Page 82 of What Should Have Been Ours

I knew this was coming, and I was still hoping it wouldn’t.

I turn, already preparing myself as William approaches with his girlfriend clinging to his arm.

Cam straightens beside me, his expression unreadable, but his demeanor is definitely protective, making me want to smirk in amusement.

William extends a hand toward him, giving him a tight-lipped smile. “Dr. Parker,” he says, introducing himself. “You’re Gabrielle’s…friend?”

Cam grips his hand, his smile equally tight. “Dr. Hayes.” He cocks a slight smile. “Boy-friend actually.”

William chuckles, trying so hard to be unbothered, but I don’t miss the way his jaw tics when his mouth closes. “Right, well, I hope you’re enjoying your time tonight.”

Kinsley lets out a loud scoff, and Wes nudges her, muttering, “Behave.”

Cam just smiles, wrapping an arm around my waist. “Oh, I am. Very much so. Thank you.”

I bite back a laugh as William’s expression hardens.

“I’m gonna go get another drink,” Cam says casually as he leans down, pressing a kiss to my cheek. “You need anything, babe?”

I see the flicker of irritation in William’s eyes, and I can tell that Cam knows exactly what he’s doing.

I shake my head, looking up at him, smirking. “I’m good.”

“Alright,” Cam says, squeezing my waist before stepping away.

As he disappears toward the bar, Kinsley crosses her arms, grinning at William. “Did that go the way you saw it going, William?”

William clenches his jaw but doesn’t say anything as he turns and stalks off with his girlfriend.

Kinsley giggles, looping her arm through mine. “God, I love Cam.”

So do I. So do I.

30

Cameron

I weave through the crowd, drinks in hand, making my way back to the table where Gabrielle, Wes, and Kinsley are all waiting. The fundraiser has been fine—as fine as these snobby fundraising events can be.

At least I was semi-able to get through that introduction to Gabrielle’s ex.

A douchebag like him never deserved to call someone like Gabrielle his.

I look up and spot her across the room, laughing at something Wes is saying.

She’s beautiful tonight.

I couldn’t be luckier.

Things are going great.

But, as I’m walking back to our table—

Everything tilts out of nowhere. My vision blurs as the room spins around me like I just jumped off a moving train. I stumble, gripping the back of a chair to steady myself.

My hands feel weak as I try to find some grip, not having the strength to keep myself up. My chest tightens like bricks are suddenly being placed on it, and suddenly, it’s hard to catch my breath at all.

Okay, so…not great.