So when Tate asked if I wanted to go gown shopping for the event with her, I jumped to accept, calling Sabrina and forcing her to tag along. But I hadn’t been able to concentrate on the task at hand.

  “Yo, earth to Sutton.”

  I looked up from my task of aimlessly flipping through the racks of evening gowns—none of which I’d actually seen since I’d been too lost in thought—to my sister’s face.

  “Huh?”

  Sabrina scrunched her lips to the side and gave me a look. “You weren’t listening to a damn word I just said, were you?”

  “Cut her some slack,” Tatum said with a laugh. “She’s gone love stupid. Happens to all of us in the beginning.”

  Now that caught my attention. My head jerked up as I stared at them with wide eyes across the racks of dresses. “Wait, what?”

  “Ah, yes,” Sabrina said with a wistful smile. “I remember those days. New love and all that shit that makes you think the guy you’re with is absolutely perfect.”

  “Yeah. I remember thinking it was cute that Declan left the door open to pee so he could talk to me while I was in the bedroom,” Tate added, just as wistful as Sabrina.

  My sister giggled. “Oh, how about not minding the skids in their drawers ’cause you’re just thankful there’s a man in your life to do laundry for?”

  “See? Love stupid!” Tate declared. “I don’t get why scientists haven’t done more research on this condition. It’s a very real thing.”

  My slightly hysterical laugh drew their attention back to me. “That’s ridiculous!” I cackled. I don’t love Camden.”

  Both of them stared at me like I was full of shit.

  “Uh-huh,” Tate mumbled.

  “Sure, you don’t,” Sabrina chided sarcastically.

  “I don’t! Seriously. I like him a lot, but I don’t love him. And yeah, I want to be with him all the time, and he makes me super happy, but that’s not love.”

  “Honey,” Sabrina said sympathetically, “that’s exactly what love is.”

  Oh, god. “But… that’s not possible. I mean, we’ve only been fake dating a little over a month, and real dating for like a minute! You can’t love someone that fast!”

  “I fell in love with Bryan thirty minutes into our first date,” she said with a shrug, surprising the hell out of me.

  “You did?”

  “Absolutely. Sure, I was a pain in the ass, and I made him work way too damn hard, but looking back on it, I loved him from the very beginning. It just took me a while to pull my head out and realize it.”

  “I fell in love with Declan when I was seven years old,” Tatum added. “There’s no time limit on something like that, honey. It just happens, and there’s nothing you can do about it.”

  “And if it makes you feel any better, he’s totally over-the-moon crazy for you too,” Sabrina exclaimed.

  My heart swelled in my chest, making it hard to breathe as I looked back and forth between her and Tate. “You think so?”

  “You kidding?” Tate asked loudly. “I’ve known that guy a long time. He’s my best friend, and I’ve never seen him this crazy about a woman. Never. You want to be sure, there’s only one question you need to ask yourself. Are you more complete with him than you are without him?”

  Warmth infused me from the inside out, because, holy shit, I was falling in love with Camden Knight. Or I’d already fallen. I wasn’t quite sure.

  The answer to her question was yes. That hole I’d felt inside me for so long had started to grow smaller the moment he entered my life until he eventually filled it completely. Now it had become nothing more than a memory. I didn’t feel like I was missing anything, like I was just waiting for something or someone to come along and make me happy. I already had it.

  Because of him.

  Sucking in a huge gulp of air, I gasped, “Holy shit,” as the revelation washed over me.

  “Now she finally gets it!” Sabrina crowed. “Took you long enough, babe.”

  I cut my eyes at my sister and frowned. “Cut me some slack. It’s not like you didn’t have the same issues when you and Bryan started out.”

  “True enough. Slack granted… as long as you don’t make the same mistakes I made with Bryan. You love him, let him know. Don’t string him along because of all the baggage we grew up with. You finally have your happy. Grab hold of it and hold on tight.”

  Grab hold of it.

  I wanted to. So damn much. And the only way I knew how to do that was to tell him how I really felt.

