Page 53 of What Should Have Been Ours

The Brooklyn drive-in.

My chest tightens as I look over at him. “This was our first official date.”

Cam parks, putting the car in park before turning toward me. “I know. How could I forget that debate we had about the technicalities?” His smirk is softer now, almost nervous. “And…I was hoping it could be our official second first date.”

A slow smile spreads across my lips. “I think I’d like that.”

He relaxes slightly, grinning. “Good.”

As we settle in, he reaches into the backseat and pulls out a box of snacks. All my favorites. They’ve never changed.

I gape at him. “Wait. No. Did you—?”

He smirks. “Of course, I did.”

I let out an actual squeal, grabbing one of the bags. “Okay, you’ve officially outdone yourself now.”

He laughs, shaking his head. “It’s just snacks, Gabrielle.”

“It’s not just snacks. It’s all my favorite snacks. And it’s the fact that you remembered everything I love. It’s all very nostalgic.”

His smile softens. “I never forgot a thing about you.”

The air shifts between us, heavier. Like everything we say means more now.

The more we talk, the clearer it becomes that neither of us wants to fight this thing that’s still there between us.

I try to steal glances at him when I know he’s paying attention to the movie, memorizing his features, letting my mind slip back into the past—when I loved this boy freely with everything I had. Back to a time when I wasn’t promised much of a future, and neither was he, but we both just wanted to spend what time we did have with each other. It was the purest form of love I’ve ever experienced, even to this day. No other man or relationship has been able to reach the part of my soul that has always belonged to Cam.

He catches me staring this time.

“What are you thinking about over there?” His voice is so deep and smooth, effortlessly coaxing me in.

Something about Cam has always drawn every part of me to the surface. I think that’s why I don’t stop myself when I ask what’s really on my mind.

“What do you really want long term, Cam?”

His eyes flick to mine, holding, searching. He doesn’t answer right away, just watches me like he’s weighing how honest he wants to be. How much he’s willing to lay bare.

Just when I think he’s going to give me some teasing, avoiding response, he exhales deeply. “This. You. Here. With me. Not just tonight, not just when it’s fun…not just as a friend.

Cam exhales, running a hand through his hair. “This isn’t just me trying to win you over, Gabrielle.”

I swallow hard, my heart hammering. “Then what is it?”

His gaze locks onto mine, unwavering. “This is me showing you I never stopped being yours.”

I’m shocked at him pushing the boundaries with us. I think it’s what I’ve been waiting for.

His presence has always given me the confidence to say what’s on my mind, consequences be damned, so I say my truth too.

“I was scared to be hurt by you again.” My voice is quiet, but still confident. “But I think I’m past being able to protect myself from that happening. I think that ship has sailed, and regardless of the path we take from here, I could end up hurt again. So why not at least take the path that gives me something I want and could make me happy again?”

He smirks slightly. “So…you’re saying you want me?”

I roll my eyes, shoving his shoulder lightly. “You ruin every tender moment, you know that?”

He chuckles, catching my hand before I can pull away. And then he just…holds it.