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Cam nods. “Yes. We can and we should.”
By the time we finish our lunch, Cam’s chill again, happy and relaxed. Gracelyn’s telling us a funny story about a woman who came to the salon with a terrible at-home dye job and I’m soaking up the holiday vibes, Cam’s hand resting on my thigh.
“You want to play any games? Get your very own balloon sword?” Cam asks us and Gracelyn shakes her head ‘no.’
“I can’t. I have to run and help my mom with the cakewalk. I promised I’d take a shift so she could eat lunch. But I’ll catch y’all later?” Gracelyn stands, flipping her curls over her shoulder.
“Yes, absolutely,” I say.
“You’re staying for the fireworks later, right?”
“I don’t know, maybe.” I shrug, catching Cam’s eye. I’m pretty sure he wants to watch the fireworks out at the lake, but he may be flexible.
“I hope you do.” Gracelyn gives both of us a quick hug. “Gotta jet.”
She hustles away and we clear the table, collecting our trash.
“I could go for some ice cream. And maybe a game or two.” I stare at a kid’s colorful double-scoop cone as he walks past. “What do you think?”
“Anything you want, Trouble.” He takes my hand and we navigate through the crowd, stopping and saying hi to people along the way.
Eventually, we both get double scoops of ice cream piled high in waffle cones—vanilla and chocolate chip for me, strawberry and banana for Cam. We find a patch ofshade beneath a tree and talk and laugh, eating our ice cream in peace, the nasty incident with Dalton all but forgotten.
Afterwards, we play a few games. I’m pretty decent at the ring toss and Cam wins me a huge teddy bear at—surprise, surprise—the football toss.
“That was kind of unfair.” I giggle as we walk away from the booth with a huge white stuffed polar bear. “You’re a professional, after all.”
“So?” Cam shrugs. “Doesn’t mean a guaranteed win. Luck’s always involved at these things.”
“True. Is Mr. Chill going to sleep in between us every night now?”
“Not on my watch. But he can keep you company when I travel.”
My chest tightens. Even though I know Cam’s going to be away some of the time, the idea still stings.
“Hey—don’t be sad, baby. I’ll only be gone a night or two. And you can come with me some of the time.”
“I know.”
“Nothing to worry about now, anyway. I still don’t have a team.”
“But you will, I’m sure of it.” I squeeze his hand encouragingly, but the lighthearted mood from moments ago is heavy now and I hate it.
“You want to go back to your place?” I slide my eyes to his.
“I mean, I wouldn’t be opposed. But only if you do. We don’t have to leave on my account or anything.”
“I know. But I saw Gracelyn, we ate and played games. I think I’m good here.”
A slow grin crosses his face and he loops his armaround my shoulders, pulling me in close and kissing me on the lips.
“Hmm-hmm.”
A voice I’d recognize anywhere interrupts us and I hop away from Cam faster than a caffeinated cheetah.
“Hey there, Daddy. Happy Fourth of July.”
CHAPTER 31