  I just needed to find the right time.

  Chapter 34

  Sutton

  “Baby, time to hit the road!” Camden yelled from the living room. “You got two minutes to get your sexy ass out here before I throw you over my shoulder and carry you out.”

  “Don’t you dare!” I shouted in return from my place in the bedroom. “You’d ruin my dress and hair, and I’d have to kick your ass!”

  I slid the last delicate platinum hoop in my ear and secured it before running shaky hands down my belly as I took in my reflection in the mirror.

  I felt beautiful as I trailed my gaze along the shimmery red satin that hugged me from my bust to the top of my hips before flowing out into a swishy skirt that fell all the way to the floor with a tiny train at the back. The thin, ruffled straps were made of the same red material and crisscrossed at my back, making it impossible to wear a bra. Fortunately the material held my girls perfectly, keeping them high and perky.

  Sabrina had helped me with my hair and makeup. Instead of going for a flashy updo, she’d curled my hair into big fat waves that fell down my back, securing the top with a French braid on each side of my center part that twisted around and met at the back. It was simple, yet sophisticated. We kept my makeup light and dewy since I wasn’t a fan of the heavy feel of caked-on makeup.

  One spritz of perfume, a swipe of gloss, and I was officially ready.

  And I was a huge bundle of nerves.

  I’d been sitting on this massive epiphany for a couple of days, and I’d finally decided that tonight was the night. I was going to tell Camden I loved him. And if all went well, maybe approach the topic of him moving in.

  I couldn’t have planned it any better. Formal gowns, designer tuxes, a glitzy ballroom done up to the nines—the whole thing spelled romance.

  It was time to pull up my big girl panties and get this done.

  Taking one last breath, I grabbed the gold beaded clutch that matched my strappy high heeled sandals and started down the hall.

  His back was to me as he fiddled to get his cufflinks in place, and I took that time to appreciate just how fine his ass looked in his tuxedo pants. All I’d ever seen him in were his standard T-shirt and jeans—and his birthday suit, of course, which just so happened to be my favorite. But Camden Knight in a tux was a masterpiece. He was a work of art, and I’d have given my left boob for the ability to draw so I could sketch him just like this.

  The click-clack of my heels alerted him to my presence, and he froze solid the instant he turned around.

  “God. Damn,” he groaned as his hungry gaze ate me up.

  My cheeks grew as red as my dress as I asked, “You approve?”

  Instead of answering, his reply was a feral growl, followed by “Fuck the benefit. We’re stayin’ home.”

  My eyes bugged out in shock. “What? Why?”

  “’Cause I’m tyin’ you to the bed and spending the night fuckin’ you in that dress. Jesus Christ, baby. You’re a goddamn vision.” Closing the distance between us, he wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me into him, leaning down to devour my lips in a kiss so intense I’d have gladly agreed to blow tonight off for the chance to spend it in bed with him.

  When he finally pulled away, my heart was beating so erratically I was sure he could feel it. “Cam, I—”

  My words were cut off by a knock on the door.

  “Shit,” he hissed. “That’s the car. We really need to get goin’.”

  “Oh… yeah. Okay.”

  Grabbing my hand, he started leading me that way, turning to glance back over his shoulder. “What was it you wanted to say?”

  Pasting a smile on my face, I gave my head a shake and replied, “Nothing that can’t wait.”

  I wasn’t going to tell Camden I loved him for the first time in the back of a freaking limo. Fortunately, we had the whole night ahead of us.

  * * *

  “Oh, god. It’s crazy out there,” I whispered, all but squishing my face against the cool glass window as we pulled up in front of the museum where the benefit was being held. Velvet ropes ran parallel to the red carpet that went from the curb all the way up to the entrance of the building, and on both sides was a huge crush of photographers, correspondents, and regular people just hoping to catch a glimpse of someone famous.

  “There have to be at least a couple hundred people out there.”

  “Hmm,” Camden hummed casually. “That’s up from last year. Hopefully that means we’ll raise more money.”

