Page 35 of Marsala and Magnolias

Cam laughed. “You know you don’t mean that.”

She shrugged. “No, I don’t. I’m just a little bit embarrassed.”

“Why?”

“Because this is all so weird. I mean, he’s your cousin, for one thing. And besides, he’s Antonio. Part of me feels like I’m being foolish, and everyone knows it.”

“Foolish how?”

“Come on, Cam. He’s notorious for going home with a different girl every night. I’ve just become the latest in a long line of them, and everyone knows about it.”

“This isn’t just about spending a night with him though, is it?”

She shook her head, wondering how much she should tell him—about what Antonio had said or about how she felt.

He was looking at her intently.

“What?”

“I know it isn’t any of my business, but it kind of is, too. I care about you. I know Antonio better than anyone. I can tell you now that he doesn’t see you as his latest conquest.”

She nodded.

“But I think you already knew that, didn’t you?”

She nodded again. “Cam, he’s been up front that he wants this to be a real relationship, not just a quick fling. He’s been so sweet. Actually, he’s surprised the hell out of me. He’s not the person I thought he was, but part of me is still waiting for him to turn around and say thanks and goodbye.”

“I can understand that.” He held up a hand. “I don’t think it’ll happen, but given his track record and your wariness of getting involved with anyone, I can see why you’d be cautious.”

Mary Ellen nodded and looked at the flowers. They must have cost a fortune, but then that wouldn’t matter much to Antonio.

“You like him, don’t you?”

“That’s hardly a secret is it?”

Cam chuckled. “Not that you like his appearance, no. You’ve gone gaga over his looks for years, but now you’re starting to see he’s a good guy, too.”

She blew out a sigh. “I am.” She shook her head. “It was so much easier when I thought he was an asshole.”

Cameron laughed. “What’s the problem? I thought you’d be happy that not only is he good-looking but he’s an amazing guy, too.”

“The problem, my dear Cameron, is that …” She shook her head. What was the problem? Why wasn’t she absolutely thrilled that not only was her fantasy guy turning out to be a great guy but that he was also totally into her? She met Cam’s gaze. “The problem is that there is no problem. There’s nothing to stand in the way of him and me seeing each other, getting to know each other, dating, having a relationship. And that scares me shitless.”

Cam frowned. “Why?”

“Because I’m a coward. I haven’t dated anyone since David.”

“I know, but I thought that was just because you hadn’t met anyone you really liked.”

“I made sure I didn’t meet anyone so that I didn’t have to take any risks. David taught me how much love can hurt. I haven’t been interested in giving it another shot.”

Cam smiled. “You’re not a coward, you’re just a realist. You don’t like to take gambles. You don’t want to risk getting hurt if the potential reward isn’t big enough.”

Mary Ellen stared at him.

“I can see you and Antonio ending up together. I think the potential reward could be huge. Don’t you?”

She thought about it for a few moments. She and Antonio ending up together? Wouldn’t that be something? She hadn’t allowed herself to think about ending up with anyone since David. “I think it’s a bit early to start talking like that.”

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