Page 32 of Unwrapped
“Probably because it’s been a fantasy of mine since college.”
“Tell me more.”
“Whenever we’d hang out together, whether it be to study, or for one of our other adventures, I never wanted it to end. There were so many nights when you were packing up your books to go home ...” I clear my throat and release a heavy exhale as the memories come flooding back.
She feathers her fingertips over my pecs, toying with my chest hair. “Keep going.”
“I hated when you’d leave.”
“Me too.”
“I used to envision tying you to my bed so I could make you stay.”
“I would’ve stayed if you asked me.”
“That’s the thing. I never had the balls. Believe me, there were so many times I spent hours trying to work up the courage, but I couldn’t do it. Then, I’d mope around the apartment after you left.”
She reaches up to stroke my cheek. “Sounds like you were just as lonely and miserable as I was back then.”
“Yeah.” I meet her gaze. “So, to answer your question, no. It never crossed my mind to tie up another woman. You’re the only one I’ve ever wanted to keep.”
“I wish you’d tried harder to keep me.” Her eyes mist over, and she blinks rapidly to clear them.
“Me too, sweetheart. I’m so fucking sorry I let you go.” My chest tightens. “I caused us both so much pain. I’d giveanythingto go back and fix it.” The gravelly tone leaving my lips doesn’t even sound like my voice, probably because my remorse makes it hard to breathe, let alone speak.
“And I wish I hadn’t been so stupid.” She squeezes her eyes shut. “I’m sorry I hurt you by being with him. I didn’t know how you felt.”
I brush my thumb over her lower lip. “That’s because I didn’t tell you. I walked away when I should’ve fought. We wasted so much time.” I pull her closer, like my hug can erase the painful years that passed.
“How do we navigate all this going forward?” Her voice is soft, uncertain.
Good question.The fact remains we live in different states, and she’s my twin’s ex. My mother will disown me if I tarnish the golden child’s image during his campaign. Despite Ryan’s shitty character, he’s still my brother. It’s my job to help him succeed.
I clench my jaw, knowing this is the same thought process that made me lose her eleven years ago. The problem is, I’m not sure how to move beyond it. My chest tightens even more with the realization I’m at risk of seeing history repeat itself. “We’ll figure it out.”
We have to. How? I’m not sure, but I owe it to both of us to try.
Hudson doesn’t make eye contact when he enters the kitchen, just makes a beeline for the fridge.
“You hungry again?”
“Nope.” He withdraws a beer and cracks it open, then leans against the counter and chugs the entire thing like he used to do in college. Crushing the empty can, he finally meets my gaze. “Thirsty.”
“Are you OK?” Camille walks over to him.
He lifts an eyebrow. “Areyou?”
“Why wouldn’t I be?”
“Good point.” Hudson smirks and holds her gaze. “Interesting choice in safe words, Cami-Cam.”
Her cheeks flush pink. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Uh-huh.” He points toward the living room. “I’m not sure what kind of duct system they typically have in log cabins, but there’s like a vent or whatever in the ceiling over the couch.”
He heard everything.
Camille opens and closes her mouth as her cheeks turn an even deeper shade of red.