  Turning back to him, I gave his arm a light punch. “How are you not nervous? I’m freaking the hell out right now!”

  With a chuckle, he pulled me off the bench seat that ran along the side and settled me beside him. “Relax, cutie. They’re just normal people like the rest of us.”

  “Yeah,” I muttered, my gaze trained out the window. “Normal people who like to follow you around, shouting inappropriate questions while taking your picture.”

  “This is different. You’ll see. Those vultures are well behaved at events like this. I’ll have your hand in mine the whole time. We’ll stop about halfway down for a beat to let them get their shots, and then we’ll move inside. You got this. I promise.”

  God, I loved him, so much I couldn’t hold it back any longer. Back of the limo be damned. I wanted to say it, and I wanted to say it right now. Reaching up, I rested my palm on his chest and leaned in closer. “I love you, Camden.”

  His body locked tight as those deep blues went wide. “What?”

  “I love you. That was what I wanted to say back at the house. You’re amazing, honey. You make me happier than I’ve ever been, and I’m in love with you.

  One beat turned into two, then three, and all he did was stare. Anxiety erupted in my stomach like a dormant volcano that had just gone active. I wasn’t sure what to say next, what to do, but I was saved from having to make a decision when the door of the limousine was thrown open.

  I hadn’t realized just how soundproof the car was until then. The roar of people shouting for Camden Knight was near deafening.

  “Mr. Knight, right this way,” said the man who’d just opened the door and allowed the real world to interfere.

  Camden climbed from the car and turned back to hold out his hand for me as I scooted across the seat.

  What the hell just happened?

  My mind was racing as I carefully stood from the back seat and stepped onto the red carpet at Camden’s side. I somehow managed to paste a smile on my face, but I was pretty sure I was dying inside.

  He hadn’t said it back. Not only that, but he’d looked like he was going to be sick after I said it. How could I have read what was happening between us so poorly?

  We reached the center of the carpet and stopped. Camden brought me against his side and graced the cameras with that breathtaking smile, and all I could do was stare up at him, no doubt with longing in my eyes.

  He didn’t love me. Shit. I wasn’t sure how I was going to get through the night.

  We started moving again, Camden leading me while I shifted into autopilot. It was the only way I was going to make it through the pain clawing at my heart. Once we were inside, I tried to disengage from his hold, but his arm tightened, refusing to let me go.

  “Sutton—”

  Jerking my head up, I kept that plastic smile glued in place. “No, it’s fine. Really. Just forget I said anything.”

  His eyebrows angled in a deep frown. “Forget it?”

  “Yeah,” I chirped, each word like a knife to the gut. “Let’s just pretend it never happened and enjoy the night.”

  He opened his mouth to say something else, but thankfully we were interrupted again when Tate called my name and reached our side.

  “Sutton, oh my god. You look beautiful!”

  Camden was forced to let me go, and my stiff limbs moved in an effort to return the hug she leaned in to give me. “You do too. Then again, you’re always gorgeous.”

  “So are you,” she said with a playful glare. “I’m so glad I’ll actually have someone I like to talk to tonight. These things are always so goddamn stuffy.”

  “What, so I’m just arm candy?”

  I shifted around her to look at Declan. “Ooh, look who cleans up well,” I teased. The rock and roll god looked nearly as good in a tux as Cam did.

  “Thanks, doll. With you on his arm, maybe no one will notice how fuckin’ ugly Camden really is.”

  “Thanks, asshole,” Camden shot back before grabbing my arm and giving it a tug. “Sutton and I need a minute, guys. We’ll catch up with you later.”

  My eyes started darting around, looking for any escape from the terrible conversation he wanted to have, when I landed on a group of people heading his way. “Sorry, honey, but it looks like you’re being summoned.”

  His head spun, and the moment he spotted them, his jaw went hard and he hissed out a frustrated “Shit.”

