Page 37 of I Loved You First

“I’ll definitely take this over that Kid Pop stuff.” Then he touched the center screen, scrolling down from Brady’s Jams to Cam’s Mix, tapping shuffle. U2’s “Sweetest Thing” blasted through the speakers when he turned it up.

Immediately, Fiona realized her mistake, regretting her decision to spend time with Cam as he reversed from his parking spot. All of this felt too familiar. Cam’s favorite music and riding shotgun like she had more times than she could count. If this were a different time, he would have reached for her hand as he pulled into traffic.

Staring out the window as they drove through the newer side of town, she pressed her palm to her jittery stomach when he took the turn toward the lake, heading to their special place.

“It’s much nicer now that they’ve paved these roads,” he said.

She nodded, even though she’d liked the desolate feel of the area once upon a time—when it had felt like she and Cam were the only two people in the world. “It’s certainly not as secluded anymore.”

“I’m sure the kids still find places to make out.”

She rolled her eyes as she chuckled. “I’m sure they do.”

He turned down his long driveway, eventually stopping in front of his spectacular house. “I can’t guarantee it doesn’t look like a bomb went off inside. I’m swamped at work, and it’s the housekeeper’s year off.”

She laughed as she got out. “I’m sure it’s fine.”

He grabbed a bag from the local sub shop, holding it up as he met her at the front of the truck. “My secret lunch. I eat the gluten-free bread with Brady, but that stuff is dry.”

She grinned. “Leo usually toasts it.”

He nodded as he pointed at her. “That’s a good hint.”

Her smile returned as she followed him to the door. Cam was definitely adorable.

He put his key in the lock, opening the door. “Come on in.”

She stepped inside before him, breathing in hints of aftershave and cereal. Immediately, the lake and distant mountains came into view through the wall of glass in the great room down the hall. “Cam, your view.”

He pulled off his work boots, dropping them among the man- and child-size sneakers in the foyer. “It’s pretty epic.”

She took off her sandals, peeking her head in the study to the left, where built-in bookshelves were occupied with numerous books, action figurines, Cam’s state champion trophies, and photos of father and son and other members of the Bennet family. “This is great.”

“Mom helped with the decorating.”

She nodded, noting Ellie’s trademark touches in the muted masculine tones painted on the walls and the bulkier furnishings. “You guys did a great job.”

“We ended up going with a darker flooring than the one you had originally wanted. We were afraid the place would look too washed out since we kept things fairly neutral.”

She examined the wide hickory planks. “It looks wonderful.”

“Mostly, we kept things on point. The only major change I made was expanding the garage to add a small gym. It’s easier for me to get in my workouts that way.”

She nodded. “That makes a lot of sense.”

“Mi casa es tu casa. Make yourself at home.”

She wandered down the hallway to the great room, noting the stunning wooden ceiling beams running the length of the massive space. There was a huge blue area rug and plush gray wraparound couch where someone could enjoy the outdoor views or the gorgeous fireplace and large wall-mounted TV, depending on where they sat.

Blankets lay unfolded on a couple of the cushions while children’s books were scattered on the coffee table, and Legos and action figures littered the floor. Thriving plants occupied space on each side of the three sets of French doors. The long dining room table tucked off to the left was perfect. “Cam.” She pressed her hand to her heart. “I love this.”

He smiled as he leaned against the kitchen island, watching her. “It’s my favorite place.”

She moved to join him in the kitchen, taking in the white cabinetry and bold gray veins in the marble-style quartz countertops. The massive state-of-the-art freezer and fridge, where Brady’s chart took up residence with several colorful magnetic letters. The dishwasher and farmhouse sink tucked into the mile-long island with bar stools beneath. She laughed as she saw the eight-burner stove. “How many times did you tell me we didn’t need eight burners?”

He grinned. “Up to this point, I’ve only ever used three at a time.”

She laughed again. “But it looks so good.”