Page 15 of All Mine

“Croissant, yes. Chicken salad, no.”

“Well, that’s the hardest part.” He took another bite and chewed. “Damn, that’s good.”

“Thanks.”

“You’re pretty much a one-woman show too,” he said.

“I have Bethany.”

“But you do all the baking yourself.”

“Well, yeah,” I shrug.

“That’s a lot riding on your shoulders.”

“It’s freedom.”

“So, you get it. It’s like me with my business.” He took another bite.

Mine was for freedom and chasing my dreams, while Camden’s motivation was in making as much money as he could despite the personal cost. No doubt running a business required hard work and sacrifice, but where did one draw the line? But he was also the type of guy to help Adrian out, at no benefit to himself. Camden Carter was a puzzle, and I wanted to figure him out.

“Are you happy?” I asked.

Seven

Camden

Am I happy? This chick just asked me if I was happy. What kind of question is that? It had turned into the strangest date I’d ever been on. Not at all unpleasant. But, weird.

“Yeah, of course, I’m happy.” What did happiness have to do with anything?

“That’s good,” she replied, staring out over the water. It was a spectacular view and a great location. There was romantic potential for me to sweep her off her feet.

“Did you bring any wine?”

“Nope, lemonade.” Lauren removed two bottles from the bag.

“Next time, I’m bringing wine,” I said, cracking open the bottle of lemonade.Next time?

“I’m not really a big drinker. I wake up way too early for a hangover.”

“You won’t get a hangover on one glass, hopefully.”

“Probably not,” Lauren replied. She looked me over like she was trying to decide something. I’m off my game and probably not coming across as my best. It’s this whole date. I have my routine with women, and this sexy little thing has thrown me off my stride by taking over the date and pulled me out of my element.

“So, tell me about yourself,” I asked.

She shrugged. “I work and hang out with family and friends in my limited spare time. That’s pretty much it.”

“And you hike.”

She smiled, “Yes.”

“And that’s it?”

“Yep,” she nodded.

I highly doubt that. “There’s more to you than that.”

---