“Not get out of bed. Stay wrapped in your arms all day.”
He tightens his hold around me and kisses the top of my head. “What’s going on, Cam?”
I start to shake my head, but he lifts my chin again, looking me dead in the eyes. “Don’t tell me nothing. I can’t fix it if you don’t tell me.”
“It’s not your job to fix it.”
“What did I tell you last night?” So much was said, but I try to think of what he’s referring to… “You’re mine, Cam,” he says, not waiting for me to answer. “The one. The person I want to spend the rest of my life with, and that means whatever you’re going through, so am I.”
Jesus, this man. How can everything be going so wrong, yet so right at the same time? Like he’s the light in my darkness.
“I get that, and I feel the connection too, but we still hardly know each other, and my burden isn’t yours. Dating is supposed to be fun, not filled with baggage. I just need a little time—”
“No.” He cuts me off. “I’m not giving you any time. Tell me what’s wrong.”
I consider lying to him. I don’t want him to pity me, and I don’t want to come across as some damsel in distress who needs to be saved, but as I sit here, staring out at the boats in the water, I know I need to let someone in because I’m at my lowest point. I’ve hit rock bottom, and I need to extend my hand and let Isaac pull me up.
“I’m homeless.” When his brows furrow in confusion, I explain how I’ve gotten behind on my rent, and because James is trying to renovate the building and turn it into a luxury apartment complex, he’s kicking out everyone he can. “All my stuff is still in there…” Not that I have much. Most of it was sold for cash, but it still sucks not having access to anything of mine. “He locked me out and I need to make an appointment to get it back.”
“What were you doing all day?”
“Looking for a job. Ally Cats is hiring, but I’d have to learn—”
“The strip club?” he barks. “That’s not fucking happening.”
“You don’t understand. My family’s name has been slung through the mud. My options are limited, and I can’t go back to school until August, and that’s only if I can get approved for a loan.”
“You’re coming home with me.”
“What?” I back out of his arms. “For tonight?”
“Forever. Jesus, woman, it’s like you aren’t listening.”
“I hear you! But c’mon, you can’t possibly know that you’re going to want me for the rest of your life after only knowing me for like a week.”
“Maybe you don’t know,” he says, “but I do. I want you, Cam. Today, tomorrow, forever.”
“Why? Why me? I don’t get it. I’m full of drama and baggage. And you must know being with me, the daughter of the man who went to prison for tax evasion and money laundering, is only going to make you look bad. You’re like the perfect man and could probably have any woman you want, so why me?”
“You just don’t see it,” he says, cupping my face. “You’ve been kicked—hell, beaten down—yet you remain so strong. Your mom died of cancer, your father went to prison, and you were thrown from the only life you ever knew into a shitty situation. But not once have you complained to me. I made it clear I want you, and instead of using that to your advantage, you’re at strip clubs trying to get a job.”
He sighs deeply and tucks a few strands of hair behind my ear. “I know we’ve only just met, but I feel it, deep inside me. You’re the one.” He shrugs, as if it’s just that simple because he says so. “I get we’re on different pages right now, and I’m fine with waiting for you to catch up. We have our entire lives for you to get on the same page, but while you’re doing that, you can do it from my home.”
He stands and grabs my hand, pulling me up so our bodies are flush against one another. “I’ve been waiting my entire life for you, and now that I have you, nothing is going to stop me from taking care of you.”
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
ISAAC
“What do you want to eat?”
Camilla looks at me like I’ve lost my mind, but I ignore her. I’m not going to sit here and go back and forth with her about her living situation. She has nowhere to live and I have a home she can live in. It’s as simple as that. From the first day I met her, all I’ve wanted to do is be with her, care for her. I didn’t even know her, but when she freaked out at the charity event before we went in, I felt this urge to comfort and protect her. Just like I do now. She needs me and I want to be there for her.