Page 74 of A Simple Regret

When Maren excuses herself and walks toward the hallway in back, I get up and meet her there. “Everything okay?”

Her blue eyes are a bit glassy, her smile wide but lazy. “Hey, you. Everything’s fine.”

“Where ya going?” I ask, loving this tipsy version of Maren.

“To the bathroom.”

Leaning against the wall, I ask, “Having fun?”

Her eyes widen as she replies, “The best! Oaklee and Lizzie are great. I can’t believe I was worried about hanging out with them.”

“This is where I say I told you so, right?” I tease.

She rolls those baby blues dramatically. “Yes, you were right, Cam.”

I can’t help but smile. “Good to know we won’t be needing our secret word.”

Stepping forward into my personal space, she taps me on the chest and whispers, “The night’s still young, Cam. You never know what’ll happen later.” Her gaze burns into mine as she slowly steps back and enters the bathroom, the door closing loudly in the empty hallway.

My dick is hard, and my thoughts are dirty.

Suddenly, I’m ready to go.

I’m ready to spend some alone time with Maren.

CHAPTER

EIGHTEEN

Maren

I’m having the best time.

Not only am I enjoying painting, but I feel like I’ve made new friends, and getting to know Oaklee and Lizzie has been one of the highlights of my night.

Of course, one of the other big high points has to do with Camden. Seeing the lust and appreciation in his eyes has caused my panties to become wet and my heart to skip a beat. He watches me closely, and at times, his gaze feels as if he’s undressing me with his eyes. It’s raw and needy and makes me ache to be near him.

After I slipped into the bathroom and left him standing in the hallway, I was surprised to find him waiting almost exactly where he was when I entered the restroom. And when I stepped out and wanted to take a moment to call my dad and check in with them, he placed his hand under my arm and escorted me into the back of the bar for privacy. He even stood nearby, no doubt listening to my conversation, as I talked to Dad and then Theo, who proceeded to tell me all about the pizza, movie, and new toys, and he was so excited to tell me about his new bed at Papa’s, his excitement was pulsating through the phone line. I hung up with a promise to meet them at the diner for breakfast and a smile on my face.

Now, our paintings are finished, and my eyes keep straying up to the bar where Camden is sitting.

“He hasn’t taken his eyes off her either.”

I look over at Lizzie and find them both smiling knowingly. “What are you talking about?” I ask, even though I’m certain I already know.

“That boy up there and his need to know where you are at all times. I’m surprised he didn’t just spin the barstool around so he had a better view,” Lizzie replies.

“He’s probably going to have a kink in his neck for the next few days,” Oaklee confirms.

I roll my eyes and chuckle. “You two are silly.”

“We speak the truth, and what we see is a man who can’t stop watching you, and I’m certain all those thoughts in his head are dirty.”

I laugh and shake my head. “Whatever.”

“Don’t deny knowing what I’m talking about, because they’re the same thoughts bouncing around in your mind,” Lizzie states bluntly.

Deciding to let the little bit of alcohol swimming through my veins do the talking, I shrug my shoulders and lean in closer. “My thoughts have most definitely been dirty.”