Page 10 of Then You Came Along

“I’m good with something on tap. I prefer lighter beers.”

“I’ll be right back,” I tell her as I step away from the table and walk to the bar. I see my buddy Nick, working behind the bar, and get his attention.

“Hey, man,” Nick greets me, reaching out his fist for me to bump with my own. “What can I get you tonight?”

“I’ll take two beers; whatever blonde you recommend.”

Nick grabs two beer glasses and fills them up, setting them down in front of me. I pass him the cash and head back to Cam. I set the beers down on the table and slide in next to her.

“Thank you,” Cam says, reaching for one of the beers. She brings it to her lips and takes a drink.

“You’re welcome,” I tell her, watching the movement as she swallows before taking a drink myself. “Are you ready to start your new job on Monday?”

“Oh yes, I’m excited to get started. I’ve heard such great things about this agency.”

“What exactly will you do for them?”

“I’m helping families obtain services their kids need. Sometimes that’s aiding with IEP services through the schools, sometimes it’s additional speech therapy outside of school, or occupational or physical therapy services. My main focus is the services within the schools and helping fight for the students’ needs when they have a 504 or IEP in place. Some schools balk at having to provide the services that students need. It’s my job to help the families fight back and obtain those services.”

“Wow, impressive. It sounds like what you do is very important. I can’t believe that schools would try and deny services to kids that need them.”

“Oh, it happens all the time. Services like these cost the districts extra money, and most districts are always trying to find places they can cut the budget.”

“That’s really shitty. I’m glad they have someone like you to help them fight.”

“Me, too,” she says, before taking another drink of her beer. I continue to watch her every move, finding myself captivated by the movement in her neck as she swallows. I’ve never found someone swallowing beer to be so erotic and sexy, butfuck,does watching her turn me on. I find myself wanting to slide my lipsalong the column of her neck, bite my way across her collarbone, and descend further down her body.

Chapter Five

CAM

Sitting here with Ethan,enjoying our beers, and talking like we’re old friends has me realizing just how much I’ve shut out of my life since Ben’s death. I haven’t even tried dating anyone, and while I don’t regret that decision, Iamready to put that part of my life behind me.

When he reached for my hand on the walk over here, it felt natural. The feel of his calloused fingers intertwined with mine sent a chill through my body, and a sense of peace over me. It also made me realize just how much a man’s touch can zip through me, warming me in all the right places. Places that haven’t been warmed in way too long, leaving me with a lustful feeling.

I can’t put my finger on exactly what it is about Ethan that just feels right, but I’m not about to question or fight it. It’s obvious that he’s as attracted to me as I am to him, so I’m content with just seeing where things go, if they even go anywhere.

We continue to talk and get to know each other over another round of beers. As I set my empty glass down, I yawn. It’s getting kind of late, and as much as I love sitting here with Ethan, I’m ready to head home and get into some pajamas.

“Let’s get out of here,” Ethan tells me, as I yawn again.

Laughing, I reach for my purse and slide out of the booth after he does. “My busy days are catching up with me. I’m looking forward to having the rest of my time off be relaxing, now that I’m done unpacking.”

“Well, let’s get you home then. Wouldn’t want you turning into a pumpkin,” he teases.

Ethan grabs my hand again as he leads us out of the bar and onto the sidewalk. “Where is your place?”

“Just a couple blocks that way,” I tell him, pointing in the direction of my apartment.

“I’ll walk you home,” he says, starting down the street.

“You don’t have to do that.”

“I insist. I want to make sure you make it home safe,” Ethan tells me, letting go of my hand and tucking me into his side as we walk slowly down the sidewalk.

We fall into step, along with a comfortable silence, for a few moments.

“Can I take you out to dinner tomorrow night?” Ethan asks, as we turn onto my street.

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