Page 85 of Best Part of Me

But I won’t. And tonight is the first night where I think that maybe I won’t have to. Maybe coming clean with Jones is worth it. I’m his best friend. Someone he loves and trusts. There’s no one else he should approve of more to be with his sister than me.

The risk might just be worth it.

CHAPTER24

Camille

My body aches like it’s day two after a full-body workout. After only two days without Maverick, it’s as if my body had forgotten what sex with him was like. Last night in the bathroom of The Pines, I threw all inhibitions to the wind. I put everything I had left into that session. It was hot and erratic.

I didn’t want anything but him. Nothing could satisfy the hunger like he could. He was right about one thing; there’s a good chance I won’t find another man who knows just how to get me off. Whose fingers hold the magic touch, whose tongue holds the secret rhythm that my pussy needs.

I yank open the door to Martin’s Hardware, my lady parts throbbing at the memory from last night. Dad is in the back, showing off a new product to a regular customer. There are two others I recognize roaming the rows. I approach one to try to offer some assistance.

“Hey, Clint. Need some help finding something?”

Clint, an elderly man with wiry hair coming out of his ears, glances up. A wrinkled smile flattens on his mouth. “Why, miss Camille. You’re back?”

I return the smile. “I am. What can I do for you?”

“I wanted to talk to your dad, but he looks busy. Been lookin’ that way since you gone and run out on us.” He smooths his sweater vest with a shaky hand.

The comment punches me in the gut. It’s uncalled for. But it’s not a surprise. The Martin’s Hardware clientele consists of mostly older men who come in here for the socialization rather than the tools. Each one of these customers must have a garage stuffed to the brim with useless tools.

“Well, I’m back now and happy to help.”

He glances over his shoulder. “Okay, I was wonderin’ how much this fancy electric drill costs?”

After a quick examination, it’s clear neither the shelf nor the drills got priced. I roll my eyes.Fucking Jones.

“Come over to the register with me, Clint, and I’ll scan it. Seems the price is a mystery to the both of us.” He follows behind me as I shuffle to the register and scan the drill box.

Clint clears his throat. “Ya know, I may not be a young lad anymore, but I was really somethin’ back in my prime.”

I lift my gaze, unsure where he’s going with this, and pinch my brows together, smiling. “I bet you were.”

“Since it didn’t work out with you and your fella, maybe you want to go with someone older. I’ve got a nice house and a solid pension.” He waggles his wild eyebrows at me.

Clint is propositioning me?Maybe I came back to the store too soon. Or do I just look that pathetic?

“I’ll keep that in mind.” I hand the drill box to him. “The drill is $109.99.”

“Pft. Too much. In fact, I think I already have one of these at home.”

Of course he does.

Dad chooses now to stride over. He gives me a cautious glance before slapping Clint on the shoulder and taking the drill from him. “Hey, Clint. I’ve sold you two of these already. How ’bout we grab a cup of coffee and discuss the new season ofYellowstone?”

“Oh, but no spoilers, I haven’t finished it yet.”

Dad steers him away from the counter and shoots me a wink and a smile. My heart warms. It’s a simple gesture, but it’s one that shows he not only missed me but is glad to see me back. I’m glad too. I missed him and the store.

But it doesn’t mean I wouldn’t give anything to be back on the interstate with Maverick. Drinking bad coffee from truck stops, doodling on the old map, his fingers intertwined with mine.

Clint’s jab at me about my runaway bride fiasco reminds me that I’m back to reality. My phone buzzes in my pocket, and I slide it out.

Rosie

Would you say a good ’ol fashion banging in a public restroom has been crossed off your bucket list?

---