Page 39 of Best Part of Me

“It’s cute that you’re jealous, Sunshine. Sexy even. But there’s no reason for it.” I lift my thumb to her face and sweep it across her cheekbone.

“I’m not jealous.” Her lips pout, and it’s so damn adorable. “I’m.. . I’m...”

Interrupting her, I tug her by the chin and lower my lips to hers, attempting to erase her insecurities. Right now, in this moment, she has nothing to be insecure about. It’s just me and her, holed up in this Jeep and tent for the next nine days.

She slides her hand around to the back of my neck, her fingers sinking into my hair. A soft moan escapes her throat as I delve deeper into the kiss.

When I finally draw back, her eyes are closed, and I grin. “I’m yours,” I say.

Her eyes flutter open, and she blinks up at me. She doesn’t answer, but she doesn’t need to. It’s exactly what she needed to hear. And it’s the fucking truth.

I give her a swat on the butt. “Now that we’ve got that settled, how about some coffee?”

“Yes, please.” She smiles.

And I could get used to hearing her sayplease. I debate making a joke about it but decide against it. She’s had enough of a head screw for one morning.

Showing Camille how to make the pour-over coffee once the water finishes boiling is more satisfying than I had predicted. It’s like she takes pride in it or something. And I imagine she does since she’s never done it before. Camille has always lacked patience. She’s a Keurig kind of girl, whereas I’m a French press kind of guy.

It makes sense why she’d been so eager last night. And the night before. Wanting to rush things just to get to the end goal of an orgasm. But where’s the fun in that? Half the pleasure is in the in-between. When you’re impatient, you miss out on some pretty good things on the way.

Maybe that’s what this job has taught me.

“Look,” I say, nudging my chin at the sunrise.

She tips her face to the sky and gasps. “Wow. It’s beautiful.”

It’s a fight against time to get the settings and lens just right on my camera to capture a few pictures of the stunning sunrise. But after I get close to a hundred shots, I set the camera down. Rarely do I ever get to enjoy a sunrise because I’m too busy trying to capture the best picture of it for others to revel in.

I let my coffee sit while it steeps and haul Camille into my lap as I drop into the camping chair. She adjusts herself, pushing that perfect butt into my groin, and I hold her closer. I inhale her hair, a hint of citrus mixed in with the fresh outdoor scent. My chest falls as I exhale and relax.

“This is perfect,” I whisper into her ear. “The sunrise. You on my lap. Life can’t get much better.”

“Same,” she says.

We both gaze at the sun for several long silent minutes as it rises. I’m surprised Cammie hasn’t started talking. Beginning to over-analyze my words.

Finally, she gazes at me over her shoulder. It’s sexy as hell the way her lashes fan out with the glorious sun behind her. She’s like an angel with a halo around her blonde-adorned head. “Thanks for sharing this with me.”

“Are you kidding? The pleasure is mine.”

She spins and gives me a small kiss.

“It’s nice having the company.”

It’s the truth. And my gut pinches. Enjoying her company on this road trip is one thing, but I don’t want to miss it next time when I’m on the road and she’s not here. Being lonely is my biggest fear. I refuse to let myself get attached to anyone. If I don’t let myself get attached, I can’t be lonely.

CHAPTER11

Camille

Chris sends me a text with a picture of the Maldives with palm trees and a blue lagoon. He follows it with another text.

Chris

Just wanted you to see what you’re missing.

I don’t respond.

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