Page 11 of Staging Love
"Well, yes, all of those things. I just assumed someone like you would be snatched up quickly."
Jade sighed, her playful tone fading. "Dating in LA is... complicated. Everyone's always looking for something better, prettier, someone who can help them climb the ladder. It's exhausting, really. I was in a few long-ish relationships, but they didn’t work out and after a while, I just stopped trying."
Camilla understood that feeling all too well. "I can imagine. The entertainment industry seems particularly cutthroat."
"It is," Jade said. "But I'm sure the corporate world isn't much different. What about you? Tell me about your dating history."
Now it was Camilla's turn to sigh. "There's not much to tell, honestly. I've dated a few men over the years, but nothing ever got serious enough for us to even considermoving in together. I think... well, I think maybe I've been sabotaging my relationships. Walking away before they even had a chance to get serious."
"Why do you think that is?" Jade asked softly.
Camilla bit her lip as she pondered the question. It was something she'd never really allowed herself to examine too closely. "I'm not sure," she finally admitted. "Maybe it's easier that way. No risk of getting hurt, no messy emotions to deal with. Or maybe..."
"Maybe what?"
"Maybe I'm just not cut out for relationships. My work has always come first. Everything else just... falls by the wayside."
Jade shifted in the bed, propping herself up on one elbow to look at Camilla. "Or maybe," she said, "they just weren't right for you."
Camilla met her gaze, surprised by the intensity she found there. "What do you mean?"
"Well," Jade said, choosing her words carefully, "sometimes when we keep walking away from relationships, it's not because we're sabotaging ourselves. It's because deep down, we know it's not what we really want. Or who we really want."
"Are you speaking from experience?" Camilla asked.
Jade smiled, a hint of sadness in her eyes. "Maybe. Let's just say I've had my fair share of relationships that didn't work out because I was trying to force something that wasn't there."
Camilla returned her smile. Jade's openness was refreshing, especially compared to the guarded interactions she was used to in her professional and personal life. "Have you given up on dating?" she asked.
"No, I haven't given up on dating. In fact, deep down,I'm a hopeless romantic. I know it might sound silly, especially in this cynical world we live in, but I truly believe the right person is out there, waiting for me." Jade paused, her gaze drifting to the moonlit window before returning to Camilla. "Someday I'll meet someone who just... fits. Someone who makes all the heartache and disappointment worth it."
"That's... beautiful," Camilla said softly. "I wish I had your faith."
"Maybe you just need to open yourself up to the possibility. Love has a funny way of sneaking up on you when you least expect it."
As their eyes met, Camilla felt a strange flutter in her chest, and quickly attributed it to the late hour and the intimacy of their conversation. "Maybe you're right," she murmured. “For now, this pretend engagement will have to be enough adventure for me in the romance department."
Chapter Eight
The crisp mountain air filled Camilla’s lungs as she and Jade jumped out of the ski lift. The sun glinted off the snow, creating a dazzling landscape that stretched as far as the eye could see. Towering evergreens dotted the mountainside, their branches heavy with fresh powder. In the distance, jagged peaks pierced the cloudless blue sky, their rugged beauty a stark contrast to the meticulously groomed slopes of the Aspen Mountain Ski Resort.
The exclusive resort was a mere five-minute drive from the Parkes family estate, but it felt like entering another world. Sleek, modern ski lifts whisked visitors up the mountain, while below, a collection of high-end boutiques, gourmet restaurants, and luxury lodges catered to the wealthy crowd that frequented the area. Everything about the area exuded opulence and sophistication, from the state-of-the-art snow-making equipment that ensured perfect conditions to the attentive staff that anticipated every need.
Camilla adjusted her goggles, taking in the view. Despite the early hour, the slopes were already buzzingwith activity. Skilled skiers carved graceful paths down the mountain, leaving trails of powdery snow in their wake. On the beginner slopes, instructors patiently guided novices through their first tentative runs.
She glanced over at Jade, who was tightening the straps on her ski boots. She looked entirely at ease in her black ski suit, her blonde hair tucked neatly under a matching helmet.
"Ready for that race?" she asked, a competitive glint in her eye. "Or have you forgotten about your bold challenge from last night?"
Jade looked up, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "Oh, I haven't forgotten. I hope you're prepared to eat my snow, Parkes."
Camilla laughed, feeling a surge of excitement. It had been a while since she'd felt this kind of playful competition. Usually, her competitive nature was reserved for the boardroom, but something about Jade brought out a more carefree side of her.
"We'll see about that," she retorted, then gestured towards the rest of her family, who were already making their way down the slope. Uncle Robert's booming laugh carried on the wind as he showed off for his grandchildren, while Aunt Vivian carved an elegant path, her designer ski suit a splash of color against the white snow. "Shall we show them how it's done?" She positioned her skis at the edge of the slope.
Jade moved to stand beside her. "Lead the way, fiancée."
With a shared grin, they pushed off, gliding smoothly onto the slope. The sensation of flying over the snow was exhilarating, and Camilla felt a rush of adrenaline as she picked up speed. She leaned into the first turn,her edges biting into the packed snow as she navigated the curve with practiced ease.
