Page 14 of Unwrapped
My chest tightens, wondering how far they’d take their act. Would he hold her close on the dance floor? Kiss her beautiful lips?
“Oh my God,” Jordana gushes, rubbing her hands together. “Cami, it’s perfect. You can roll up in one of Jude’s fancy cars and march into that wedding with a literal billionaire on your arm. I mean, whodoesn’twant billionaire arm candy?”
“Arm candy? I don’t know aboutthat.” He releases a hearty laugh. “I love you, Jordy. Thanks for stroking my ego.” Jude meets Camille’s gaze. “She’s right about the car part though. Choose whatever one you want to ride in, and we’ll take it.”
Her eyes light up. “Do you still have the Ferrari?”
“Hell yeah, I do. I also have a Bugatti, a Lamborghini, and a Rolls Royce. As Jordy would say, pick your poison.” He rubs his jaw. “What are you wearing?”
“It’s a form-fitting red gown.”
“Perfect. I’ll coordinate my tie with your dress.” He sips his drink and adds, “Just so you know, my Bugatti is red. Figured I’d mention that in case youreallywanna get matchy-matchy.”
“The Bugatti it is then,” Camille says with a smile. “When I get back home, I’ll text you a picture of the invitation, so you have all the details.”
“Sounds like a plan, sugar.”
Jude was never a fan of Ryan. I’m sure he’d love nothing more than to help Camille make him jealous. The satisfaction on his face makes me suspect his offer goes deeper than that. He’s never shown interest in her beyond friendship, but who knows? Maybe I’ve been too distracted by my own feelings to notice. Balling my fists in my lap, I beat back images of them tangled in his sheets.
“Dean?” Talia tilts her head to the side. “Did you hear me?”
I unclench my jaw enough to speak. “What? No. Sorry. You said something?”
“I asked if you’re going to the wedding.”
“No. I wasn’t invited.”
“Don’t you guys share a friend group, seeing as you’re twins and all? I’d imagine there’s some closeness there,” Lena says, sipping her white wine. “Or maybe I’m just close with my brother’s friends because I like them more than I like him.”
“My brother and I have nothing in common. He’s a pompous prick who only cares about himself. We aren’t close because he lost my respect years ago. I only talk to him to keep our mother off my back.” I glance at Camille, hoping she can sense the truth in my words. “We may be twins, but I like to consider myself the better man.”
“There’s no questioningthatone,” Talia says, elbowing my side. “We know you’re a good man, Dean. That’s why we keep you around.”
Now if only I can convince Camille I’m worth keeping around.
It took me thirty-four years to grow a set of balls. Well, kind of. I doubt the conversation I’m about to attempt qualifies as courage, but it’s a step forward for me.
Camille is in the living room, standing near the Christmas tree with her back to me. She’s on the phone with the neighbor who’s feeding her cats while she’s gone. Pausing a few feet away, I wait for her to finish her call. Everyone else is in the kitchen playing Truth Serum, a crazy card game Lena brought, so it’s my first opportunity to be alone with Camille.
“I forgot to tell you Nigel only likes the salmon-flavored canned food. Rupert and Alastair will eat whatever you give them.” She giggles. “Yeah, I know. They’re spoiled, but I love my boys. Give them kisses for me. I really appreciate you, Jen. Thanks. Bye.” She slides the phone into her pocket and pivots in my direction, stopping short when she sees me. “Oh, hey. I didn’t know you were there.”
“I just got here.” I clear my throat. “Can we talk?”
She crosses her arms over her chest. “Sure. What’s up?”
“I want to apologize to you.”
She peers up at me, her eyes narrowing. “For?”
“For what he did.”
Camille shakes her head. “You don’t need to apologize for his actions. Only he can do that, and I’m not stupid enough to think it’ll ever happen.”
“You’re right. He won’t give you that courtesy,” I rub the back of my neck, “but I feel like I need to.”
“Thanks, I guess.” She shrugs.
“I hate that he hurt you.”
