I shrug as if it didn’t affect me, but truth be told, I’ve imagined kissing her like that since when we were teenagers. “Guess you’re not dreaming.”
Cami blinks again, licks her lips, then nods. “Apparently not, though I’m unsure if I’m happy about that or not.”
“Well, dreaming would almost be better because the current circumstances kinda suck.”
“Oh, uh, right. Yeah, that part definitely does.”
“Okay, well, I gotta shower and check in with my boss.” Walking toward the stairs, I notice she’s flustered, which has me grinning, but I tuck it inside. “Don’t forget about our dinner plans.” I point at her. “Five o’clock sharp.”
“Sure. Maybe eat a big lunch in case it’s a fail.”
“Nah, I have faith in you.” I flash her a wink. “But just in case, I have snacks.”
Bruno follows me to the stairs, and I take two steps at a time, then go into the bathroom. I’m not sure what the fuck came over me, but I don’t regret it. Even though Cameron tormented me for years, I still fantasized about kissing her. And it was everything I thought it’d be—searing hot and passionate, greedy even. Since Zane just broke it off, and she was in a vulnerable state, I shouldn’t have taken advantage, but…Cami didn’t push me away either.
Once I finish showering and get dressed, I hear the water running upstairs, and smile knowing she’s soaking in the tub like I suggested. Cami’s so damn uptight; she probably doesn’t know how to chill out, but it makes me happy that she’s trying.
“Alright, Bruno…work time, buddy.” He nudges me with his wet nose, nearly climbing on my lap as I sit at the desk. “Lie down and take a nap. We’ll play later,” I tell him.
He’s used to constant attention because one of my roommates played with him while I was at the office, but he won’t be getting that here. I have to complete my tasks remotely through this crisis, which is fucking with my head.
On one hand, I need to figure out new ways to connect with clients and am even hoping to get promoted soon to an appraisal manager. But on the other, I hate pushing people to sign contracts on leases they don’t need right now. Nevertheless, I still need a paycheck, and I’m grateful to receive a salary when millions have lost their jobs.
After an hour of responding to emails and following up with a few clients, I take a short break to get a drink. As I’m walking down the hallway, I hear a commotion from above and pause. I wait and then hear Cami scream followed by a loud thump.
Rushing to the third level, I knock on her door and call her name. “Cami? You okay?”
Her feet pad against the floor, and when she opens the door, she’s only wearing a towel.
“Uh…” I lower my eyes, not hiding the fact I’m looking. “I heard something. Are you alright?”
“Aside from falling on my ass, I’m fine,” she says, breathlessly.
“You fell?” I meet her eyes. “Getting out of the tub or what?”
She bites down on her lower lip and fidgets. “Well, no, not exactly.”
Leaning against the doorframe, I wait for her to explain. This is going to be amusing as hell, I can already tell.
“I half-dried off and needed to pee, but then the fucking seat broke, and…” She hesitates, closing her eyes briefly. “I fell off.”
Standing straighter, I blink. “You fell off?” I hide my smile, trying my hardest not to chuckle at the utter defeat in her eyes.
“Yes. The seat shifted, and I guess I was too wet and slipped.”
The expression on her face is pure annoyance and shock that a toilet seat would dare to break while she’s using it. Her reaction has me doubling over. I can’t help myself and burst out laughing.
“Shut up! I landed on my tailbone, and now it hurts!” She steps closer and smacks me against the chest. “You’re such a jerk.”
I hold up my hands and grin. “I didn’t do it. Why am I a jerk?”
She folds her arms over her half-bare chest and scowls. “You’re laughing.”
“Well, I’m sorry. But it’s hilarious.”
“It’s not.”
“No, trust me. It very much is. Considering you slipped off a toilet seat buck ass naked is the funniest thing I’ve heard in months. Actually, I’m going to replay it in my head anytime I need a good laugh. This moment might last a lifetime.”
“Alright, asshole. Bye.” She starts to shut the door, but I stop it with my foot.
“Oh, c’mon. I’m just messin’ with you.”
“I’m gonna have the biggest bruise.” She pouts with a frown.
“It sounds like it needs to be tightened. You have a screwdriver?”
“A what?”
“Oh, God. You don’t know what tools are, do you?”
“Can you not mock me right now?”
“Sorry, but you make it a little too easy.” I grin. “I’ll look in the garage and see if your dad has anything in there. Get dressed, and I’ll help you fix the broken seat situation.”