Her Forever Hero (Unexpected Heroes #3)(19)

“Um, Grace. You’re only twenty-eight. I don’t think you’re ready for the nursing home quite yet.”

“I don’t know. It’s just little stuff, but it’s making me feel like I’m going out of my mind.”

“Okay, start from the beginning and tell me what’s happening,” Sage said, but something in the background started beeping. “Crap! Hold on.”

Grace listened in, hearing a lot of frantic movement, and the beeping sound grew more intense, making her pull the phone away from her ear. All of which was followed by a few colorfully unladylike words from her best friend.

A couple of minutes later, Sage came back on the line, and the beeping grew softer. “Sorry about that. I was boiling eggs and I let the damn water evaporate again. The eggs started burning and then exploded onto the hood vent, and the smoke detector went off. I don’t know why I attempt to cook. Mrs. Brinkman is going to have my hide when she gets back from her days off.”

“You have got to be the only person I know who gets so distracted boiling water that you nearly burn the house down.”

“Listen, missy. I clearly remember being your roommate for a while. I know you aren’t any better in the kitchen than I am,” Sage reminded her. “Now tell me what’s been happening.”

“So this morning I ran out to check the mailbox, because it’s been about a week, and I could have sworn I passed the newspaper sitting in front of my door, and then when I went back up the stairs and came inside, that paper was sitting on the kitchen table, and it was open. I know I must have done it, but I just can’t remember doing it,” Grace said, sighing.

“All right, maybe you are losing it.” Sage laughed, making Grace feel better.

To tell the truth, it had really creeped her out, but she wasn’t exactly a morning person, and she could have easily taken the paper in and flung it on the table hard enough that it opened and then forgotten that she’d done it.

“I just have to remember not to even open my front door until I’ve had at least two full cups of coffee,” Grace replied.

“I agree. Sadly enough, I think I drink at least fifteen cups when I’m working, especially an overnight shift.”

“Well, your days as an intern are just about up, aren’t they?” Grace asked.

“Yes, thank goodness. I only have six months to go, and then we’re going to party like it’s, well, like it’s the end of my schooling forever.”

“Good. Now I need to get off the phone so I can finish making this salad—one of the few items I can make—and then get over to your house on time,” Grace told her.

They ended the call and Grace crumbled up her crispy noodles, adding them to the salad just as her doorbell rang. Was it Girl Scout cookie time? She pulled the door open to find Cam on the other side. The instant ache in her core wasn’t the most positive of signs. Damn this man and the way he made her feel.

“Evening,” he said, a big smile on his face.

“What are you doing here, Cam?”

“I thought I’d be kind and offer you a ride out to Spence’s house.”

“I have a car, thank you,” she said, and tried to shut the door.

“Now, don’t be rude. You know you’re going to want to have a few drinks, and you don’t want to drink and drive, do you?” he asked, holding out his arm to prevent her from slamming the door shut.

“I’m not a moron, Cam. I don’t do that. It’s called restraint,” she countered before she realized what he’d said. “Wait a minute. How do you know I’m going out there?”

“I was invited, too,” he informed her, and that damnable smile returned—if anything, it was even brighter.

“Ugh! This had so better not be matchmaking,” she warned. “Just because we’ve shared a few kisses in the last year—” she started to say, when he broke in.

“Don’t forget about our incredible sex the night of Spence and Sage’s wedding.”

“I did forget, thank you,” she said. By the twinkle in his eyes, she had no doubt that he knew she was lying. Of course she hadn’t forgotten. How could she when he was the only man who had managed to make her feel as if she were floating while he traced his fingers across her eager flesh? His kisses since then kept reminding her of how much pleasure he was capable of bringing her.

It was best for everyone concerned—okay, it was best for just her alone if she stayed as far away from Camden Whitman as possible. Her body called her a liar. Her mind told her she was smart to avoid him. And her heart? She wasn’t even going to listen to the beating of her heart. It had never steered her in the right direction.

“You can say whatever you want, but your eyes tell me the truth,” he said, stepping closer.

“Knock it off, Cam.” Her voice was weak as she held up a hand. She knew he could easily overpower her, because they both knew she wanted him.

“I’m just trying to give you a ride, Grace.”

“The ride is what I’m afraid of,” she said dryly.

Cam laughed and moved in closer, cornering her against the table and lifting a hand to trail it through her loose tendrils of hair. “The ride is the best part,” he whispered.

She pulsed deep inside as her womanhood clamored for what his eyes were promising.