Page 44 of The Summer Arrangement
Second, he kissed me on the freaking cheek—in front of the world to see.
Third, he called me beautiful.
With my eyes locked onto his, I watch as his handsome face morphs from playful to concerned in a nanosecond. “Elizabeth?”
“W-what?” I sputter.
Way to play it smooth, Lancaster.
When he leans in and whispers, “Is it okay that I’m here?” I’m assaulted by his mouthwatering cologne.
As he steps back, my hand involuntarily clenches his shirt, effectively halting him in place. “Don’t…” That one word falls off my lips, and I plead with my eyes, saying the rest.
Don’t go.
He darts his eyes between mine, and I’m not sure how long we stare at one another.
“Everything okay?” Ryan pipes in, breaking our trance.
Then, I realize I’m fisting his shirt, so I unclench the fabric and pat him on the chest, twice for good measure.
Clearing my throat, I plaster on a smile. “Yep. It’s all good.”
To Cameron, I sincerely admit, “I’m glad you’re here.”
“All right then… Have a seat and let me get you something to drink. What are you having, Cameron?”
Looking around the table, Cameron says, “I’ll take a Puckering Pear or whatever stout they have on tap if they don’t have it.” Reaching for his wallet, he pulls out a card. “I can get it.”
Ryan waves his hand in the air. “I’ll get this round. You can catch another.”
Settling onto the stool next to me, I’m hyper aware of Cameron’s every move. His leg brushes against mine, and my entire body hums with excitement. I have no idea what it means that he’s here, and frankly, I don’t care.
I’m happy he came.
As the conversation flows around me, it’s clear no one is surprised to see him. They carry on as if this is something we do every day.
All is good, until my sister Lanie catches my eye and raises a brow, clearly asking,what’s going on?
No one would think anything of her gesture, but I simply shrug, sending the message,I have no idea.
Nana used to say never kick a gift horse in the mouth, and I’m taking that advice. I truly didn’t know I was missing Cameron, until he arrived. Now that he’s here, my energy soars and somehow, I feel grounded at the same time.
It’s crazy what this man does to me.
When the waitress brings our meal, Cameron orders a burger and fries.
While he waits for his food, I offer my fries. “Want some?”
Snagging one, he grins. “Thanks. I’m starving.”
“Me, too,” I admit, picking up my mushroom burger. The moment I take a bite, I moan in appreciation. “Mmmmm… This is delicious.”
“Pop’s does make great food,” Cameron agrees. “I haven’t had a meal here I didn’t like.”
Curious, I ask, “How’s your kid-free weekend going?”
Rolling his eyes, he sighs. “Of course, I miss her, but it’s mostly been filled with one firestorm or another at work… but now that I’m here, celebrating you, it’s improved.”
