AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Cam, I’m sorry, I—”
Cameron smiled. “Don’t be. I shouldn’t be blaming you. I like her. She’s cool, and she’s hot all at the same time. But even if you hadn’t been warning me off this whole time, I’d have my reservations.”
“Why?”
Cameron sighed. “Because she’s not the kind of girl you just spend a night with and then forget. She’s not like that. It wouldn’t be right.” He’d realized that last night. She wasn’t a player. She’d flirted with him, and he’d enjoyed it, but there was something innocent about her. Maybe that was the wrong word, but he couldn’t think of another. “At the same time, she’s not the kind of girl who’d fit into my life in a longer term, dating kind of situation. And besides, she lives here, I don’t. And to complicate things further, I talked to Ben about renting one of the cabins for the weekends through the fall. This lake of yours has gotten to me. I’d like to keep coming back, even after the wedding. I don’t want to make that complicated or messy by sleeping with someone here.”
Cole nodded.
“What? I thought you’d approve.”
“I do,” said Cole. “Every little shred of logic in me is agreeing with you and all your reasons to steer clear of her, but some small illogical part of me feels sad that you might be missing out on something.”
Cameron laughed. “I never thought I’d see the day.”
Cole laughed with him. “Me neither. There must be something in the water up here.”
“So, what are you saying? That I should forget logic and give it a whirl?”
Cole pursed his lips. “I don’t know. I think it’s best if I don’t say anything.”
Cameron smirked at him. “That way, whatever goes down, it’s all my own doing, right?”
“Yep, that’s about it.”
“Fair enough. Where’s Laura?” It was time to change the subject. He was irrationally disappointed that Cole hadn’t come down on one side of the fence or the other. Part of him wished he’d given his blessing; part of him wished he’d warned him off. Either option would be better than leaving Cameron wavering between his desire and his conscience. He should just get over it. He’d either sleep with her or he wouldn’t. What was the big deal? He didn’t know, but it seemed like an important decision—and one that he’d have to make for himself.
~ ~ ~
Piper wandered down Main Street. She knew everyone would be at the resort around about now. They were all meeting for lunch, and she didn’t want to join them. Well, that wasn’t true. She’d love to join Laura and Smoke and their friends. Laura’s mom was going to be there, too. She just didn’t want to run into Cameron. He was far too confusing. They’d had a great time last night. They chatted and laughed and finished off the bottle of wine. He’d told her about his life in Napa. It seemed he was an important guy—the CEO of a huge company—but he didn’t act like he was something special. He was fun and friendly and down to earth. And interested. He’d definitely been interested. They’d sat side by side. He’d touched her a couple of times. A hand on her shoulder, a tap on her arm as he made a point. He’d even rested his hand on her knee for a second. All the signs were there, and she’d given him the same signals. She’d flirted and leaned in when he talked; it had seemed like the inevitable was going to happen. Until he got a message on his phone. She had no idea who it was or what the message said. He’d apologized and said it was work. But it was like that text had flipped a switch in him. He was right back to being the polite, attentive friend. The flirting had stopped. Soon afterward, she’d called it a night. He’d walked her back to her room—it would have been weird not to since his was right next door. There hadn’t been so much as a goodnight kiss, not even on the cheek. He’d nodded and looked kind of uncomfortable and wished her goodnight.
Even weirder than that was that he’d knocked on her door this morning and invited her to breakfast. She could hardly refuse, but she’d kind of wanted to. She’d enjoyed herself. He was good company, but there was nothing there. Nothing going on between them. She wished she could convince herself that she’d imagined any attraction between them. That’d be easier—to just think that she’d made it up. But she hadn’t. There was nothing imaginary about the chemistry between them—or about the way he’d been with her last night—until that text. Maybe he had a girlfriend? That didn’t make sense. Wouldn’t the girlfriend be here? And wouldn’t Laura know about her—and have warned Piper. She blew out a sigh and lifted her head. She’d been walking along staring at the sidewalk as she noodled it all through. That was dumb. She should be right here in this moment. Enjoying the beautiful day, and the lovely little town that was now her town—her home.
She stopped when she reached the bakery. She’d heard that they made amazing pastries and sandwiches. She’d get her lunch here rather than going to hang out at the resort. She didn’t need any more confusion. She should probably just stay away from Cameron.
The bell jingled when she opened the door. The girl behind the counter greeted her with a friendly smile.
“Hey. Piper, isn’t it?”
She nodded, trying to remember the girl’s name. “Yes. Hi, April.”
“How are you? I heard you moved here?”
“I’m great, thanks. I’m just getting the hang of the place, and I heard that this is the place to indulge my sweet tooth and maybe get some lunch.”
April smiled. “We can help you with the pastries, but you might want to go to the Boathouse for lunch. I think everyone’s meeting there.”
“I know. I thought I’d try something different today, though.”
“Okay. Well, there are sandwiches and wraps, or I can make you whatever you want.”
“Thanks.” Piper stared at the display case. Everything looked so good.
“Are you excited about Laura’s bachelorette party next Friday?”
“I am. Are you going?”
“I wouldn’t miss it. I love Laura and Smoke, and besides who’d want to miss out on a night at Oscar Davenport’s new club with a chance to see some of the best acts in country music?”
