. I don’t want to be a distraction.

“You’re right, I’m sorry. Maybe I shouldn’t have asked to come.”

His head whips in my direction. “What? No, that’s not what I’m saying.”

“I don’t want to be a distraction,” I say out loud what’s on my mind. “You have a job to do, I—”

“Camille. Stop.”

The use of my full name stalls my heart.

“You are a welcomed distraction. A breath of fucking fresh air. The plot twist I didn’t see coming but desperately needed.”

His words are like a confession, and I allow each one to soak into my skin and, unintentionally, into my heart.

“Just promise me you’ll tell me if I become too much. If I get in the way. I’ll book a flight back home.”

“Not on your life.” He reaches for my hand, but it’s not in a sweet and romantic way, instead it’s possessive and intense. “If I get even one fucking day less of the ten days I was promised with you, I will lose my shit.”

During the last several hours, Maverick has said similar things to me, making me believe he has real feelings for me. Or maybe I’m allowing our fling to confuse my brain, making me delusional. Whatever it is, I want to stay in this place. Where it’s only him and me, and the things we say and do with one another are kept secret.

“Well then, Orphan Annie, then I guess you’re stuck with me,” I finally say.

“There’s no one I’d rather be stuck with, Miss Goody-two-shoes,” he teases and smiles.

What I don’t say out loud, and what he doesn’t know, is that my heart will be stuck with him for much longer past our time together.

Possibly forever.

CHAPTER8

Maverick

To my surprise, we make it to the campground near Bryce Canyon National Park before nightfall. The sun is sitting on the horizon, creating a stunning glow across the sky in shades of gold and orange.

My fingers ache to reach for my camera before it’s too late. I pull the Jeep into my assigned campsite, not even bothering to check if it’s level.

“That sunset is gorgeous,” Cammie says, climbing out of the passenger side.

“I gotta capture it before it’s too late.” I hop out and open the back door, rummaging around in my backpack for my camera.

“For sure, do your thing. I’ll be fine.”

Once I have my camera, I loop the strap around my neck and make the trek across the sandy, dry terrain. I’ve been here before, but I haven’t stayed at this particular campground. And I’ve never seen a sunset like this here before. All that reverberates in my mind is how good these photographs will look combined with the rest of my marketing package when I’m finished with it.

I snap several pictures, being sure to capture the progression as the sun slips even further behind the rocks. It isn’t until several minutes later that I feel Cammie’s presence next to me. Her warmth and radiance buzz like electricity. I spin, still holding the camera to my eye, and snap a few pictures of her before she realizes.

She giggles and holds up a palm, blocking her face. But she doesn’t understand that these pictures I’m continuing to snap of her areeverything. She’s breathtaking. That smile, those blushing cheeks, and the marigold sky as the backdrop. I hate how my heart swells inside my chest.

I hate how I am so fucking gone for this woman.

“Okay, stop. I must look awful,” she says, still smiling before she spins around and walks away from me.

“Are you kidding? I don’t think I’ve ever seen you look awful. And I’ve seen you first thing in the morning. When you’ve been sick, when you’ve been crying. Completely stoned out of your mind.” I take a few more of her like this.

She dismisses me with a wave of her hand, and I chuckle, jogging to catch up to her. My legs are still stiff from the long drive today. I glance at her again, studying her while she takes in the scenery.

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