Page 71 of The Wrong One

“I could take Lily shopping,” Izzy suggested. “We’ll get our nails done and buy the perfect princess party dress.”

“That would be good.” Ramsey nodded. “I think she would prefer to go shopping with you.”

Izzy’s face lit up. I was so glad we avoided catastrophe and she was going to get to be a part of Lily’s life. I had already decided I would walk away and leave. I would leave town if it meant Izzy could have her family back. I couldn’t possibly be around her and not want her. The only solution was me sailing away. I was so damn glad Ramsey changed his mind. I wasn’t much of a sailor.

We spent the rest of the afternoon eating and enjoying each other’s company. I felt like things were finally going to be okay. Izzy didn’t have to lie to her brother to be happy. And I had my best friend back. Lily had her aunt and uncle back.

ChapterThirty-One

Izzy

Ishowed up at Cam’s house, anxious to celebrate and hopefully do a whole lot of consummating of our new, official relationship. He let me into the apartment, and I was immediately taken aback by the scene. He must have lit over a hundred candles. He took my hand and led me to the dining room. The table was set like we were in a fine dining restaurant. There were candles burning on the table as well and the house smelled amazing.

“Wine?” he asked with a cheesy smile.

“Please,” I replied. “Did you cook?” I asked, noticing the dishes in the sink.

“It didn’t cook itself,” he replied, chuckling.

“This is so awesome,” I breathed. “I don’t know what to say. I’m impressed and flattered.”

In the back of my mind, I thought about my last relationship. Patrick would have never done anything so sweet and romantic. He never would have taken the time to light a damn candle for me let alone prepare an entire meal.

“I want you to know I will always do what I can to impress and flatter you,” he said.

“Thank you.” I smiled with tears of happiness in my eyes. “This is so special.

“It’s my pleasure,” he said. “Have a seat.”

I sat down and sipped the delicious wine while he carried dishes to the table. It all smelled and looked so good. “I didn’t know you were a gourmet cook.”

“I wouldn’t say I’m a gourmet cook, but I like to dabble.” He grinned.

“I would say this is a little more than dabbling.”

I took a bite of the meal. There was a fluttering in my stomach. It was a deep sense of peace and joy. This was the feeling I had been aching for. I kept hoping I would feel it with Patrick. It never happened. I felt so good being with Cam. I felt whole.

“I wanted to ask you something,” he said.

My heart dropped to my stomach. I really hoped he wasn’t about to propose. While I didn’t want the option off the table, I did feel like I needed to take a beat. I couldn’t jump from one engagement to the other.

“Yes?”

“Relax.” He laughed. “I’m not going to pop the question—yet. I was just going to suggest you consider moving in. I want to spend as much time with you as possible. I want to wake up with you in the morning and go to bed with you every night.”

“We just started seeing each other,” I said.

“I know,” he agreed. “But we’ve known each other forever.”

“Not as adults and not as lovers,” I said gently. “I don’t want to rush things and ruin them. We have something good. I want to be with you, but I feel like I’ve just kind of got my footing. I’m embracing my independence after not having it for so long.”

He nodded, but I sensed the disappointment. “I understand. I don’t want to push you into anything you don’t want to do.”

“It’s not that you’re pushing me,” I said. “Not at all. I think we’re on the same page, but it’s probably better if I get my wits about me first. I don’t want to come into this damaged.”

“You are not damaged,” he said sternly. “You are perfect. You are strong. You are the woman I want to be with.”

He always had a way of making me feel so special. “Thank you.”

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