Savor You (Fusion #5)(55)

“We need to change these sheets,” I murmur.

“Seems we’re making all kinds of messes today,” he says with a laugh. “I’ll clean it all up.”

“I can help.” I yawn and trace his collarbones. “I love you too, you know. I loved you back then, and I love you all over again.”

He turns me onto my back and hovers over me, watching me closely.

“I didn’t say it because I was afraid that you didn’t feel the same way. I was afraid that you’d say it back out of pity, or even worse, you wouldn’t say anything at all and I’d be mortified. Sometimes I can read your mood, but I’m not a mind reader. I didn’t know, Camden.”

“I know.”

“I tried to forget you. I tried to move on with my life and forget that I ever loved you so much that it hurt to breathe.” I swallow hard and lick my lips. “And I did. For a while. But the minute I saw you again, I knew that I’d never really gotten over you.”

“I’m here now,” he says. “We’ve screwed things up in the past, but I’m here now, Mia, and I don’t plan on going anywhere. Jesus, I moved to Portland for you.”

“You’re still living in a rental,” I reply. “That has to be expensive.”

“Only about three hundred a day.”

“What?” I sit up and stare down at him in horror. “Why didn’t you say so?”

“Why would I say so?”

“That’s a shit ton of money. It’s ridiculous to spend that much.”

“Sweetheart, I’m loaded.” He has a cocky grin on his face now. “I can afford the rental.”

“You should just move in here.”

“I’m not going to move in here just because you think I’m paying too much for the rental. It’s not a big deal. I’ll work out more permanent living conditions sooner or later. I’m not worried about it.”

“I don’t like it.” I frown and lie back down, but I don’t snuggle up to him. “It seems silly for you to be renting a place when I have this place. We’ve lived together before. We’re not bad at it.”

“You want to be roommates?” He’s frowning, and I can’t help but try to keep my face serious, just to play with him.

“I do have the spare bedroom. You’re welcome to it. Besides, I have a better kitchen.”

“You want me to be your fucking roommate.” It’s not a question.

“I won’t charge you anything for rent, since I have to make the mortgage anyway, but if you could help out with utilities, that would be fantastic.”

He laughs now and shakes his head. “You better be fucking with me, baby.”

“Or?”

He pulls me to him and kisses me hard, then pulls away when we’re both breathing hard. “What do you want, Mia?”

“I want you here.”

“Okay then. See? That wasn’t so hard.”

I bark out a laugh. “Everything’s been hard with you, Camden.”





Chapter Sixteen





Camden


“You have a beautiful home,” Mia says to my sister three weeks later as we sit outside in the backyard. We came up to Seattle to see Steph and Chip, and to just get out of Portland for twenty-four hours.

“Thank you,” Steph says with a smile. “Camden says yours is beautiful too.”

“It’s finally getting there,” Mia replies. “I’ve had some renovations done since I bought the place. It’s pretty much where I want it now.”

“I moved in there this week,” I add and grin when Steph’s gaze swings quickly to mine, her eyes wide.

“Really?”

“Really.”

“It didn’t make sense for him to keep renting the house he was in,” Mia says, but then grins at me. “And, I like it better having him with me. He’s not a bad roommate.”

“He’s bad at laundry,” Steph warns Mia, who just laughs.

“I’m good at laundry, so we’re okay. He has other talents.”

“I can do this thing with my tongue—”

“Ew!” Steph covers her ears with her hands and squeezes her eyes shut. “Stop talking. That’s enough.”

“Don’t you know that your sister still thinks you’re a virgin?” Chip asks as he joins us on the patio, carrying a platter of steaks. “These beauties are ready to go on the grill.”

“I’ll help.” I stand, but he shoos me back.

“I’ve got this. I’m right here.” He opens the grill and smiles at Steph. “Your sister got me this very manly grill for my birthday.”

“It’s top of the line,” Steph says proudly. “He’s wanted a new one for a while.”

“There’s a bit of pressure, cooking for two celebrity chefs,” he says, and wipes pretend sweat from his brow. “At least I know if things start to get tricky, you guys can save me.”

“You’re great at the grill,” I reply, shaking my head. I’ve always liked Chip. He’s completely in love with my sister, and treats her very well.

“How’s the restaurant?” Steph asks Mia, who lights up at the mention of her favorite place.