Page 127 of See You Again
The second the hotel door opened, James retreated to his room, muttering something about needing to change. In reality, he felt like his world had flipped upside down. At first, when she started laughing in the lobby, he’d felt immense relief. No one who shone as bright as Cami should ever be that sad.
When she’d sobbed in his arms, he thought his chest was going to crack open. James felt helpless, not knowing what was wrong or how he could fix it for her. It had only taken a glimpse inside her mother’s home for James to understand a little of what was happening.
James hated to think of her growing up in such chaos. Alone, left to cope with a mother who should have been taking care of her. It didn’t require much to see why the career path she’d chosen continued to help other people. Where many women would have been embarrassed by the makeup running down their face or still rightfully be upset at what had transpired recently… Cami had laughed. As he stared at her, her beautiful face lit with humor, he was struck by how absolutely remarkable she was. Followed quickly by the realization that he wanted to bask in her sunshine forever.
Forever.
The word hit him in the chest like an ax, but it felt right, as if someone had suddenly flipped on a light switch, and James knew exactly what he wanted. He yanked a T-shirt over his head. He hadn’t even told her he loved her yet.
That was something he needed to remedy. Soon.
Then he could start planning for their future. They had lost enough time. James didn’t intend on wasting another second.
James made a face at the two plates of lo mein he’d reheated in the microwave.
“That bad?” Cami asked from behind him, and he turned to see her dressed in leggings and a long-sleeved T-shirt, her face scrubbed clean. She was beautiful.
Mine.
Now, he just had to convince her of it. He’d screwed up his chance before. James wasn’t taking any chances this time.
“I’m not sure how good this will be the second time around.” He set the plates on the small table and pulled out her chair.
She lifted her eyebrows at him and slid into the seat.
“If it’s not enough, I got extra dessert,” he said, keeping his voice casual, aware she was staring at him. Casual did not come naturally to him, and he could tell by her expression that she was confused. James’s heart was pounding. He wanted to tell her, to simply say the words, but they hadn’t had a discussion yet about what happened with Justin.
Cami took a few bites before she set her fork down.
James frowned. “That bad?”
“No, it’s good. I just don’t have much of an appetite.”
“In that case.” He rose swiftly and retrieved a box on the kitchen counter and opened it with a flourish to reveal a thick slice of chocolate cake. “Let’s see if this can tempt you.”
James handed her a fork, before retaking his seat next to her, and waited with raised eyebrows until she chuckled and cut off a piece.
“Okay, I’ll admit I’m always hungry for cake.”
James watched satisfied as she took a few more bites and then set the fork down again.
Her lips twisted to one side. “I want to say how sorry I am again about my breakdown and ruining your shirt…”
“You don’t need to apologize.”
“I know you aren’t a fan of messy emotion. Tonight was…” She took a deep breath. “You were amazing… Dealing with me and my mom’s issues… It was never supposed to be part of our deal.”
James counted to five before he answered. “I like things orderly and under control. That’s true. Growing up with my father’s reputation and expectations always hanging over my head… A lot of the time it felt like my entire life was predetermined.” He cleared his throat roughly. He’d never spoken to anyone about this before. “I find having control over other things—small things—helps me cope. When everything is in its right spot, lined up, organized… Luke thinks I’m a freak but it…” He sighed. “It helps when things feel… too much. That doesn’t mean I’m a robot.”
“I know.” Pink highlighted her cheeks. “I’m just embarrassed you had to see me like that. My mom… not exactly what you’re used to.”
“No, it’s not,” he answered her honestly, holding her gaze. “What I saw tonight was an extraordinary woman who loves deeply, and fiercely. I’ve seen firsthand how dedicated you are to something or someone you care about. Your mother, Madison, Amy’s family, they are all lucky to have you in their lives.” His lips quirked when her mouth fell open. “So am I.”
“James,” she breathed, her eyes soft.
“I am more sorry than I can ever say about what happened all those years ago. I never should have believed Justin, and I acted like an absolute ass. I allowed my pride to overrule my common sense. I didn’t wait and I overreacted… badly. I’m so sorry that I hurt you.”
James came to his feet and took her hands, bringing her to stand with him.