Page 10 of Camden

He didn’t commit.

He won’t change.

Everything I’d been told by so many people didn’t line up with our interactions. Sure, Cam was gorgeous, but he was also sweet and kind.

When I walked into the coffee shop, I could immediately tell Stacey was worn down. She pinned back the short blonde chemo curls allowing me to see how dull her eyes were. I might not have been an oncology nurse by trade, but I’d worked a few shifts in the oncology unit when they needed the coverage. Even after the treatments and surgeries, your body was not back to normal.

It took years for that.

After Stacey poured my coffee, I insisted she go on break. I didn’t have a shift at the hospital, and honestly, I would have gone back home to read, so I didn’t mind helping.

It took some convincing, but she finally went and laid down. Apparently, the barista who was supposed to open called out, and Stacey was running on only three hours of sleep after the wedding.

Not nearly enough rest for her body to be functioning properly. It was hardly enough time for anyone, let alone someone who was still healing.

Everything went smoothly until the last customer, who had been a little too attentive to me. Leaned a little too far into the counter. Refused to give me his drink order until I told him my name.

Which I instantly regretted.

Camden showing up made me feel safe. Protected. I knew I stiffened when he kissed me, but it was a reflex I was still working on. I hated I reacted that way. I didn’t want to pull away from him.

I wished I didn’t have such a hard time trusting my instincts. Between Jax and Drew, I didn’t know if I trusted myself to believe that Cam was a good guy, even if that was what my gut was telling me.

I mean, Jax was a good guy at first. My brother’s best friend. My high school sweetheart. He changed. Drew was also a good guy. A pediatric doctor. Nice. But he became possessive. The same type of possessive tendencies Jax had at the beginning of our relationship. I had to down more than a few drinks when we went out just to relax. Even on our first date, I drank more than I should’ve, which should’ve been my first red flag. Thankfully I saw the light and got out of that relationship before he turned the corner.

Cam doesn’t seem possessive, though.

More protective.

Protective of his friends and sister. But what if that protective nature was just one step away from possessive? Or abusive? How did I know he wouldn’t go that far?

I didn’t.

Which was why I said no when he asked me out the night before.

“He likes you, you know?” Stacey said from behind me, making me jump.

I placed a palm over my racing heart. “Jesus. You scared the crap out of me.”

“Sorry. Didn’t mean to.” She looked rested. Brighter.

“Did you get enough sleep? I’m happy to stay longer,” I offered.

“I’m feeling so much better. Thank you. You really should let me pay you.”

I waved her off. “Seriously, don’t worry about it. Just glad I could help.”

“I truly appreciate it. Now, back to my brother.” She grinned. “He likes you.”

“I don’t know about that.”

“I do. He wouldn’t have stepped in like that for just anyone. Plus, he doesn’t do forehead kisses or winks. That’s not Cam.” Stacey propped her hip against the counter.

I narrowed my eyes, but there was no heat there. “How did you see that he stepped in?”

“I might have been watching on the security cameras.” She stared down at her nails like they were the most interesting thing she’d seen all day.

“Might have?”