Page 8 of Camden
He twisted his mouth, a far-off look in his eyes. His features softened like he was thinking about someone in particular. “I’d ask her on a date.”
That’s his advice?“And if that didn’t work.”
“Tuck my tail and walk away.”
I rolled my eyes. “Funny.”
“Look. If you’re really serious about her. You need to show her. Don’t give up on her when she turns you down. If it’s any consolation, she stared at you half the night, too.”
“Really?” I perked up like a damn puppy. I thought I would’ve noticed, considering I spent half the night with my eyes on her. I couldn’t help but trail her as she moved throughout the room. I watched her gorgeous lips wrap around a bottle of beer. Her body swayed on the dance floor. Her blue eyes glowed under the hanging lights.
She looked like an angel.
“Women want someone to fight for them. Do something she likes. Something to let her know you’re thinking about her.”
I nodded. Not a bad plan. I’d never had to fight for a relationship before, but that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t try to fight for Steph. My watch buzzed, letting me know I had an hour before my shift started and I still had to run by Stacey’s shop.
Swiping a finger across the screen, I shut the alarm off and stood. “Thanks, man.”
“Anytime.”
* * *
I trippedover my own feet as I entered Stacey’s coffee shop. The girl I couldn’t stop thinking about stood behind the counter, smiling. My heart skipped a beat at the sight of her. The newly dyed brown hair was pulled back and away from her face, highlighting her high cheekbones and the long column of her neck. She smiled politely at the man standing in front of the counter.
I scowled, possibly growled, when he leaned a little too close, clearly hitting on her. Stephanie’s smile strained as she stepped back, turned, and grabbed a cup to pour him some coffee. His eyes stayed fixed on her perfect ass.I didn’t like that one bit.With long strides, I crossed the cafe and rounded the counter before she could see me.
“Hey, beautiful,” I whispered, leaning down to let my lips brush her cheek. It was quick, but it didn’t change the electricity that coursed through my body from the small contact. Grabbing the coffee pot from her, I poured a cup and handed it to the jackass at the counter, who stood frozen.
His confused gaze bounced back and forth between me and Stephanie for a long awkward moment before he cleared his throat. “I guess I’ll see you around.”
Stephanie gave him a tight-lipped smile but took a step closer to me. Understanding flashed in his eyes. He didn’t waste a second before spinning on his heel and walking out. I scowled as the door clicked shut behind him.
“Camden,” Stephanie said, taking the pot back, and placing it on the machine. My name fell easily from her lips, making the hair on the back of my neck stand up.
“Not that I’m not incredibly happy to see you. I am, but what are you doing here? Where’s Stacey?” I asked.
Steph grabbed a rag and started wiping down the counters like she’d been doing it for a year. “I was getting some coffee this morning, and she looked a little worn down, so I insisted she take a break and I could handle the shop. I used to be a barista in college, so this was nothing.”
“You’re truly incredible.” The thought slipped from my lips. Stephanie’s cheeks flushed a pretty shade of pink. I loved it when she blushed, but it was more noticeable today. I tilted my head, letting my eyes roam over her face. She wasn’t wearing any make-up. Freckles I had no idea she possessed highlighted her cheeks and nose. They were fucking adorable, and I wanted to kiss every single one.
She turned away from me like the statement embarrassed her. Stepping forward, I placed a finger beneath her chin, bringing her beautiful ocean-blue eyes to mine. She stiffened at the contact, and the hesitant look she gave me squeezed my heart. I dropped my hand, breaking the contact. She looked like she wanted to run, but was more afraid of pissing me off.
She reminded me of my mother.
While I would like to say her sweetness mirrored my mother’s — which it did — how she reacted to a touch she didn’t see coming reminded me of Ma. My piece of shit father hit my mother enough while I was growing up that she still stiffened when someone touched her. She’s worked on that over the years. Now it’s barely perceptible to most, but I still saw it. I saw the hesitance in her eyes when she was around someone she didn’t fully know or trust.
Back straight and shoulders tight.
Eyes guarded and alert.
The same stance Stephanie had now.
I hated the thought of someone doing to Stephanie what my father had done to my mother for most of my life.
And I wanted to beat the shit out of whoever it was.
I resisted the urge to flex my knuckles at my sides. I wanted to pull her into my arms and hold her tightly. To let her know she was safe with me.