Page 19 of Camden
She poked my abs. “I think it might have been one of your favorite movies.”
“It wasn’t terrible.”
“You’re a closet rom-com lover, aren’t you? Mister Big Bad Officer loves a happily ever after.”
“Big Bad Officer?”
“If the shoe fits.” Her hand remained on my stomach and I covered it with my own. The first round of fireworks lit up the night sky.
“It’s beautiful,” she whispered.
“It is.” I agreed, but I never took my eyes off her as round after round shot up, casting the entire world in bright colors.
The ferris wheel jerked as the last of the display went off, moving us closer to the ground. I offered Stephanie my hand as I stepped off the ride.
After we were back on solid ground, I intertwined our fingers and led her through the crowd toward the stadium where the live band would play. Asher and Haley snagged seats halfway down, both holding bags of popcorn and a couple of beers.
When we reached the right aisle, I tucked a piece of hair behind Stephanie’s ear, making her blush. I loved that blush. “Do you want something to drink?” I asked.
“Sure.”
“Beer?”
“I’m not really a big beer drinker.” One more thing to file away.
“They have wine too.”
“I’ll take a Moscato if they have one.”
I squeezed her hand but didn’t let go until I had to as I stepped away. “I’ll be right back.” I hurried through the crowds, grabbed our drinks, and made it back in time for the show to start. “Here you go.” I handed over the canned wine spritzer and took a seat next to Asher, right behind the girls. I wanted to sit next to her and wrap my arms back around her. Instead, she leaned back between my open legs, giving me a little piece of contact.
After the show, Stephanie turned and leaned back against the back driver’s side door of her SUV.
“Are you sure you’re okay to drive?” I asked, inching closer to her. My hand propped beside her head, which was tilted toward mine.
“I’m sure.” She tucked a stray hair behind her ear. “Thank you for tonight, Cam. I had a lot of fun.”
“Even getting stuck at the top of the ferris wheel?”
A sweet pink colored her freckled cheeks.“Especially getting stuck at the top of the ferris wheel.”
I flexed my fingers, itching to slide my hand behind her head, hold her to me, and kiss her senseless. I wanted to kiss her until neither of us could catch our breath.
But I wouldn’t do that. Not until she was ready.
I took a deep breath. “Will you go out with me? On a date?”
Her eyes dimmed. “I can’t.”
“Okay.” I pressed a soft kiss to her forehead and stepped back, pulling her door open for her. I wouldn’t lie. The answer disappointed me, but I knew one night wouldn’t change how she felt. Not completely. It would be a long game. “I’ll be seeing you.” I waited for her to get behind the wheel. “Have a good night, beautiful.”
“You too, Cam.”
I shut the door and shoved my hands in my pocket so I wouldn’t reach back out and stop her. She waved at me one more time through the window as she drove away. I waited for the taillights to fade before I headed to my truck.
I smiled to myself. I might not have gotten a date, but I didn’t get a no either.
CHAPTER SIX