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We have a late lunch, which consists of junk food from the concession. Pizza, nachos, and soft pretzels all around.
“We should get going,” Larissa says, looking at her watch. “It’s about to open to the public,” she tells our group.
I open my mouth to reply when a pair of arms wrap around my waist. Arms I don’t recognize. Looking down, I see Peyton hugging me. “Thank you, Cameron. Today was the best day.” She smiles up at me.
“You’re welcome,” I tell her, hugging her back. I catch Paisley’s eyes, and she’s smiling at us.
“Thanks, Cameron,” Parker says as she too steps up for a hug. “It’s been forever since we got to do something like this with Paisley.”
I hug her back as well, because what else do I do? The hugs don’t stop there. Larissa, Mom, and Willow all take their turns. “Thanks for today,” Easton says once Willow steps out of my hold. Paisley sneaks between us and wraps her arms around my waist, resting her head on my chest. A sign of our solidarity, I’m sure, but her dad and I are in a good place now. He knows what she means to me, and as her father, I respect his need to know for sure.
“I’m just glad it worked out, and everyone was able to make it. And no one let the cat out of the bag.” We all turn to look at Willow.
“Hey.” She holds her hands up, laughing. “If she was home more, I might have let it slip, but we made it.” She smirks. That’s a subtle dig that Paisley spends more time at my place than theirs. I knew it was coming. I’m just glad she was inconspicuous with her wording.
After another round of goodbyes and a promise that all of us will get together at the Monroes’ for dinner soon, we head our separate ways.
“I’m not even going to ask if you’re coming to our place,” Willow says when I pull in front of our building. “Not after what lover boy did for you today.”
“The day’s not over,” I tell Willow.
“Stop.” She holds up her hand. “I don’t need to know about your plans for the rest of the day. Paisley, what time do you work tomorrow?”
“We’re on a three-day home stretch.”
“Lunch tomorrow?”
“Definitely.”
Willow looks at me. “No objection?”
“I get her until tomorrow at eleven. No sooner, and we’ll call us even.”
Willow tosses her head back in laughter. “I want details, P,” she says as she reaches for the handle and climbs out of my truck.
Chapter 17
Paisley
Cameron unlocks the door to his place and pushes the door open for me to walk in ahead of him. I walk inside and kick off my shoes. Thankfully, he told me to dress casually and comfortably today. I still can’t believe he organized for both of our families to get together. On our day off. His day off.
As soon as the door closes, I turn to face him. “I don’t know what you have planned for the rest of the day, but I’m going to need you to strip down.”
“What?” He laughs.
“You heard me. Strip.”
“If I’m stripping, it’s only fair that you do as well.”
I hold my hand out for him, and he places his in mine. Turning, I lead us to his bedroom. A room that feels more like ours than just his alone. Pushing open the door, I gasp at what I see. The bed and the floor are littered with red rose petals. There are candles all around the room, and the blackout curtains are pulled tight, blocking out the light of day.
“That’s a fire hazard,” I blurt.
He chuckles as he wraps his arms around my waist from behind. “They’re battery operated.” I turn my head, and he kisses me just below my ear. Our hands are entwined, and the feeling of being home washes over me. It has nothing to do with the location and everything to do with the man who holds me as if I’m precious to him.
I am precious to him.
The feeling is mutual.
