Page 66 of I Loved You First

Cam pulled up at the Keene worksite as several members of his crew did. Sipping at the lukewarm coffee he’d stopped off for in Maple Ridge, he studied the work they’d completed over the last few days, satisfied that they were still on pace even after yesterday’s shitty weather.

Luckily, the pool house Mom had designed was small and fairly straightforward. The electrical and plumbing had already passed inspection, and the insulation had gone in before the worst of the storms hit.

Today, Ezra and his team would take care of the drywall while Cam waited for the foundation to be poured on the new sunroom project starting at the main house.

Glancing at his watch, he calculated the next few hours of his day, feeling optimistic that he would most likely make it home early. Spending time with Brady and Fi was definitely on the agenda if she didn’t already have other plans.

Perhaps they could go for another swim or head into town for dinner and a movie. After he tucked Brady into bed, he and Fi could see where they ended up.

He grinned, finding his body loose and limber after several rounds of good loving. It was still sinking in that he and Fi had been together again.

Getting out of the truck in his typical workday garb, he walked toward his best friend, bringing his hazelnut brew with him. “Are you guys ready to get this party started?”

Ezra nodded, studying the house with his hands on his hips, dressed for the day in work boots, jeans, and a white T-shirt. He’d tied one of his usual kerchiefs around his head. “There’s not much to this place. Between the windows, wet bar, and brick finish on the fireplace and in that section of the bathroom, there isn’t a lot of area we need to cover. We’ll be out of your way by lunchtime. Easy.”

Cam nodded, sipping at his coffee as his gaze tracked over the pool house again. “That’s what I like to hear. Hopefully, we can get the brick boys in here and get the fireplace mostly finished before we knock off for today.”

“Uh-huh.”

Cam looked at Ezra, realizing his friend was staring at him. “What?”

Ezra grabbed Cam’s arm, nudging him away from the group. “You got laid.”

Cam blinked, shocked that it was so easy to tell. “What?”

“Dude, don’t deny it. I’ve known you our entire lives. You look… relaxed. Satisfied. Like you haven’t in a long, long time.”

Cam shook his head, turning to walk away. “I’m not having this conversation.”

Ezra stopped him with a hand on his arm. “Was it Fi?”

Cam clenched his jaw as he turned back, steaming out a breath. So much for keeping his private life between himself and Fiona. “Yeah.”

Ezra nodded. “So, you guys are spending a ton of time together and now you’re sleeping together?”

Cam nodded this time. “Pretty much.”

“Is she still going back to Seattle?”

Cam rubbed at the back of his neck, certain he’d never loathed a place more than he did the city on the West Coast. “Yeah, she’s going back. We’re keeping things simple. Just friends.”

Ezra raised his brow at him.

Cam’s mood darkened quickly. “Don’t give me that shit.”

“I’m just wondering if you actually believe what you’re saying. Because your defensive tone tells me you know it’s a bunch of bullshit.”

Cam paced several steps away before he walked back. Because he did know it was bullshit. “It is what it is.”

“Huh,” Ezra said as he nodded.

Cam became more riled up. Because Ezra was saying plenty without saying much at all. “I’m not about to ask her to give up the life she made for herself after I fucked everything up, especially when she’s given me zero indication that she wants anything different. She’s planning the wedding for the governor of Washington’s daughter for Christ’s sake.”

Ezra still didn’t speak.

“If this is what I can have with her, I’ll take it. I never thought I would see her again. Early this morning, she was naked in my bed.”

Ezra nodded as he gave Cam’s shoulder a slap. “You know I love you, man. Just be careful.”