“And then I think about Camden and how he wants me to give him a chance. The other night when I mentioned that I was cheated on by the only two guys I’ve been with, he said it’s them, not me, but how can it be them and not me, when both of them cheated on me? And if I couldn’t keep them satisfied and only wanting me, how the hell would I ever keep a man like Camden satisfied? He’s a rock star, for God’s sake. He has beautiful women throwing themselves at him every damn day. What do I possibly have to offer him that he can’t get from all those other women?”
I glance up at my mom, needing her motherly wisdom, but my eyes lock on Camden, who is standing just behind us.
“Felix was looking for you,” he says. “I thought I saw you come out here. I wasn’t trying to eavesdrop.” He swallows thickly, his Adam’s apple bobbing. “I only heard the end of what you were saying.”
“Great,” I mutter, dropping my head into my hands.
My mom’s arm leaves me just as a strong hand grips my hand and gently tugs it. I’m forced to look at Camden, who’s now crouching in front of me. I look for my mom to save me, but she’s already disappeared inside. Damn traitor.
“But I’m glad I did,” he says, palming the side of my face. “I don’t know all that went on in your marriage, but what I do know is that I’d give anything to be able to come home to you every day. Your boyfriend from high school cheated on you because you moved away, and he was young and not thinking about forever, and your husband… he cheated on you because he’s a damn fool. But neither of those circumstances were because of you.”
I start to argue, but he presses two fingers against my lips. “Sex is sex, Layles. Guys can get off with anyone. Give them a warm hole to sink into, and they’re good to go. But what a guy can’t get just anywhere is a good woman. Someone who supports and loves him. Who is there, day in and day out, making sure their family is taken care of. And all of those things are found in the home, not outside of it. David made the same mistake many men make. He was too busy looking outside to pay attention to what was inside.”
“What if…?” I sniffle, hating that I’m crying in front of Camden. “What if what’s outside is better than what’s inside?” I ask, tears filling my eyes and falling without my permission.
“If you’re inside, that’s impossible.”
“David didn’t think so,” I murmur.
“And we’ve already concluded that he’s a fool. David didn’t deserve you. He didn’t appreciate you. Because if he did, he would’ve been too busy looking inside to notice anything beyond those walls. He had everything. The beautiful wife, the adorable kid. A loving home. And he lost it all because he chose to look outside instead of cherishing and appreciating what he had on the inside. But that’s on him, not you, and it’s sure as hell not fair to throw his dumbass choices on me.”
His emerald eyes sear into me. “If I had you, I know I’d never look outside. Them fucking blinds would stay closed.” He smirks, and I find myself laughing. “You’re beautiful and smart and sexy as fuck, and if I’m ever lucky enough to get you inside my four walls, I will prove to you every damn day that you’re all I see… all I want. That there’s nothing worth looking outside for.
“I hate that he hurt you. I hate that he ruined your family, and Felix will be affected. But selfishly, I’m so fucking thankful he showed his true colors, and because of his stupidity, I was able to tell you how I feel. I missed my chance all those years ago, but I’ll be damned if I let you slip through my fingers again.”
“I need a little bit of time,” I tell him, needing to be honest. “I heard everything you said, but the truth is, I never knew you felt that way. Right now, I’m trying to wade through my mess of a life, and I don’t think I’m in a place where I can be what you need. I know you said you’d never cheat on me, but I don’t want to enter into a relationship feeling insecure. And I know that’s not fair to you because you haven’t done anything wrong, but I can’t help how I feel.”
Camden nods, his lips turning into a sad smile. “I get it. I heard you. When I shook your hand at the club, it was us starting over… as friends. I’m here, as your friend, and hopefully, one day when you’re ready, I can be more. But just know that I’m here, no matter what. I fucked up when I walked away five years ago. I did what I had to at the time for Gage and Brax, and even myself, but I still fucked up. And to be given a second chance… I won’t fuck it up again. Even if it’s only as your friend.”