Page 35 of What Should Have Been Ours

“Well, I do love a challenge,” she says, eyes sparkling with mischief.

Before I can respond, a loud whistle blows from the field, signaling the start of the game. Cam turns toward us briefly, catching my eye and sending me a quick wink before jogging onto the field.

Kinsley lets out an exaggerated sigh. “I swear, if you don’t end up hooking up with that man in the very near future, I’m going to be personally offended.”

I shake my head, trying to suppress a smile. “We’re just hanging out. As friends.”

“Yeah, okay. I love when you’re delusional,” she says dryly.

I nudge her. “Shut up.”

She grins, but then her expression softens just a little. “Hey, for real though, Gab…I know you’re nervous, and I know your track record with men is the equivalent of a dumpster fire. But this? This could be different. I think Cam is one of the good ones. At least from all the stories you’ve told me and how he’s acting around you now.”

I exhale, my stomach twisting. “That’s exactly why it scares me.”

Kinsley nods knowingly. “Then just take it slow. No pressure. Just two old friends spending time together.” She pauses. “And then maybe, if the universe isn’t completely screwed, some mind-blowing sex later down the line.”

I smack her arm, but I can’t help but laugh. “You’re the worst.”

She shrugs, completely unfazed. “What? You’re the one who told me he was already amazing when you were teenagers. Imagine how much better he is now.”

I smack her arm again, my face burning. “I told you that in confidence, you traitor!”

Kinsley cackles, rubbing her arm. “Oh, please, no one can even hear me talking about how you lost your virginity to the hottest and sweetest guy to ever exist. Except…maybe that elderly couple over there, but honestly, they look like they’ve seen a thing or two in their time.”

I glare at her, my entire soul cringing. “Kinsley, shut up or I will actually kill you.”

She just grins, leaning in. “You can’t tell me you haven’t been thinking about it. If he was that good back then, just picture him now—he’s older, more experienced, and has those steady, precise doctor hands. The kind that knows how to take control,” she says, winking at me. “You’ve totally thought about doing the hot doctor, don’t lie.”

I huff, looking away. “I have not.”

I also hate the knowledge that he’s been with other women, but I brush that thought away before it tries to take over my mind and torture me.

Kinsley gasps, pointing at me. “You have! You just hesitated!”

I groan, shoving my face into my hands. “I hate you so much.”

She nudges me with her shoulder, way too pleased with herself. “You love me. And admit it, the thought has definitely crossed your mind.”

I peek at Cam on the field, watching as he jogs back after making a play, his shirt clinging to him slightly from the effort. My stomach flips in a way I refuse to acknowledge.

I clear my throat, determined to steer this conversation anywhere else.

“Oh, look, they’re starting back. What a shame, can’t talk about this anymore.”

Kinsley laughs beside me, but thankfully, she drops it…for now. Though knowing her, I won’t be hearing the end of this anytime soon.

14

Cameron

The second I step onto the field, I try to shake off the way Gabrielle’s friend practically outed the fact that she talks about me. A lot.

I shouldn’t be this smug about it, but damn, if that didn’t make me feel good.

Because if Gabrielle is talking about me, it means I’m still on her mind.

And after all these years, I want to be on her mind just as much as she’s always been on mine.