Page 29 of Flawless

“There are a lot of people in my business in committed relationships, and they find a way to make it work.”

“Yeah, but they probably live in the same house. Or the same city, at least.”

“Maybe you don’t think this is worth pursuing?”

“I didn’t say that.”

“Then what are you saying?” I could feel and hear the panic creeping into my voice but I couldn’t help it. What started out as a great day was suddenly spiraling because I’d become so invested in this man.

He sighed and it sounded like he was releasing a pressure valve, reminding me of all the stress he had in his day-to-day. He didn’t need me adding to it.

“I’m still trying to make sense of what the hell is happening between us, Rylee. It’s not like I expected to meet you. I didn’t ask for any of this. But now I want it. So, am I ready to walk away just because it might feel impossible sometimes? No, I’m not.”

I was able to breathe a little easier when I said, “Good, because I’m not willing to walk away either. I’m a fighter, Cam. I’ve had to be. And I’ll fight for what I want.” I smiled. “Consider that fair warning.”

He chuckled. “I love that. Now that we’ve got that settled, I should let you get some sleep.”

“Busy day tomorrow?” I asked, suppressing a yawn.

“Always. Counting the sleeps ‘til I get to see you again, gorgeous.”

“Me too.” I was tempted to say more, but I bit my tongue, knowing it was too soon to tell him I loved him, even though I suspected I did. “Dream of me?”

“Count on it.”

Chapter Eleven

Cameron

My sister had been helping me to prepare for Rylee’s weekend visit.

Since she considered my house a soulless man-cave, she’d been sending me links to all this crap she thought I should buy, to ‘soften the space.’

I thought it was B.S., but wanted Rylee to feel comfortable, so I took Eden’s advice and bought everything she thought I should.

Candles, throw pillows, cozy blankets, bookshelves, rocking chairs for the porch. Even fresh flowers. And I had to admit; the place did look more inviting.

So, I didn’t know why the hell I was so nervous, as I waited to pick Rylee up from the airport Friday night.

I was waiting inside the terminal, near the pick-up gate when I spotted her.

She was wearing faded jeans, white running shoes, a black tank top, with a grey and black plaid shirt tied around her waist. She looked adorable, and as country as any girl I knew.

But when I started to make my way towards her, I stopped dead, as a fan spotted her, and a crowd started to gather. It grew larger with more people asking for autographs and pictures.

I thought of Austin’s comments about her career blowing up, and realized I was witnessing it in real-time. Damn. I didn’t know how I’d handle dating a full-blown celebrity, but that’s exactly what Rylee was on the verge of becoming, and it was unnerving.

The crowd finally parted when she pointed to me before saying a few words to them.

I didn’t have time to brace myself before she jumped into my arms, wrapping her arms around my neck and kissing me like she’d missed me as much as I’d missed her. I was aware that the group who’d gathered around her were now taking photos and videos of us.

“We’re making a bit of a scene,” I whispered in her ear. “Let’s get out of here, so I can have you all to myself.”

She growled in my ear. “Hmm, I like the sound of that, Sheriff. Are you going to take me home and have your way with me?”

I laughed before setting her down on her feet and reaching for the handle of her suitcase. I wheeled it along behind us as I reached for her hand, lacing my fingers with hers. We drew stares and whispers, from people who probably recognized her but couldn’t place her.

I was used to drawing attention in the communities I served, but that meant shaking hands and making small talk with locals. Not signing autographs and posing for selfies. In spite of having a famous sister, Rylee’s world was new to me.