Page 43 of Below the Surface

“Cam? I meant that as a compliment.”

“I know. I knew what I wanted to do when I graduated from college, and I did it.”

“Is this about Jared’s offer?”

“In a way.”

“What way?” I ask.

Cameron flops back onto the bed and covers her face.

“Cam?”

“Aw, shit, Piper. We just had an amazing night. The last thing I want is to fuck it up.”

“Impossible.”

She turns and looks at me doubtfully.

“Nothing you tell me will spoil tonight. I promise.”

“It’s not enough for me,” Cam says. “The business. It’s become—mechanical. It’sfine. I want more thanfinein my life.”

“Why do I think this is about more than the business?”

“It’s about everything.”

My heart just lodged in my chest.

“Oh, no. Piper, I’m not about to tell you I’m unhappy with us.”

I nod.

“No. See? I already made our night go from amazing to stressful.”

“You didn’t. I’m not sure what this is about.”

Cameron shifts to look at me. “This is still new—you and me.”

“Uh-huh.”

“And I know we need time to build our relationship.”

“Uh-huh.”

“But.”

I raise a brow. “Cam?”

“I’d like to think we’re headed for something—permanent.”

The initial surge of anxiety subsides, replaced by understanding, and I can’t help but plant a kiss on her lips. “I told you; I don’t intend to let you go. I don’t want to envision my life without you, Cam. Why would that ruin our night?”

“There are a lot of things we haven’t talked about.”

“Like?”

“Like, do you want a family someday?”