Before You(91)

Bre swallowed hard. “I don’t want time to think. I don’t need it. Even if Jax and Katie are engaged, I can’t crawl back to you. It’s time I found myself.” Bre grabbed his hand and looked into his eyes. “Let it go, please,” she implored, rubbing her hand over his thumb.

Cam stared down at their intertwined hands and he wanted to close his eyes and rewind the clock. Some time in the last year, he’d forgotten how much he wanted her in his life and he’d taken her for granted. He’d always assumed Bre would be waiting for him when he finished exploring the world, but now he realized how unfair and selfish his actions were. His behavior would haunt him for a long time. She deserved better, especially because he had witnessed how Bre’s mother treated her growing up. If he truly loved her, he would set her free. He’d do anything for this girl and if that meant handing her over to Jax, it’d kill him, but he’d do it.

After a few minutes, he sighed. “Is this really what you want?”

“Yes,” Bre said, tears glistening in the corners of her eyes. “I can’t hold onto you because I’m afraid to be alone. That’s not fair to either of us.”

Cam leaned his forehead against hers, wiping away a tear that trailed down her delicate cheek. “Okay. If letting go will make you happy, I’ll do it, because I’d do anything to make you happy.” He smiled at her even though he felt like a little part of himself was dying inside. If she loved Jax and Jax loved her, he wouldn’t stand in her way. He owed her that and more. “I’d even kick Jax’s ass for hurting you if you want.”

Bre’s mouth trembled with laughter. “Thank you,” she responded with a soft voice.

Cam pressed a kiss against her forehead. “Anytime, babe.” He stood up, needing to move from the couch before he started begging her to love him. “So what are you going to do now?”

“I don’t know. My flight leaves around 10:30 AM tomorrow, and other than my wallet, my stuff is still at Jax’s place.” Bre leaned against the sofa back and tilted her head up. “I guess I have to call him at some point.”

“If you don’t go back soon, he’ll probably call you or show up here.”

“I don’t think so,” Bre said apprehensively.

She didn’t have a clue. He didn’t know what deal Jax made with Katie, but based on his actions this morning Jax wouldn’t let Bre go without a fight. “You should call him. Ask him to explain,” Cam said.

“I don’t know if I’m ready to talk to him yet. I have to think.” Bre stood up. “Can I use your bathroom? I want to clean up my face. I’m sure I look like a complete mess.”

“You look beautiful, raccoon eyes and all, but you can use the bathroom. You don’t have to ask.” Cam smiled faintly, taking in her beautiful face and her amber eyes that never failed to steal his breath.

“Thanks, Cam, for everything. I know this is hard for you.” Bre put her hand on his shoulder and gave him a sad smile.

“Do you want to get something to eat?” he asked, changing the topic. He didn’t want her pity.

Bre’s stomach growled. “Jax wanted to have dinner together when I got back to his house.” She shook her head. “I don’t think I can go back there now, not yet, anyway.”

“Let me take you to dinner, my treat.”

Bre looked torn.

“It’ll buy you some time to figure out your next move.”

She rubbed her eyes with the palms of her hands, then sighed. “All right.”





Chapter Thirty-One





Bre promised she’d be back by 6:30 PM, and it was almost eight. He shoved the dinner he’d prepared, now completely burnt, into the sink. The smell of overcooked chicken saturated the air.

He picked up his phone from the kitchen counter, looking to see if he’d missed a text or voicemail from her. Nothing—just a bunch of calls and texts from Katie that he had no intention of returning anytime soon, if ever.

Bre had been gone for two hours, and it felt like an eternity. He couldn’t even imagine how he’d feel when she left for Aspen tomorrow. If he had his way, one of them would fly to the other every weekend. He had no intention of letting months or weeks pass before he saw her again. He found the woman who he wanted to spend his life with and not seeing her for months or weeks wasn’t an option.

His phone rang in his hand, and he looked down at the screen. Cam. He hesitated, then answered the call. He didn’t want another confrontation with Cam, but he was worried about Bre.

“Hello,” Jax said, leaning against the kitchen counter with his ankles crossed.