Page 12 of Camden

“Okay. I’ll meet you there.” She squealed before hanging up, in traditional Haley fashion, before I could change my mind. I finished folding the clothes, put them away, and started getting ready.

Two hours later, I pulled into the fairgrounds gravel lot. I stepped out of my new small SUV and leaned against the warm metal as I texted Haley. My fingers toyed with the frayed ends of my cutoff jean shorts as I waited. My shoulders warmed under the bright late afternoon sun. The black tank top was probably a bad decision for this heat.

Stephanie

Here.

Haley

Damn, why are you always so early?

Stephanie

It’s one of my best qualities.

Haley

Debatable, but lucky for you, Asher is also always early. *insert eye roll* So, we’re already inside. I’ll send someone up to meet you.

I narrowed my eyes at the screen and my skin prickled. She was up to something. Regardless, I walked toward the ticket booth, my cowboy boots kicking up dust as I went.

Stephanie

Why don’t you meet me up front?

Haley

I’m sorry, you’re breaking up. I can’t hear you.

Stephanie

You don’t need to hear me. You’re texting. You can see it.

Haley

Fine. My screen is black. I have no idea what you’re asking.

Stephanie

I’m going home.

I stopped a few feet away from the ticket booth and stared at my phone. Chewing on my bottom lip, I waited for a reply, but it never came. I sighed because Haley knew I wouldn’t back out if I had already agreed, even if I wanted to.

Which I kind of did.

“Stephanie!” a deep voice called from a few feet away and goosebumps broke out along my arms. I could listen to that voice all day, every day. My head snapped as Cam strode in my direction. The worn, faded jeans hugged his thighs mouth-wateringly and his dark gray t-shirt pulled tightly across his chest. The sleeves fit his arms like a glove. I itched to slide the sleeves up a little higher and wrap my hand around the hard muscles.

My heart kicked up faster when my eyes reached his face. The wide grin made him even more attractive with his perfect white teeth and slightly crooked nose.

But it was the ball cap pulled low that drove me crazy. I don’t know what it was about that hat, but it made my knees weak.

“Hey.” He stopped a foot away from me. “I thought you’d bailed.”

“I was just about to, actually,” I said and immediately wanted to facepalm myself.

His smile wavered. “Oh.”

I touched his forearm, which flexed and shot a wave of heat through my body. “It’s not you. Haley forgot to mention you were coming and then was vague when she said someone was coming to the gate.”