Page 63 of The Summer Arrangement
“But…” Megan mimics, drawing it out longer for emphasis. “You need to be careful. You know you shouldn’t shit where you eat.”
“It’s not like that,” I quickly spit out.
“What’s it like then, Cameron? I’ve never taken you as thefall for the nanny guy. You’re smarter than that and more importantly, I’m not dumb. I’m sure you’re not celibate, but since Emilia was born, you’veneverbrought a girl around either.”
“It’s not what you think,” I grunt out defensively. “Lizzy and I have a past—that I’ll explain after Emilia goes to bed. But I swear on my daughter’s life, nothing has happened again until this weekend.”
“If shit goes sideways, it could be disastrous,” Megan points out. “Mom told me how hard it was for you to find a nanny in the first place. Milli already thinks she walks on water. Are you sure you want to risk this for whatever is going on between the two of you?”
I love my sister, and I know she means well. But she can’t be further from the truth with her assumption.
“Look, it’s still new but rest assured, I’m not looking to fuck things up anytime soon. I know what’s at stake for both Milli’s and my heart. Trust me,I’ve triedto stay away but after reconnecting this weekend, that’s just not an option.”
“So, what’s different, Cameron?” Megan asks, all sense of censure gone.
“That’s a good fucking question,” I muse more for myself than her.
Megan’s eyes fill with concern as she waits for me to come to my own conclusion.
Sighing heavily, I admit, “Fuck, you’re right. I was a player before Emilia. But you know as well as I do, the moment she entered my life, it’s always been her needs above mine.”
“You’re an incredible father, Cam,” Megan assures me, squeezing my arm.
“The thing is…” Shit, how do I put my feelings into words? “Elizabeth Lancaster is the first personeverto make me feel like I want more with someone.”
“Cameron, she’syoung… And yourchild’s nanny,” Megan points out. “This could really end badly… For all of you.”
“It could end badly…” I admit. “But the thing is, Megs, I don’t think it will. Like I said, Lizzy and I have a history. But I swear, I didn’t know the only person who’s caught my attention in my entire adult life was the top person Mom chose to be Emilia’s nanny.”
“You like her,” Megan states matter-of-factly. There’s no judgement, just truth in her words.
“Megs, I’m pretty sure Imorethan like her. I’ve been falling for her for months, and it took her claiming me last night to finally act upon it. She’ll only be our nanny through the end of summer. We have a lot to work through, but I’m certain she’s worth it.”
“Wow,” Megan whispers in awe. “I never thought I’d see the day.”
“You and me both, Megs.” I sigh heavily. Then a new thought hits like a ton of bricks. “Elizabeth Lancaster is special. Even though I know the risks are high, I’m certain I’d have even more regrets if Ididn’ttake a chance on her.”
By the time I arrive home later that evening, I’m exhausted. Cameron had asked if I’d go with them to show Megan around Seaside and of course, wanting to spend more time with him, I did. We went downtown, walked along The Promenade, and Milli got her wish of going to the aquarium, since we were right there.
Cameron and I were careful not to be affectionate in front of Milli. Sure, we held hands under the table at dinner and stole a few kisses here and there, but for the most part, we simply spent the day together, hanging out. Honestly, it wasn’t much different than when he joined us on our daily outings. However, with his sister in tow, we did more touristy things.
When we went to get taffy at The Candyman Store for Megan, Milli saw the multi-person bike rental shop next door. Now that we had enough people to pedal the bikes she alwayssees around town, she easily convinced her dad and aunt to rent a three-person bike and explore. Of course, she rode in style being strapped into the front basket with a seat belt, while two of us adults pedaled like crazy around the touristy part of town. We quickly deemed Cameron as the permanent pumper and official navigator in our expedition, while Megan and I took turns pedaling when the other got tired. Milli’s excitement as we spotted new things through the town was infectious.
It had been years since I’d ridden one of the bikes and soon after leaving the rental shop, I quickly discovered why. First, Seaside may feel flat to the ordinary walker, but it’s not. Next, those bikes look magical to the average onlooker, but we quickly found they’re hard to start and even more difficult to stop—don’t even get me started on turning. Lots of laughs were shared as we came to high-traffic areas in town, and our cute little adventure quickly became a full team sport. By the time we finished, my face hurt from laughing, and my legs stung from pumping.
I’m certain Megan knows something is going on between us. She conveniently took Milli swimming when it was time for me to leave. Cameron insisted on driving me home and although I could easily walk, I couldn’t turn down additional time with him.
I assumed he’d just drop me off, as he needed to get back to his family. But that crazy man parked, got out of his car, and walked me to the door. Then kissed the living hell out of me. When he pulled away, leaving me breathless and panting, he sexily teased, “I’ll see you at seven tomorrow morning. I’m making breakfast, so come hungry. For the record, if my sister weren’t here, I’m not sure I’d let you leave tonight.”
“Promises, promises,” I teased as butterflies took flight in my belly. I’m not sure how we’d manage it, but the thought of waking up in his arms again did sound promising.
As I sit on the couch reminiscing, I realize how easy it was being with him today. Sure, this could be a post-sex-inducedhaze, but I’m certain this thing with Cameron goes far beyond our physical connection.
It has from the start.
Last night only solidified just how much I like him.
What will happen when I return to school?
