Page 108 of Camp Bliss

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I don’t want to leave Greta.

But I keep that truth to myself. “We’re building a business. You know how that is.” When we were kids, Dad sometimes didn’t get home from work until after we were in bed.

Mom snorts. “He’s got you there, Marco.”

Dad scoffs. “So? Learn from my mistakes. Set boundaries so you have a work/life balance. Keep holidays off-limits.”

Greta’s focus whips to me. Her bottom lip disappears between her teeth.

That one look tells me all I need to know. She’s about to try to send me away for Christmas. Handle our holiday guests and the rest of the responsibilities of this place by herself.

“Zach—”

Fuck that noise.

I slap the side of my neck, swatting an imaginary mosquito. “C’mon. Let’s head back before we’re swarmed.”

I need to get Greta away from my parents. And not just so I don’t wind up spending Christmas nine hundred miles away from her.

But because we need to talk, and I can’t wait any longer.

ChapterEighteen

GRETA

I hearthe latch on the fifth wheel’s door and freeze.

“Greta?” Zach calls.

I bite my lip. I’m not hiding in my room.

Okay, yes, I’m hiding in my room.

The last few hours have been the most confusing—and exhilarating…andcomfortable—hours I’ve ever packed into one day.

How can I be confusedandexhilaratedandcomfortable?

“Greta?” he calls again. “Are you in here?”

I need to answer or else it’ll just be weird.

Make thatweirder.

“I-I’m here,” I squeak.

Pause.

“You okay?”His voice is clearer. Closer. He’s probably right outside the pocket door that separates the kitchenette from the bathroom/bedroom suite.

“Yeah,” I squeak again. Then clear my throat. “Just a minute.”

I have no idea what to expect now that we’re alone.

He walked his parents back to their cabin while I tidied up the lodge and walked Russell.

I’ve slipped off my boots, but I haven't changed into my pajamas yet. Being in PJs would feel way too vulnerable right now.

Especially if we’re going to talk.

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