Page 76 of A Simple Regret

She likes Camden, and she’s disappointed. I get it. If the shoe were on the other foot, I would probably feel the same way, and I need to tread lightly, because I’m not completely certain where I stand with Camden either. I mean, Lizzie and Oaklee told me he’s into me, and he did kiss me, but I don’t know. He’s never spoken his intent to me, and maybe it’s time I should just ask. If we’re just going to be friends, then great. I’m happy to view him that way, despite the level of difficulty it will take. At least I’d know where we stand.

He catches my attention and offers a playful little grin. Then, he reaches over and brushes a strand of hair off my forehead and pulls my ear three times. “Apricot?”

I have to bite down on my lip to keep from laughing. “Uhh, yeah. Apricot.”

He nods and sets his glass of water down on the bar before turning his attention to Laura. “It was nice to see you again, Laura.”

“Yeah, you too, Camden.” Her dark eyes shift toward me. “Welcome back, Maren.”

“Thank you,” I reply, climbing off the stool. “It was nice to see you again.”

She nods, but I can tell she doesn’t mean it. Without a word, she heads over to where her friend is waiting, leaving Camden and me.

He produces his wallet and pulls out some cash. When Collin approaches, he hands over the bills and says, “Keep the change.”

Collin nods.

“Oh, here,” I state, pulling money from my own pocket.

“You’re good,” he informs me.

Confused, I say, “Lizzie started me a tab.”

“And it’s been paid,” he replies with a wink.

He doesn’t even have to tell me who covered it. I already know.

“Ready?” Camden asks. We both slip on our coats before he takes my masterpiece painting in one hand and my hand in the other. “Later.”

Cade, Oaklee, Wyatt, and Alex all holler their goodbyes. I don’t miss the knowing grin on Oaklee’s face.

“I should leave a tip,” I say when we reach the door.

“No worries, Shortcake. I covered the tip.”

Outside is a burst of cold air compared to inside the bar, and as we make our way toward his truck. Carefully, he sets my painting in the back seat and holds the passenger side door open widely for me. The moment I climb inside and buckle, he leans in and rests his forehead against mine. “Will you go somewhere with me?”

“Yes,” I reply instantly, not even needing to know where we’re heading.

He nods and closes my door. We’re pulling away from the street and heading to the edge of town, away from our houses. When he turns on Elm Street, the last road before the city limits, I know where we’re headed. It’s near Wyatt’s place, along the back side of his property.

And the thought of visiting our spot makes me squirm in my seat.

We reach the strip of dirt between two fields that takes you back to a little clearing in the trees. He backs the truck near the creek and turns off the ignition. “Wanna sit on the tailgate?”

I nod and open my door. The crisp air wraps around me and sends shivers down my body. I walk to the tailgate, waiting for Camden. He opens the back driver’s door and grabs something before joining me. He lowers the tailgate and unrolls a blanket, placing it down on the tailgate and tapping it. “Hop up.”

I do, and when Camden joins me, he pulls the ends of the blanket around us to help keep us warm and wraps his arm around my shoulder. “Warm?”

“Yes.”

We sit in silence, the world around us completely still. The moon reflects off the water, giving off a romantic glow. It reminds me of so many of the nights we’d spent doing exactly this, sitting on the tailgate of his truck, talking, and making out like the teenagers we were.

“Laura and I dated a bit.”

I glance over and take him in. He’s staring out at the water, his expression unreadable. “You don’t have to talk about that.”

He turns his attention to me. “Yes, I do.” Taking a deep breath, he continues, “I didn’t date much, at least not seriously. I always kept women at arm’s length. I dated, but I wouldn’t let anyone get close to me. That includes Laura. Nice woman, but she just…I don’t know. Wasn’t for me long term.”