Page 16 of Camden

“We’re safe,” I promised. “Do you want to ask me a question first?”

“I think you should. I don’t know if my brain can process coming up with a question right now. It’s too focused on not falling to our deaths.” I wanted to laugh at her again, but I kinda thought she was serious.

At least a little.

“Alright. First question. Why did you want to get on the ferris wheel if you’re so terrified of heights?” I swear the girl wanted to jump ship right before we took off. I owed Stacey a steak dinner for this. I knew she felt okay when she decided to go home.

Knowing my sister, she wanted to give me a little time alone with my girl.

Well, not mine yet, but I would get her to change her mind. It didn’t matter how long it took, just as long as she gave me a chance.

Stephanie was worth the wait.

“Honestly? I’ve never been on one before. My ex never wanted to ride it. He was more into roller coasters and thrill rides. I’ve always wondered what it would be like.” She shrugged one shoulder. “I didn’t realize I’d be so freaked out. I mean, I’ve done roller coasters and things. This should’ve been easy.”

“You’ve rode roller coasters and this bothers you?”

“Yeah. I don’t know if it’s because they go so fast you don’t have the chance to realize you’re that high off of the ground or what. Plus, they buckle you in. Like securely.” I smirked at the serious look on her face. “Why did you get on the ferris wheel with me?”

“I would take any chance I could get to be with you. Even just for a ten-minute ride.”

“Why?”

“Why what, babe?”

“Why do you want to spend so much time with me?”

“Did you not hear my speech five minutes ago? I want to date you. I want to know you and for you to know me.”

“But why?” she asked again like she couldn’t comprehend my need to spend time with her.

I stared at her. My eyes connected with every single piece of her beautiful face. Her pink pouty lips and button nose. The gorgeous freckles I’ve recently discovered. I wanted to kiss every single feature.

Every piece of her.

“Do you know the first time I ever saw you?”

She squinted her eyes and looked up as she thought. It was adorable. Her head cocked to the side. “It was the night we were all helping Rylie move into Mason’s place.”

I smiled softly. “No.”

“No?” Her sweet voice was confused.

“No. It was actually months before that.”

“What are you talking about?”

“I was on shift one night and needed some coffee. It was around seven. You were sitting in your corner booth reading. Playing with your hair. Biting your bottom lip. I wanted to go over and say something to you then. I wanted to joke about your giant stack of books. I wanted to know your name. But there was something in your eyes. I didn’t think you were ready.”

“But you didn’t even know me?” She furrowed her brows. Releasing her hand on my leg, I used my thumb to smooth it.

“I know, but that look?” I shook my head. “I couldn’t get it out of my head. You looked sad,” I whispered, and she looked down. “But I kept seeing you. At the coffee shop. The grocery store. The football games. And over time, you started smiling more. You had a happiness that wasn’t there at first. It was beautiful, and I wanted to get to know you.”

Steph brought her gaze back up to meet mine. “You never introduced yourself?”

“I know. I know you’ve heard the rumors that I don’t do relationships.” I paused and waited for her to deny it. When her cheeks turned pink, I knew I was right. Damn gossip train. “When I saw you, I thought that maybe I wanted to try. But I wanted to be sure. You’re the type of girl that you take home to meet your Ma, not the kind you sleep with one time and walk away. I wanted to be sure because I couldn’t stand to be the reason any sadness returned to your eyes.”

“So, you just saw me and knew?” She asked skeptically.