Page 48 of The Summer Arrangement
Throwing an arm around his neck, I reach up and run a thumb along his cheek with my free hand. Guiding his face closer, I press my lips to his and kiss the ever-loving hell out of him. The chemistry we’ve been concealing all summer explodes between us, and I can’t get enough.
I may have started this kiss, but Cameron quickly takes over.
When his tongue sweeps against mine, I know I’m a goner.
He deepens our kiss, and I cling to his body with all my might.
A tidal wave of emotion swells within me. I’ve been denying my feelings for this man for way too long.
Here, at this moment, I’m done.
I want Cameron Kruse in every way possible, and it’s time I let everyone know it.
Thank God, Cameron has the sense to remember where we are. Before I can get too carried away, he breaks our kiss, leaving me breathless and panting.
A sexy smirk plays on his lips as he watches me catch my breath. “For the record, I willnever complainabout you kissing me like that, but what exactly was I trusting you for?”
Glancing toward my family, I see an assortment of expressions on each of their faces. Most are stunned, some are confused, while others are in awe of what they just witnessed, but none look like they want to kick Cameron’s ass.
Mission accomplished.
“For allowing me to save you from an angry mob.”
Chuckling, he challenges, “So, this was all for the sake of safety?”
“That… and I’m showing them this ismychoice. That you aren’t taking advantage of me… Because… I want to be with you, too.”
“Thank fuck that’s settled,” Cameron mumbles. “I wasn’t sure how I was gonna convince you to change our arrangement when I walked in tonight or how we’d tell your family about us, but with a kiss like that, I’m certain they’ll figure things out for themselves.”
Nuzzling his face into my neck, he whispers, “I know we have a lot to talk about, but for the record, birthday girl, plan on going home with me tonight.”
“I can’t think of anything I’d want more,” I admit, and then kiss him once again.
Knowing she’s coming home with me tonight is the only thing keeping me rooted in this bar. Since we’re celebrating her birthday, I’m determined to make it a night she’ll remember. She and I have the entire night ahead of us, and I won’t cut short time with her family on her special day.
As we dance to a few more songs, it hits hard just how much I’ve missed having her in my arms. Holding her close is one of the best feelings in the world. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve dreamt of this possibility but given our situation, I’ve always held back.
She’s like a ray of sunshine after the gloomiest of storms. Putting things on hold since the start of summer has been torture. Now that she’s made her feelings public, I’m determined to find a way to keep her.
Eventually, we return to the table, and I order us all another round of drinks. This time, I order a Coke, and Lizzy chooses water for now. When we’ve all got a drink in front of us, Raven clears her throat and addresses the elephant in the room.
“So… exactly how long has this been going on between the two of you?”
“It’s not what you think,” Lanie jumps in, and Raven throws daggers her way.
“What do you mean?” Sloane interjects.
Sighing heavily, Lizzy states, “It’s truly a long story… so before any of you get your panties in a wad, or decide you need to defend my honor… you should know Cameron and I actually met last semester in Portland. No… he’s not taking advantage of me. Nothing’s happened since we’ve been in Seaside, until tonight… which as you saw… I initiated.”
“But… you work for him!” Sloane interjects.
“Uh… we kinda all do,” Ryker muses, clearly wanting the inside scoop.
A beautiful smile forms as her eyes meet mine. “When we met, we had no idea how small our worlds would be. Trust me… It’s way smaller than you think. We cut things off when we left Portland, neither knowing we’d end up in Seaside of all places.”
Before Lizzy says another word, I reach for her hand on the table, link it with mine, and show them exactly where I stand.
“I had no idea any of you were connected to Lizzy. Hell, I got the shock of my life when my mom picked her of all people as the top candidate to be Emilia’s nanny. At the time, your sister and I made an arrangement to put our feelings aside for the summer… and I swear on Emilia’s life… Nothing nefarious has happened between us since she started working for me.”
