Close to You (Fusion 2)
“I’m not leaving, Dad. The Navy moved me around—”
“Are you going to tell me that you didn’t enjoy it?” he asks.
“No. I did. But I’m not in the Navy anymore. I’m home, and I love it here. I have Cami and you guys, and I love being back in Portland.”
I stop and sigh. “I admit, it hasn’t been an easy adjustment. I loved flying, Dad.”
“I know you did.”
“I was good at it. And I felt like I was doing something good.”
“You were,” he says proudly. “But this is good too. Makes your mother happy.”
I nod. “I like it too.”
“For now.”
I shrug. “Maybe for good.”
“It’s not a bad idea to keep your options open,” Dad replies simply. “Nothing wrong with that at all. Does Cami know you’re keeping your options open?”
“I’m not keeping them open where it comes to her,” I say quickly, my voice hard. No damn way. Now that I have her, I’m not letting her go, just to watch some other asshole move in and claim her. She’s mine. “Work and women aren’t the same thing.”
“No, but women are a lot of work,” he says. “The ones worth keeping are, anyway.”
“She’s worth keeping.”
“I’ve always liked that girl. All of Mia’s friends are good girls.”
“They are.” I glance over as Mom comes outside with a plate of sandwiches. “Thanks, Mama.”
“You’re welcome,” she says, and smiles over her shoulder. I’m surprised to see Cami walk out behind her.
“Speak of the devil,” Dad says with a smile as he walks over to kiss Cami’s cheek. “We were just talking about you.”
“All good things, I hope,” she says, her gaze finding mine.
“Always good things,” Dad says. “I think I’ll wash my hands and eat my lunch inside with my beautiful bride.”
And with that, he leads Mom inside and I’m left outside with Cami.
“I’m sorry to just drop by.”
“You’re welcome to just drop by anywhere, anytime,” I reply, and pull her in for a long hug, swaying back and forth. “I’m not going to apologize for the way I smell.”
“You don’t smell bad,” she says, and buries her nose in my chest. “And you’re warm.”
“You should have worn a warmer coat.”
She shrugs. “It looked toasty out here with the sunshine.”
“It’s deceptive,” I murmur, and kiss her head. “Did you need anything in particular, or did you just want to see my manliness as I build a patio?”
She smirks and pulls back. “Your manliness is a perk.”
“Why do you sound sarcastic? Are you saying I’m not manly?” I lift an arm and flex my bicep. “Feel that.”
“You’re such a man,” she says, and feels my arm. “Very impressive.”
“Damn right.”
“I came by on my way home to see if you want to go to the movies tonight with me and Riley?”
“We can’t,” I reply, and smile when she scowls.
“We can’t?”
“No, ma’am. I have a surprise for you tonight.” I push her hair over her shoulder and kiss her cheek.
“Are you going to tell me what it is?”
“Are you not aware of what a surprise is?” I ask, and dodge to the left when she swats at my arm. “You just need to be ready by seven when I pick you up.”
“Do I need to look fancy?” she asks, worrying her bottom lip.
“You always look beautiful. Be comfortable.”
“Are we going out in public?”
“Yes,” I reply with a laugh.
“So, public comfortable. Got it.” She nods and grins. “Fun.”
“You like surprises?”
“Not usually.” She shrugs and checks the time. “But this is fun. If I’m going to be ready in time, I’d better get home.”
I pull her back into my arms and kiss her, the kind of kiss that would make my mother blush, but I don’t care. When I pull back, I drag my finger down her nose. “You know, something skimpy and lacy under your comfy clothes wouldn’t hurt my feelings.”
“I’ll see what I can do.”
“SO, I KNOW it’s not Madonna, but I thought you might enjoy this.” I pull into the parking garage for what I will always refer to as the Rose Garden and find parking.
“Are you freaking kidding me?” Cami exclaims, practically dancing in her seat. “This is awesome. I love Bruno Mars.”
I find parking and lead her inside, holding her hand tightly. She’s dressed in a simple black sweater and jeans with black boots.
I can’t help but wonder what’s under those clothes.
“I thought this show was sold out,” she says as we find our section.
“I know people,” I reply, and locate our seats, to the right of the stage, and only a few rows back. We’ll have a great view.
“You’re good at this date-night thing,” Cami says with a grin. “You’re hired.”
“I’m relieved,” I reply, and lean in to kiss her cheek, just as the opening act takes the stage. I can’t take my eyes off her. She’s watching the show with wide green eyes, taking it all in. She laughs at the band’s bad jokes and claps for them. And when it’s time for Bruno Mars to take the stage, she loses her ever-loving mind, screaming like a teenager.