Page 198 of Kiss Me in the Dark
“That’s insane,” Nat mutters, shaking her head.
“I can’t believe them,” Leanne whispers.“You don’t deserve that, Cam.”
“I appreciate you guys,” I say, forcing a small smile.“At least I have you, right?”
“Damn right,” Landon says firmly.“Fuck your parents.Sorry, not sorry.”
“Landon,” Leanne scolds.
“He’s not wrong,” Nat adds.
“I’m trying not to hate them,” I admit.“They’re still my parents.”
Leanne reaches across the table to squeeze my hand.“Maybe they’ll come around, Cam.Sometimes people just need time.”
I nod, though I’m not convinced.
“What about Lexi?”Nat asks, breaking the moment.
I shake my head.“Haven’t seen her.Don’t want to.”
“Fair enough.”
“And the dinner with Fox’s parents?”Landon prompts.
“Fox’s mom is fine with us.It’s his dad I’m worried about.I’m not ready for that look of disgust, you know?”
“You’ll be fine,” Leanne assures me.“Fox will be right there with you.”
“Exactly,” Landon agrees.“And Fox’s mom seems supportive.That’s huge.”
“Both parents count, though,” Nat points out.
“True,” I murmur.
The conversation shifts to lighter topics, and for the first time in days, I feel a small sense of relief.These people—my friends—are my family now.
And maybe, just maybe, I’ll be okay.
The Wilder Manor is a whole other world.
I stare at the grand Italian-style architecture, the gleaming marble floors, and the massive chandelier hanging in the foyer.I’ve always known Fox’s family was well-off, but this level of wealth is overwhelming.The floor alone could probably buy my mom’s bakery.
My palms are sweaty, and I shove them into my jeans pockets as I follow Fox deeper into the house.He suddenly stops and turns to face me, his hands gently gripping my shoulders.
“Stop overthinking,” he says, his voice steady and calm.
“I think overthinking is perfectly reasonable right now,” I mutter.He smiles that same confident smile that always seems to ground me.
“Trust me, you’ll be fine.I’m right here, okay?Always.”He cups my face, his touch warm and reassuring.“I love you, Cam.Don’t forget that.”
I sigh and nod, his words easing some of my nerves.
“Good.Come on.”He laces his fingers with mine and leads me toward the living room.
It’s stunning in here, too—spacious, elegant, and utterly intimidating.As we walk, I hear footsteps descending the stairs, and my heart leaps into my throat when I see Mr.Wilder.
He halts mid-step, his eyes locking onto our joined hands.I instinctively try to pull away, but Fox tightens his grip, squeezing my hand gently as he glances at me with a small, reassuring smile.
