Page 53 of Freeing Camila

Her laugh was free and unguarded. “Both.”

He leaned back, watching her brush powdered sugar off her jeans and glance around like she didn’t want the day to end. And maybe she didn’t know it yet, but he’d bring her back. A dozen times, a hundred. As many times as it took to make up for every childhood wonder she missed.

Because nothing beat seeing the world through her eyes.

And damn, if he wasn’t already falling for her.

Returning to his home later that evening, weary but exhilarated from their adventures, they surrendered to a lovemaking that was both slow and sweet, savoring each tender moment. He worshipped her body as she filled his soul with light.

A day later, the silence between them felt heavy, and he feared their end was approaching too soon.

CHAPTER21

Little Victories Bucket List No.42: Be brave

Cammie was still flyinghigh from their trip to the zoo. Although it was an ordinary excursion, one that millions of families probably took every year, this particular outing held profound significance for her, becoming the most memorable and meaningful experience in her life. And she owed it all to Wade.

The man constantly surprised her. His unending patience, his adaptability, his indulgence to her whims and desires were truly exceptional. She earnestly hoped that the love and support she offered him were equivalent to, or at least came close to matching, the immense generosity and affection he had always shown her.

The tinkling bell above the bakery door, announcing a new customer, pulled her from her reverie. She glanced up, her eyes meeting those of the woman from the park—the one who’d asked about a good place to get coffee. Cammie pasted on a smile and went to greet her.

“Hi. I don’t think I introduced myself the other day. I’m Cammie.”

“Daniella,” she replied.

In an attempt to break through the woman’s reserve, Cammie offered a compliment, softly saying, “What a pretty name,” and waited to see if it would spark any response.

“Yes.” Cammie deflated at the curt reply. She didn’t know why she was trying so hard. She and Daniella didn’t have to be best friends. She figured it probably stemmed from the repeated rejections she’d experienced from her childhood. First with her mother’s abandonment. Then with her father’s cruel indifference. There was a pathological need in her to please everyone. A need for people to like her. Since her captivity, she’d been trying to work on that, but sometimes the old desperations still seeped in.

Shrugging off her disappointment, she asked, “What can I get for you?”

“Cappuccino.”

Okaaay.So the woman was brusque and obviously didn’t want to make friends, but that was alright. She’d delt with rude customers before. She could handle one more.

“How are you liking our little town?”

“Quaint.”

“It is. It’s one of the things I like about it,” Cammie said, filling the silence as she made the woman her order. “Have you hiked any of the mountain trails yet?”

“No. I will have to try,” she answered, her accent thicker than it had been the other day.

“Well, I haven’t done much hiking yet myself. But my boss raves about it. If you need a recommendation, I could ask her.”

“Maybe.”

The bell tinkled again and more customers walked in. The woman’s face hardened as she glared at the new people. She then grabbed her cappuccino and left. Cammie shrugged off the weird encounter and focused on the new customers. She remained busy until her phone rang. Noticing it was Wade, she left Marilyn behind the counter and moved to the kitchen to answer.

“Hey.”

“Hey, sprite,” he replied with a tone that was unusual for him. Almost like trepidation, and a sudden sense of unease settled over her.

“What’s up?”

“I need you to stop by my office when you get off work.”

“Okay.” She’d never been to his office, but there was a first time for everything. “Why?”

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