Page 94 of Sand in My Boots

“I had noticed. You most certainly are not.”

My life has so much more color with Cameron in it. I love our rapport with each other, how it’s easy. Though I suppose things might change now that we’re “living” together for the time being.

My parents were a little shocked to hear I’m extending my stay. They always liked Cameron, so it’s nothing personal to him. I don’t think they realized it was this serious between us.

Join the club.

Though it’s fast, it doesn’t feel weird, awkward, or rushed. Most likely because it’s Cameron. I can’t imagine developing feelings like this for someone else so quickly. I’ve been attracted to Cameron for many years. I’m glad to know my teenage self didn’t steer me wrong in choosing him.

“Do you work weekends?”

His question brings me back to the present. He picks up my other foot, not wanting to neglect it.

“Sometimes. Depends on the week and what projects I’m working on. Do you?”

“Most weekends, but only for a couple of hours each day. It gives me the flexibility to take a random weekday off. Not that I ever have anything I need a day off for.” His chuckle animates the room, louder than the TV.

“We’ll find our routine, what works and what doesn’t.”

“You seem sure of that.”

“Are you more skeptical?”

His face gives nothing away, and his head bounces from side to side, contemplating what to say. “I’m worried you’ll think I spend too much time at Whispering Tide. Even when I’m not working.”

“I’m not here to judge. Just be with you. Don’t alter your schedule for me. I’ll find my way.” While it’s not the complete truth, if he needs to work, he needs to work. I don’t want him changing what he does for me only to come to resent it later.

Resent me.

On the flip side, being here, I’ve made a lot of changes to my life, things I want him to acknowledge. Not for “credit,” but more out of respect for our relationship.

Respect for me.

“Thanks for staying. I didn’t have it in me to say goodbye again so soon. I’m sorry if that makes me a selfish bastard.”

It’s like he read my inner thoughts.

“I wasn’t ready to leave. Thanks for letting me crash here, be in your space, use a lot of your towels.”

“Mi casa es su casa. Remind me to show you where the laundry room is. I definitely don’t have enough towels to support your habit.”

“I ordered a bunch of new ones. Sorry, not sorry?” I kinda went a little overboard with the towels, too. I saw what he had in his closet, and his old ones needed replacing. So I replaced a few. “They’ll be here Monday. Mind if I rearrange the linen closet a bit?”

“Have at whatever you want, cutie.”

Damn. The nickname from Cameron’s lips gets me every time. I can’t help the smile spreading on my face.

“Much appreciated. It’ll give me something else to do while you’re working.”

“Do you like to organize?”

“Um, no? Not really. When the mood strikes.” A moan slips out from the gentle pressure on my feet. “When do they have yoga at the spa? I want to try another class.”

“Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Occasionally on Sundays. Not sure if this Sunday is an on week. I can check later.”

“What’s the worst part of your job?”

Cameron thinks for a minute. He previously mentioned his favorite was “all of it,” but there must be something he doesn’t like.