Page 92 of Tempt Our Fate

“I’m Margo,” a girl with dark hair says. “And I’m also a total hugger, but we can shake hands, too, if Emma just overwhelmed you.”

I can’t help but laugh, holding my arms out for a hug. “I’m Pippa. I kind of saw you in Sutten at the gallery opening. My cafe did the food.”

Margo’s eyes go wide, and she looks over to Emma, who must come to the same realization as her because she gasps. “Camden! You’re dating the poor woman you were an absolute ass to at my wedding?”

“That would be me,” I admit, finishing the hug with Margo.

“Tell me you gave him a lot of hell before he got into your good graces,” Margo muses.

“Oh, Ireallyhad to work to get in her good graces,” Camden pipes up from behind Emma and Margo.

“I’m sure you did,” a man comments from next to him. I know it’s Beckham Sinclair—or Beck as Camden calls him—because there are many photos of them together on the internet.

“I’m Beck,” the man offers, holding his hand out in a very businesslike handshake. “And what Emma said. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

“I can’t believe it was you who did the dessert at our wedding. We still have people talking about how delicious it all was! God, I feel like a bitch I didn’t recognize you to begin with,” Margo adds.

I swat at the air. “It’s fine, really. I’m terrible with names and faces, so I totally get it. It’s great to meet all of you. Or officially meet you, I should say.”

Emma shakes her head, looking at me like I’m a ghost. “I remember how much of a tool he was to you. He must have really had to work for it.”

All I do is smile because there’s no way I’m going to tell them every single way he made up for it. A lot of it is far too intimate for me to tell people who are basically strangers to me.

“Let’s just say alothas changed since then,” I answer.

“I’m shocked you don’t have your third wheel with you,” Camden notes, walking up to me and pulling me into his chest. I like that even with his friends around, he seems comfortable with public affection. “Where’s Winnie?”

Emma rolls her eyes, walking over to the racks of clothes and searching through the dresses. “She’s late and not answering my calls. Which is unfortunate because she has more gala experience than all of us combined.” She looks over at Beck and Camden. “Well, most of us. These two also grew up with that nice silver spoon in their mouths.”

“Winnie will be here soon, Em,” Margo offers, walking to where Emma stands. “But we don’t need her to have Pippa start trying on dresses.” She turns to me, a huge smile on her face. I remember thinking when we briefly spoke at her wedding that she was one of the most beautiful people I’d ever met. It was her striking green eyes and the way she really looked at you when she was talking to you. “Is that okay with you?” Margo adds at the last minute.

I nod. “I’m going to be honest. I grew up on a ranch. I don’t really do fancy.” My eyes scan over all the dresses. “I don’t even know where to begin with all of this.”

“That’s why we’re here,” Emma says energetically, pulling a clementine-orange dress from the racks. “Okay, well, this is an immediate no,” she notes, shoving it back into the mountain of silk and tulle.

Margo turns to the guys. “Okay, you two can go. Make yourself useful and make us some dinner.”

Camden cocks his head to the side. “I’d envisioned taking Pippa out somewhere tonight. There’s a few places I want to show her.”

Margo shakes her head. “No. She traveled all day; there’s an event tomorrow. Give the girl some peace and let her chill here tonight. There’s plenty of time to show her around the best city in the world tomorrow.”

“Now, go make us some food. The both of you, shoo!” Emma claps her hands together, dismissing them without any kind of afterthought as she turns back to the rack of clothes. Margo joins her, looking at the dresses on the one next to her.

“You good?” Camden asks, leaning down to place a kiss to my lips.

I nod. “We’re good in here. Go make me food.”

“See you in a bit, shortcake,” he says lowly, giving me a wink before following Beck out the door.

When I turn to face Margo and Emma, I find them both grinning ear to ear, looking at me.

“What?” I ask, confused as to why they’re both staring at me.

“Oh, he’ssogone for you,” Emma teases.

48

CAMDEN

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