He chuckles and rolls his eyes.“Don’t flatter yourself.I just want you to take a shower,” he whispers, pulling me closer.
I grab the lapels of his jacket and stand on my toes, pressing my lips to his in one swift motion.He freezes for a moment, surprised, but then kisses me back with equal fervor.
“Cam?”he whispers breathlessly.
“Just shut up and kiss me,” I murmur against his lips.
“Yes, sir,” he replies, grinning as his lips capture mine again.
His arms wrap tightly around my waist, pulling me flush against him as our kiss deepens.My fingers tangle in his hair, while his hands roam my back, igniting a fire under my skin.When we finally pull back for air, I rest my forehead against his, our breaths mingling in the quiet room.
“You know,” I whisper, my fingers brushing his cheek, “I thought about you all last night.Even while watching that stupid video.”
Fox smirks, his thumb grazing my hip.“I thought about you too.Couldn’t sleep, couldn’t focus on anything.I even stared at our photo the whole damn night.”
“So ironic,” I say with a soft laugh, and he chuckles with me.
The warmth between us is comforting, and for the first time in what feels like days, I feel at ease.
“Why did you let her record you two making out?”I ask, curiosity bubbling to the surface.
He sighs, brushing his fingers through his hair.“I didn’t.Lexi did it without telling me.When I found out, I made her promise to delete it.Guess she didn’t.”His tone is bitter, tinged with regret.
I nod, stepping back slightly to give him space.“I’m gonna go take a shower,” I say, offering him a small smile before turning away.
“When’s that dinner?”I ask, pausing at the bathroom door.
“This weekend.Friday,” he replies.
I hum in acknowledgment, slipping out of my underwear and stepping into the shower.Warm water cascades over me, washing away the cold and tension that’s lingered all day.As I run my fingers through my hair, I can feel Fox’s presence nearby.I know he’s standing at the bathroom door, watching.
“You can quit staring at me and come join me,” I call out with a teasing lilt.
“I’ve been waiting for an invite,” he says, and I hear the rustle of fabric as he undresses.
I chuckle, turning around just as Fox steps in behind me, completely naked.He doesn’t hesitate to wrap his arms around me, pulling me close.His lips find mine again, this time with urgency and desperation, as though he’s afraid to let go.His hands roam over my wet skin, his touch igniting every nerve.
“Fuck, I love you so much, Cam,” he whispers against my lips, his voice heavy with emotion.
“I love you too, Fox,” I reply, my voice soft yet certain.
And in that moment, under the warmth of the water and the strength of his arms, I know that no matter what happens next, we’ll face it together.
49
A Fragile Truce
Mondays.
I’ve always loved Mondays.While most people, especially students, hate them, I find them refreshing.Mondays feel like the start of something new—a clean slate, even if the week ahead might not be perfect.
I stare out of the window of our favorite café, watching people pass by on the busy street.The world outside is loud and bustling, but inside our little booth, it’s quiet, save for the occasional chatter between my friends.
Landon sits across from me, with Nat and Leanne beside him.They’re all staring at me, waiting for me to speak.They’ve asked how I’m feeling, what happened with Lexi, and why I’ve been skipping work, but I haven’t said a word.It’s not that I don’t want to talk—I just don’t know where to begin.
I sigh and finally meet their gazes.Leanne, ever the nurturing one, is the first to speak.
“Are you really okay?”she asks, her soft voice cutting through the silence.
