“Alright. Thanks.”
“And maybe get some ice for your bruised ass,” I mumble with a chuckle as I walk toward the stairs.
“I heard that, asshole.”
“I know,” I mock. “Be right back.”
I remember seeing a basic tool set sitting on a shelf in the laundry room, probably from when they installed the appliances. Grabbing it, I notice it’s never been opened, which isn’t surprising. No one in the St. James family aside from Ryan would know how to use them.
Cami lets me into her room, and I follow her to the bathroom, which is fucking massive. She’s dressed in casual black leggings and an off-the-shoulder sweater. With her hair pulled up and face bare, she looks so different from the pictures printed in the magazines. I much prefer this Cameron—casual and not trying to impress anyone.
Kneeling, I discover a screw on the floor. “Just as I thought. The screws were loose. See?” I hold it up. “Now you want to line it back up with the hole and twist the washer while you—”
“Huh?” she asks. “Can’t you do it?”
“Yes, but it’s time for you to learn, princess.”
She folds her arms and narrows her eyes. “I can watch and learn.”
“Nope, you’ve gotta get your hands dirty every once in a while. What would you do if I wasn’t here?”
“Use the other bathroom.”
I snicker at her immediate answer. “Not happening. C’mon. It’s not that hard.”
She inhales with annoyance. “Fine.” She kneels next to me and takes the screwdriver. “Now what?”
I give her simple instructions, and she grunts with every step. It’s quite humorous, considering it’s child’s play.
“Tighten it up a bit more. That way, it won’t happen again.”
“I’m trying!” She groans, using all her strength.
“Put a little muscle into it, geez,” I tease.
Once she’s done, I check and make sure they’re secure, then smirk. “Not bad for an amateur.”
“Har har.” She gets to her feet and brushes off her knees. “I feel like I need another shower now.”
“Wait until a light bulb goes out, and I make you change that, too.”
“Do you have to mock me about everything?”
I put the screwdriver in my jeans pocket as I stand, then face her adorable pouty face. “Well, it was on my agenda for the day, but I could move my mockery to tomorrow if you’d prefer to reschedule?”
“I swear, Eli.” She huffs, busying herself by picking up towels around the bathroom. “You wouldn’t know how to have a serious conversation if it bit you in the butt.”
“Now, that’s not true.” I cross my arms, ready to play her little game. “How about we talk about why you were such a bitch to me when we were teens?”
“Me?” she snaps, quickly spinning around to scowl at me. “You’re the one who teased me every chance you got. Constantly made fun of me for every-fucking-thing, and you’re still doing it now.” She holds out her arm. “Let’s talk about that.”
“I think you have your memories twisted because you humiliated me anytime your uppity friends were around. If I recall, you started calling me trailer trash because my mom worked for your family.”
“Because you called me a Paris Hilton wannabe!”
I take a step forward as both of our tempers heat. “Well, it was true. Hell, it probably still is. You can’t even sit on a damn toilet without hurting yourself.”
“God!” She comes for me, pushing firmly against my chest with her hands. I barely flinch, which only pisses her off further. “You’re such a fucking child. Grow up.” She walks around me and storms out of the bathroom.
Well, it wouldn’t be a conversation with Cami if we weren’t screaming or annoying the fuck out of each other, but I hadn’t expected it to be on the same day I finally kissed her.
A kiss I selfishly want to relive.
Chapter Five
CAMERON
DAY 3
After a day from hell yesterday, I’m ready to start fresh. It’s day three of being at the cabin, and I’m already going stir-crazy with Elijah here. Add in my boyfriend breaking up with me, and I’m a ticking time bomb. Last thing I need is to have a full-blown Britney Spears circa 2007 breakdown.
Kendall: Babe, you okay? I heard about Zane and you.
I groan, reading my best friend’s text message. Of course, she did. Even during a freaking pandemic, the rumor mill is strong. I hadn’t told a soul—besides Eli—which means Zane’s already started running his mouth. Who knows what the hell he’s telling people because he’s known to exaggerate. Kendall Montgomery has been in my life since elementary school, and she’s my ride or die. She also loathes my brother, which cracks me up because I believe she’s secretly in love with him. While she pretends she can’t stand his know-it-all attitude, Ryan makes comments about her being beauty and brains. They’re a match made in heaven, but both are in denial.