Page 65 of Wild and Bright

The abruptness of the statement stops Cam mid-movement. He jerks his head in my direction, a wide grin spreading over his face. “You just got called out, Henderson.”

A smile tugs at my lips. “That damn Barbie Dreamhouse. It’s the one toy I’ve ever messed up, and she never lets me forget it. And that thing came in like five-hundred plastic pieces unassembled. It took me at least an hour to put together. Wine was a necessity.”

“I cried a lot,” Cadence says.

“Yes, she did, and it made me want to drink even more wine. You should see her when she cries. It rips your heart out.”

Cam glances at Cadence. “I would have cried, too. I got my first guitar when I was your age. It wasn’t a real guitar—just one for kids—but man, I loved it. And then one day, I found it floating in the pool. The wood was soaked through, and it was ruined.”

Cadence looks up at him, her dark brows drawing together. “Why was it in the pool?”

“Your Uncle Hunter threw it in.”

When her mouth drops open, Cam smiles at her. “He didn’t do it to be mean. He was only two back then, so he was a baby. He was the sweetest little guy, too, so I couldn’t even be mad at him, but I was so sad. I cried for probably a whole day.”

When my eyes mist over, I clench my teeth, willing the tightness in my chest to go away.

I don’t regret the choice I made five years ago.

I don’t regret that I didn’t even consider the remote possibility he might be her father, because I never could have known he’d be this easy with her when he was the complete opposite with me.

I clear my throat. “Did you decide what you’re making for dinner? I’m getting hungry.”

It’s a lie, but I can’t watch this anymore—not in the vulnerable state I’m in since the conversation with my mom. Hopefully, I can work up an appetite while he cooks.

A guilty expression flashes across his face. “I actually ordered Thai Kitchen on GrubHub, and I got our usual. Cadence wanted me to put the headquarters together, and I wasn’t sure if you were too hungry to wait for me to cook. Plus, she wanted McDonald’s.”

My eyes snap to Cadence. “I already told you no McDonald’s. You tricked Cam.”

“No, I didn’t! You said we couldn’t go to McDonald’s, and he got McDonald’s on GrubHub.”

I lift a brow. “You know that’s cheating.”

“No, it’s not!”

Cam touches Cadence’s shoulder. “Hey, why don’t we play some songs on my guitar now that your mom is out of her bath?”

Cadence’s indignant expression vanishes, replaced by a big smile. “Yes! Mommy, Cam knows how to play Ariana Grande on his guitar.”

Cam smiles warmly at her. “Why don’t you head to my studio and pick out your favorite guitar. Your mom and I will come soon.”

Cadence jumps from her seat and rushes out of the kitchen. Her bouncing footsteps pound across the hallway tile, and when I turn back to Cam, he’s wincing. “Sorry about the McDonald’s thing.”

I wave a hand. “It’s not that big of a deal, but I’m trying to set boundaries with her. I’m too indulgent and casual most of the time, and it’s not healthy.” I glance at the floor. “My mom certainly thinks it isn’t.”

“Well, your mom isn’t half the mother you are.” His tone is firm and certain, and I feel the air leave my lungs in a whoosh.

It’s too much. It’s too much for one night.

“Let’s go,” I say, my voice quivering.

He looks a little surprised by the abrupt change in my mood, but he doesn’t say anything. He nods once before getting up and walking over to me. As I turn toward the hallway, he grabs me by the waist and pulls my back flush against his body. His breath tickles my cheek before his lips press against my skin. “I missed you.”

I shut my eyes tightly, letting the words wash over me. Against my better judgment, I lean back into his hold.

I don’t want my mom to be right, but maybe I should be working harder to protect myself.

NINETEEN

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