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Camden's father had all my roommates moved while I was in the hospital yesterday. Then today, he had his driver bring the girls to the mall with his credit card, to buy whatever they need in the immediate future—clothes, necessities. Toni told me they've done three trips so far. She tagged along for the first, but her pain killers are tiring her out, so she stayed home, feet in the pool.
While this house is decorated almost exactly like Camden's terminally boring campus house, the girls have already added their touch—candles, colorful throws, flowers. They're making good use of Adrian Hunt's money.
"I can't," I admit, and that feels like the truth, for many reasons.
After getting ambushed in front of the apartment, and endangering Toni, I wouldn't have wanted to stay with the girls. What if I get attacked and this time it's Nathalie or Harper with me? Not every one of my friends is a kung fu wiz like Toni.
I manage a smile for her sake, hoping it's reassuring. "I'm going back home."
I just wanted to see for my own eyes that she and the other girls were okay. I never expected they'd be living in this crazy place.
"Thank you—for helping yesterday, for not hating me when you got hurt because of me."
Toni puffs out a derisive breath. "This?" She lifts her cast. "I barely feel it. Iwouldhave felt the hospital bill, but Mr. Hunt the Hunk took care of it for me."
“Camden?” I ask, confused. If he’d paid for Toni’s care, he would have included it on the list of things I owe him for.
She shakes her head. “His hot-as-fuck dad.”
The Hunts, both knights on their white horses, to the rescue with their swagger and their credit cards.
I wrap my arms around her, careful of her hand, and squeeze as hard as I can without hurting my ribs.“I’m going to miss you.”
"Same. You'll have to come visit."
"You can't keep me away," I promise. "Especially from that pool."
Camden really went overboard. He shouldn't have set our fucking place on fire, but the girls didn't lose out in the exchange, so I can't stay mad.
Ishould. It's yet more proof that he's a psycho. I just don't seem to mind much anymore.
And even if I did, he and I have a deal now.
"Nice view!"
I look over my shoulder and see Camden strolling out of the house, a bottle of champagne in each hand. He sets one on the floor, and joins us by the pool before popping the second open. "You need glasses. And outdoor furniture."
Camden takes a big swig right out of the bottle before handing it to me.
"Not sure I should drink on my painkillers," I say, but I take a small sip anyway. I gasp at the first drop hitting my tastebuds. "God, this is good."
"Only the best for my princess. Granted, that's notquitethe best, but I figured you'd enjoy a lighter rosé."
Feeling heat rush to my cheeks, I hand the bottle to Toni. "What are you doing back here?” He just dropped me off four hours ago. “I thought you were picking me up in the morning."
"I am. I just came to drop a case of bubbly to celebrate your friends' move, and to see you." He cups my face, and as though it's the most natural of things, brings his lips to my forehead, softly, fleetingly.
The kiss is nothing like what I know of Camden Hunt. There isn't a hint of his overbearing, domineering, all-consuming intensity. It's over before it even starts, but it knocks the wind out of me.
"How are you doing?"
"Breathing isn't fun," I blurt out the first thing I can think of, which happens to be the truth. "And walking, and lying down, and laughing, and peeing. I don't recommend bruised ribs. Zero stars."
"Poor princess. Do you need ice packs? I can get you some before I head out of town."
"Toni grabbed me some, thank you."
"You're a good friend to Morgan, Toni. That's rare to come by. You need anything, you let me know." On that note, Camden gets back to his feet. "I have to get going. Plenty to do before tomorrow. I'll pick you up at eight?"
