Page 99 of A Simple Regret

Clearing my throat, I reply, “Yeah, I’ll ask her.”

“Good deal. Can’t wait to catch up with her more. I didn’t get to talk to her too much at the salon. Maybe we can do dinner all together soon. Charli’s feeling a lot better and feels cooped up at home. Maybe getting together at the diner or the pizzeria sometime in the next week or so would help.”

I nod. “I’ll say something to Maren when I see her.”

“All right, I better go get the ice cream and head home. Good to see you, man. You need anything, even just an ear to bend for a bit, holler.”

“I will,” I state as he throws me a wave and leaves my garage.

Leaving me alone, I return my attention to the front end of my old truck. It won’t be long and I’ll be taking it out for a spin. I wonder if Maren and Theo will be around for that drive. I’d love to take them both, especially after seeing the excitement on Theo’s face as he helped me work on the ol’ girl.

I do my thing, trying not to wonder what’s going on next door. When my stomach growls, I realize I haven’t eaten dinner, and it’s after nine, and while I could easily sit out here and tinker for another few hours, I’m hungry and I do have to work tomorrow. Not that I’m not used to going to work on little sleep. It’s how I’ve operated for years.

Just as I place my tools back in my toolbox, I hear the outside door open. I turn to the left and find the most breathtaking vision standing there. However, as gorgeous as she is, a wave of panic sets in. “Theo? Is everything okay?” I ask, taking several steps until I’m directly in front of her.

“He’s fine,” she quickly insists, closing the door behind her. “He’s sleeping, and my dad is here.”

“Oh. Okay,” I reply, visibly relaxing. Not wanting to get too touchy feeling, I remain where I stand and ask, “What’s up?”

“My mom left around three and then my dad came over for a visit after he got off work. It’s been stressful these last few days,” she says, wringing her hands together nervously.

“I’m sure. Did everything go okay? With your mom?”

She nods. “Yeah, it did. We, uh, talked.”

“That’s good.” Again, I try to sound casual, like my rapidly beating heart isn’t trying to climb into my throat and choke me.

She steps forward and places her hands on my arms. “She wants me to move back, to live near her, but I’m not going anywhere.”

I crack a smile the moment I hear her words. “No?”

Shaking her head, she adds, “I’m where I want to be. In fact, this is where I’ve always wanted to be. I’ve made a lot of mistakes, Cam. I’ve caused pain and broken more hearts than just my own. I shouldn’t have left, but I did. I can’t change that. However, I can be myself and follow my heart moving forward.”

“And what does your heart say?” I ask, wrapping a single hand around her waist and drawing her closer.”

“My heart is yours. It wants to be wherever you are,” she murmurs softly, tears filling those ocean-blue eyes.

“Thank Christ,” I blurt out, pressing my mouth to hers in a searing kiss. She tastes like pure heaven.

She feels like home.

“I would go with you,” I confess, leaning my forehead against hers. “I don’t want you to stay here because you feel obligated or anything. I can live anywhere, work anywhere. What I can’t live without anymore is you.”

She smiles sweetly and runs her fingers over my cheek, as if wiping off a smudge of dirt or grease. “I’m right where I want to be,” she repeats. “But I appreciate the offer. I don’t want to live in the city anymore. I’m home in Cooper Town.”

“And me? Where do I fit into this picture?” I ask, hope filling my chest as I wait for her answer.

“You fit in here,” she whispers, taking my hand and placing it over her heart. “It’s where you’ve been the whole time.”

I exhale, not even realizing I was holding my breath. It’s a combination of relief and eagerness, two feelings battling for the lead. “I love you, Shortcake. I’ve always loved you.”

“Same, Cam. Same,” she murmurs.

I kiss her soundly, letting my tongue explore her mouth and savoring the softness of her lips. “Say the words,” I request, needing to hear those four little words that used to make me feel so alive.

She grins against my lips as she replies, “I love you too.”

Reaching behind her, I flip the lock on the door. “How long is your dad staying at your place?”