Page 69 of I Loved You First

“Are you up for a bite to eat—maybe some non-gluten-free anything before I pick Brady up.”

She laughed again. “Are you thinking of something like pasta or pizza?”

“Whatever you want.”

“First, I need to go to the bathroom.” She gestured to their current situation—where Cam still nestled himself inside of her. “Then I think we should think about Italian because that sounds really good.”

“Do you want to go to Marzelli’s? They still serve that eggplant parmesan lasagna thing you like.”

She grinned as she nodded with enthusiasm. “Yes.”

“Let’s do it.” But he captured her face in his hands, kissing her gently, tenderly.

She hummed her pleasure as she let the sweet moment play out.

Then he eased back, pulling himself free. “That was the worst part of my day right there.”

She chuckled as she stood, pulling on her panties and shorts before she made a mess all over the desk. “Let’s see if some gluten will cheer you up. I’ll be right back.” Still grinning, she headed for the bathroom, more than content as she went to clean up.

eighteen

Fiona sat snuggled up in her robe on her window seat, basking in the late-morning sunshine while she sipped the matcha latte she’d made for herself after a long shower. Sighing, she closed her eyes, enjoying the luxury of doing absolutely nothing.

It felt good to be still—even better to be entirely relaxed. When was the last time she’d let herself rest?

She frowned when she realized maybe never. For the entirety of her childhood and young adult life she’d chased her dreams, caught up in her ambitions and desires for her big, exciting life.

Then her world had crashed down around her and she’d lived as if her feet were on fire—as if she had dared to stop, she would have perished. Because she’d never been willing to feel or deal with the pain of losing the man she’d loved to her core.

Mom walked down the hall, stopping in her doorway. “Good morning, sweet girl.”

Fiona smiled as she turned her head, studying her mother dressed in stylish capri jeans and a pink V-neck button-down. She’d tied her hair back in one of her typical summertime ponytails. Other than the small scar on her forehead and the new splint on her wrist, it was impossible to tell she’d been in an accident. “Good morning.”

“How was the Smith party last night?”

Fi nodded. “Really good. When I left, everyone was having a great time.”

“That’s because you’re great at what you do.”

Fi grinned, forever treasuring her mother’s support. “Thank you.”

“Are you going out to Cam’s today?”

She shook her head. “I don’t think so.” Because she needed to show herself that she could stay away. It concerned her some that on a day when she was free to do anything, the only thing she wanted was to be with Cam and Brady.

“You’ve been spending a lot of time out there.”

She nodded. “Cam’s needed my help.”

“Quite a bit of help, I guess.”

As they held each other’s gazes, she knew from her mother’s comment—from the look in her pretty blue eyes—that her mom knew it was more than that.

She’d been out at the lake every day. If she wasn’t watching Brady, she, Cam, and his son were spending time together at the house or out in the community. After Brady went to bed, she and Cam couldn’t keep their hands off each other. She’d even stopped by after the Smith party last night, staying until nearly three a.m.

“The sparkle’s back in your eyes. That’s something I haven’t seen in a long time.”

“It’s nice being home again.” Fi sipped her drink as the silence hung heavy between them, knowing her mom wanted to say more. “Are you taking today off or are you heading to the theater?”