“She’s not even that pretty.”
“Yes, she is,” Melanie sighed, resting her head on Cameron’s shoulder. “She’s his type. Athletic. Pretty. Brunette.”
“She’s nowhere near as pretty as you.”
Cameron’s words hung in the air between them as they slowly turned to face each other. There was something in Cameron’s eyes that Melanie hadn’t seen there before. She couldn’t pinpoint it in the dimly lit room, but the look equal parts scared her and excited her. Because the look in Cameron’s eyes wasn’t onejust friendsgave to each other.
Slowly, Melanie leaned in toward Cameron. Cameron did the same, their heads tilting as their lips were just about to touch.
“Mom?” Jonah’s voice echoing down the stairs sent them pulling apart as if they were teenagers getting caught. Cameron’s head snapped toward the stairs; a hint of fear in her eyes that they had been caught almost kissing. “Do you have any extra toothpaste?”
“Top drawer on the left,” Cameron called back.
“Thanks!”
As Cameron slowly turned back to Melanie, a look of relief appeared on her face. “Well, I haven’t had that kind of panic since I was his age.”
“Me either,” Melanie nervously laughed. They both sat in silence, staring at each other as if they were unsure they should try a kiss again or forget it ever happened.
Melanie had no idea what to do. On one hand, she desperately wanted to kiss Cameron. She wanted to know what she tasted like; what it would feel like to kiss someone whowantedto kiss you back. But on the other hand, she was still married to Rob. If she kissed Cameron, she wouldn’t be any better than him cheating on her.
If he is even cheating on me.
She shook her head slowly, pinching the bridge of her nose.
It doesn’t matter. It’s time you faced the music and admit your marriage is over.
Hot tears nipped at Melanie’s eyes as she stood up from the couch.
“I should go.”
“Mel, wait.” Cameron stood up and followed her as she walked toward the front door. “Don’t leave like this. Please. I’m sorry if I did something I shouldn’t have. I thought you were feeling it too and—”
Melanie kissed her then. Full on lips together, Cameron’s back against the wall kissed her. Her head was spinning as Cameron slowly wrapped her arms around her and pulled her closer as she gently pushed her against the wall. She was sure she could stay there forever had it not been for the sound of footsteps on the stairs.
“Mom?” Dylan’s voice came from the stairs.
“I’ll see you later.” Melanie quickly grabbed her bag and headed toward the door. But Cameron grabbed her hand.
“Don’t leave.”
“I have to. I’m sorry.”
Without another word, Melanie pulled the door shut behind her. She touched her lips with her fingertips, smiling at the memory of the kiss she knew would stay with her like a tattoo.
Chapter 5
Cameron
Watching the door close behind Melanie, Cameron felt torn between running after her or staying put. The former was romantic and sweet and exactly what would happen in every movie, book, or TV show. But Cameron was living in the real world. A world in which her best friend had just kissed her and her daughter was still walking toward her.
“Mom?” Dylan asked again.
Cameron would have to address her own feelings later. Putting a smile on her face, Cameron turned to face Dylan.
“Yes, baby?”
“Why did Aunt Mel leave?”