  “Tate and I are gonna get a glass of wine. You two mingle and we’ll catch up.” Then, ever the dutiful actress, I stood on my tiptoes and pressed a kiss to his lips before grabbing Tate’s hand and dragging her away.

  We walked farther into the room where the benefit was being held and straight to the open bar.

  I ordered wine from the bartender and turned back to Tate, her concerned eyes gaze on me. “Everything okay, sweetie?”

  “Yeah!” I cried way too cheerfully. “Everything’s great.”

  She saw through me like I was made of glass. “Try again.”

  “I’m just nervous,” I replied, knowing that excuse would work. “This is my first time at something like this.”

  Her face softened as she patted me on the back. “It’ll get easier, honey, trust me. And until it does, just lean on Camden for support. He’ll get you through.”

  Yeah, I’m not so sure about that.

  Chapter 35

  Camden

  This was a goddamn nightmare.

  Sutton had put on the performance of her life all evening, but he could still see the heartbreak lingering in those green and gold eyes as she smiled and laughed at all the right times. All those assholes with fat pockets were instantly taken with her. Then again, with her vixen looks and sugar-sweet personality, who wouldn’t be?

  He’d lost count of how many times he’d tried to get a private word. Unfortunately, there were just too many people he had to schmooze to find the time.

  After her initial escape, he’d managed to eventually track her down, and she’d diligently remained by his side for the rest of the night, but he felt the tension rolling off her in waves and crashing against him. Every time he touched her, she locked up, and it was all his goddamn fault.

  She said she was in love with him.

  It should have been the happiest moment of his fucking life, and it would have been if he hadn’t been keeping an enormous secret from her for the past couple of weeks. The moment those words left her pretty lips, his heart had nearly burst from his chest. Then he remembered, and the guilt set in like a nasty infection.

  He had to tell her the truth. And once that was done with, hopefully she’d forgive him so he could tell her how goddamn much he loved her. She was it for him. She was the only thing he needed to survive. And he couldn’t lose her.

  The two of them had been engaged in conversation with a powerful Hollywood couple for the past few minutes, and Sutton was charming the hell out of them, convincing them to donate more without them even realizing, when a voice he hadn’t expected to hear called his name.

  “Cam, honey! I’ve missed you!”

  Ryan came out of nowhere, hopping up and wrapping her arms around his neck, effectively ending the conversation he’d been having without so much as batting an eye.

  From the corner of his eye, he saw Sutton’s shoulders go rigid as the rest of her locked tight at the sight of another woman literally throwing herself at him.

  Putting his hands to Ryan’s waist, he gently pushed her back and stood tall. “Ryan. This is a surprise. I didn’t know you planned to attend this year.”

  The white dress she was wearing was cut all the way down to her belly button, and the slit up the thigh came dangerously close to showing more than it should.

  He knew her well enough to know she occasionally showed some skin, but this amount was shocking, even to him. It wasn’t like her to be so damn obvious about it, and he couldn’t help but wonder what brought that on. But there were currently too many other things for him to worry about that took precedence over Ryan’s formal attire.

  “And miss something you’ve worked so hard on? No way. I know how important this event is to you. Every year you work yourself to the bone. I’ve told you a hundred times, you take on too much, sweetie.” Something almost malicious glinted in her eyes as she turned to Sutton. “Hi, I’m Ryan Starr. Camden and I go way back.”

  “Uh….” It took her a few seconds to get her bearings, but once she did, she reached out to shake Ryan’s hand. “Sutton Briar. It’s very nice to meet a friend of Camden’s.”

  Camden hooked his arm around Sutton’s shoulder so he could yank her away from Ryan and into him. “Baby, this is my friend Ryan. She’s the one I was telling you about that I went to meet in LA a few weeks ago. Ryan, this is my girlfriend, Sutton.” Both women stared at each other silently. “So, Ry, are you here alone tonight? I could introduce you around—”

  “Oh, no.” She waved him off. “That’s not necessary. My date should be here any second. Oh, there he is!”

  And just like that, the bottom fell out from beneath Camden’s feet.

 

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