Page 27 of Flawless

Was I his rebound girl?

“Has he dated much since the break-up?”

“Yeah, some. But you’d have to ask him about that.”

“I intend to,” I muttered. “Believe me.” I wouldn’t be the girl who helped him get over another woman.

“Well, I’ve probably said too much already. Cam’s gonna kill me.”

“Don’t worry, whatever you say to me is between us. You know that. We were friends long before I started dating your brother.” And since my friends were my family, they meant everything to me.

“I know, and I appreciate that. I think you guys could be really good for each other, so I hope it works out for y’all, Rylee.”

“Fingers crossed.” I refused to get too hopeful when my heart was on the line. “I’ll call you tomorrow.”

As soon as we disconnected, I called Cam and he answered on the first ring.

“Hey, baby.”

His voice was laced with sleep, making him sound even sexier than he usually did, if that was even possible.

“Sorry for calling so late. I know you have to be up early. I just didn’t want you to think I blew you off.”

“No worries.” He cleared his throat. “I’m glad you called. How was the party?”

“Good.” I hesitated bringing it up, because I didn’t want to make a big deal of it, but I valued honesty and knew Cam did too. “Dean, um, drove me home.”

“Why?” His voice had a hard edge to it and I could tell me accepting a ride from my ex was a big deal to him. Noted.

“I was just going to get an Uber, but Dean was the designated driver for some friends tonight and offered me a lift too. I didn’t think it was a big deal, but…”

“But what?”

If he’d had a conversation with Kelly like I’d had with Dean, I’d want to hear about it, so I said, “He dropped me off last so we had a few minutes alone in the car together. He made some comments about us getting back together, and Eden told me he said something to Austin about it as well.”

I considered Austin one of my closest friends, but I knew he and Cam went way back, and I didn’t want my man to hear this from anyone else.

He sounded pissed when he asked, “Did you set him straight?”

“Of course, I did. I shut him down right away. And I also told your sister there was no chance that was happening because I’m so into you.”

He let out a low sound, almost like a growl before he said, “Look, I know I have no control over how many guys want to date you, or how many of your exes want you back. But this isn’t easy, Ry. Trying to start a relationship with you living so far away, and being a public figure, and all.”

I sensed a hesitancy from him I hadn’t heard before and it made me nervous.

“Where is this coming from all of a sudden? We knew it wouldn’t be easy, but we agreed we’re both capable of doing hard, if it’s worth it. Are you just questioning if it’s worth it? If I’m worth it?” It hurt to believe he could think that, but I’d rather know now, before I was in too deep.

“Damn it, no. I just…” He blew out a breath. “You were just tagged in all these pics tonight. With your ex, and a dozen other guys, half of whom are famous musicians. And it just made me wonder what the hell I’m doing, playing so far out of my league.”

“What are you talking about? Just because I’m a musician and I happen to know famous people doesn’t mean…” I laughed at the absurdity of the situation, given the conversation we’d had earlier that day. “Would you listen to us? I’m worried you’re out of my league because you have all these commendations and love from your community and you think you’re out of my league because I rub shoulders with famous musicians. How ‘bout we just agree to create our own league… together?”

He chuckled. “I like the sound of that.”

“Good, now how was the dinner with your mayor friend?”

“It was good. Your party looked like fun.”

“It was, but I wish you could have come with me. I missed you.”