Page 18 of Then You Came Along

“Hi, did you finish up yet?”

“Yep, finished about ten minutes ago,” I tell her, as I take the bag of food from her and escort her back to the break room.

“How are you holding up?” I ask tentatively, knowing she could break out into tears at any moment.

She gives me a small smile, sucking in a deep breath. “I’m good. I had the one cryfest when I first got up this morning. I FaceTimed with Candace for a bit. She is going to look at her and Dave’s schedules, and figure out a long weekend they can come here for a mini-vacation, as well as to see me. She said they’d love to meet you in person.”

“I’m glad you had a good chat with her. How is she this weekend?”

“Good, she helped pull me out of my funk. Told me it was okay to grieve, but also okay to move on. He would have wanted that for me. She’s also glad I have you to help me now.”

“Always, babe,” I tell her, reaching for her hand and giving it a small squeeze.

We fall into a comfortable silence as we dig in to our lunch. She picked up the shrimp tacos we love so much from Charley’s Tavern.

“Did you decide what you wanted to do tonight once I’m off?”

“I’ve decided that I don’t want to wallow in my grief, so I want to do something fun. Think we could still get tickets to the improv comedy club for tonight’s show? Maybe we can grab some dinner and drinks beforehand, if tickets are still available.”

I grab my cell out of my pocket and pull up the website. They have two shows tonight, and we’re in luck; the late show still has a handful of tickets available. I quickly purchase two of them before putting my phone back down.

“Comedy tickets for the late show have been purchased. Now, where do you want to eat at tonight?”

“I’m not sure yet. We can just go to one of the restaurants around the club. What time will you be done today?”

“Around five thirty or six. I’ve got a few shorter appointments making up the rest of my day so, as long as everyone shows up on time, I shouldn’t be late tonight. We can figure out dinner once I’m back at your place.”

“Speaking of my place… What do you think about making itourplace?”

A huge smile breaks out over my face. “I’d love that,” I tell Cam, as I pull her out of her chair and into my lap, cupping her face before kissing her hard.

“My lease is up soon on my apartment, so we can take our time moving my stuff over, and it gives me time to sell or donate whatever we don’t need to keep.”

We discuss a little more about moving and what furniture we want to keep versus sell or donate over the next few weeks. We clean up our mess from lunch, and Cam takes off just as my next client arrives.

Chapter Twelve

CAM

I leaveEthan’s shop feeling high on life, and that’s a completely refreshing feeling, considering how I felt when I woke up this morning. Knowing we’re taking the next step in our relationship and officially moving in together has added a little pep in my step and lessened the broken heart I’ve been living with for so long.

Once I get back home, I start my normal weekend duties of cleaning and laundry. It keeps me busy until Ethan gets off work and we can head out for dinner and drinks. Ever since leaving his shop, I realize that the sadness that would normally plague me has lifted and hasn’t continued to weigh me down today.

“Hey, babe,” Ethan calls out, as he walks in the door.

“Hey, I’m folding laundry in the bedroom,” I reply.

He walks up behind me and wraps his arms around my waist, pulling me close to him, and brings his lips to my neck.

“How was your afternoon?” he asks, lips still grazing my neck.

“Good. Got the bathroom and kitchen all cleaned and working on the laundry. Once I’m done folding this load, all laundry will be done.”

“I think I’ll keep you around,” he teases.

“You better,” I say good-naturedly, as I turn in his arms and kiss him on the lips.

Ethan deepens the kiss, swiping his way past my lips. I open to him immediately, and the tingles that run down my body from his sensual kiss wash over me, from the top of my head to the tips of my toes, settling in my core. I went from feeling nothing to being turned on in a few seconds, all from his kiss and touch.

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