Chapter 13

 

Camden stared at Lexi, unable to process what he was seeing. Her blonde hair hung limp, like she hadn’t washed it for a few days. She wore a black skirt and heels, but her blouse was untucked and she wobbled like she’d been drinking. What was she doing here?

Lexi narrowed her eyes at him, her stride increasing as she neared. Tessa and Eric stared as she passed by the head table. “You were cheating on me, weren’t you? With her.” She pointed at Kenzie, who sat in her chair, her eyes wide.

The room grew quiet as Lexi’s voice carried over the chatter. Camden’s blood froze. He jumped up and ran to Lexi. “Come with me,” he said, his voice low.

“I will not!” she yelled.

Chairs scraped as people turned to see what the matter was. Camden’s face heated. “Lexi,” he said in a soothing tone. “Let’s go outside and talk.”

“I don’t want to go outside,” she shouted. “You cheated on me, and now I have the proof.”

“Lexi, calm down. We broke up, remember? We’re no longer a couple.”

She clung to him. “Camden, sweetie. I’m sorry I made you mad. You’ll forgive me, won’t you?” Her gaze bounced between his eyes.

“You were stalking me,” he said quietly. “That’s not cool.”

“I didn’t mean it. You know I love you.”

“You’re confused.”

“I am not!” she shouted, pulling away from him. “I’m not crazy!”

He hadn’t called her crazy, but boy was he thinking it. Desperation spread through him and he grabbed Lexi’s arms and started walking toward the doors. She struggled to see past him, to see Kenzie, her ankles twisting as she tried to stand up in her heels. “You found out he’s a billionaire, and now you want him, don’t you?”

Someone must have called security, because three men in uniforms ran in and grabbed her. One of them turned to Camden. “Is this the woman who is disturbing your event?”

“Yes,” he said.

Lexi’s eyes narrowed at him. “I can’t believe you,” she said. “We had something and you threw it away.”

The men removed Lexi, then spoke with Eric and Tessa for a minute before leaving. Camden walked back to the table and sat down, his ears and neck burning. “Ex-girlfriend,” he said, shaking his head. No one said anything for a moment, so he said, “Who let the crazy in?”

Veronica laughed nervously. “Well, thank goodness security was close by.” She fingered her pearl necklace.

The chatter in the room rose again as people went back to their conversations.

Helene cleared her throat. “What was it she said? Something about you being a billionaire?”

Camden swallowed. He didn’t want to lie, but the way Kenzie was looking at him, he didn’t want to admit the truth either. He settled on a truthful, “Lexi’s nuts.”

Vita folded her arms. “Never eat nuts before a funeral.”

All eyes went to Vita. No one said a word, though, and Vita picked up her water glass and took a sip. Finally, Kenzie asked, “Why?”

“Why, what, dear?” Vita said.

“Why don’t you eat nuts before a funeral?”

Vita made a face. “They give me gas.”

The doors to the kitchen opened and servers poured out, plates in hand. Everyone soon had their meal. Kenzie gave him a sidelong glance as she cut a piece of her chicken. Her gaze was loaded with questions, and he almost dreaded when they’d be alone together.

Helene stabbed a piece of lettuce with her fork. “What was it you said you did for a living, Camden?”

He tugged on his collar. Was his shirt too tight? It seemed to be choking him. “I’m in construction,” he said, trying to breathe normally.

“And what does that mean, exactly?” Helene asked.

Kenzie turned to him, her glare saying, Yes, Camden. What does that mean?

He couldn’t brush the question off. He had to answer. “I own a construction company.”

“Really?” Helene asked, her eyebrow raised. “What’s it called?”

He picked up his water glass and took a long drink. When he set his glass down, everyone was waiting for him to respond. “C&J Construction.”

Mike set his fork down with a clang. “The multi-billion-dollar company? That’s who is constructing our new building at work.”

Camden couldn’t deny it any longer. “Yes,” he said.

Helene smiled at him like they were now best friends. “Well. Why didn’t you say something? I’d say you’ve done very well for yourself.”

He glanced at Kenzie, but she didn’t meet his gaze. Everyone else started asking him about his company and how many cities he covered. The rest of the meal flew by as he talked about his business. When the guests started filing into the reception hall for the dance, he turned to Kenzie. “Are you finished eating?”

“Yes. I’m finished.” She tossed her napkin on the table. “Will you excuse me? I need to powder my nose.” She got up and walked to the doors, her back stiff. Camden followed after her.

They got into the hallway and he called after her. “Kenzie, wait.”

She rounded on him. “You lied to me and made me look like a fool.”

He held his hands up. “I swear I never lied to you.”

“No? You knew I thought you were a construction worker.” She poked him in the chest with her index finger. “You never once corrected me. You didn’t outright lie, but you led me to believe something that wasn’t true, and that’s just as bad.” She continued to poke him as she spoke.

He grabbed her hand. “You’re right. I’m sorry.”

She looked up at him, hurt and betrayal in her eyes. She pulled her hand away. “Why would you do that?”

“I didn’t mean to. I didn’t know how to correct you at first. Then I kind of liked you thinking I didn’t have money.”

Her hands flew to her mouth. “Oh my gosh. I said all those awful things about men with obscene amounts of money.”

“You weren’t trying to attack me. I understand that. You were sharing your feelings.” He took a step back. “You opened up to me. And that made it more awkward. I really didn’t want you to find out after that.”

She stared at him, a look of horror on her face. “I went on and on. I said men with money were. . .” Her voice trailed off as she thought about the things she’d said.

“Yes.”

“I’m sorry,” she said, taking a step forward. “I wasn’t talking about you.”

“I know. I kind of got the impression that you’ve had a rough time with things. Mason. . .”

“Yeah.” She rubbed her temples. “Marrying Mason was such a stupid mistake.”

“Look, if you want to fake break up with me, I’ll understand.” He cracked a small smile at her, hoping she wouldn’t take him up on it.

“No.” A smile spread across her face. “But I’ll get you back. Somehow.”

“Should I be scared?”

She laughed. “Definitely.”

 

***

 

Kenzie wrapped her arms around herself and watched as her little sister danced her first dance as Mrs. Eric Adams. She looked like a princess, and the smile on her face burst forth. Kenzie could tell Tessa was going to be happy with Eric. He had been nothing but kind and considerate to her. They would make a great couple, she was sure of it.

Thinking about Tessa and her happiness made her own situation sour in her stomach. What was she thinking, falling for the stranger she’d brought to her sister’s wedding? That had to be the stupidest thing she’d ever done. Well, second stupidest thing. Falling for Mason, then marrying him so he could get his father’s money, topped the list.

Camden put his arm around her. “They look good together,” he said, his breath sweet on her cheek. The combination of his cologne and whatever masculine smell that was him made her head spin and her knees weak.

“Yes,” she managed to say.

The song ended. Everyone clapped and Tessa smiled for some photos. Then the first few notes of “Can’t Help Falling in Love” played, and Camden took her hand. “Dance with me.”

Her heart jumped into her throat. It wasn’t a question, but she nodded anyway. He led her onto the dance floor, putting his strong arm around her back to her shoulder blade. He raised her hand and began moving to the music, and suddenly she was transported to another world. A world where Camden really was her boyfriend.

She studied his strong jawline. He was handsome. And they fit together well. Dancing with him was like floating on air. He made her feel like she was the only woman in the room. His dark eyes held something she couldn’t quite grasp. Her gaze fell to his lips. His perfectly formed, soft lips.

He raised an eyebrow at her. “What are you thinking about?”

Heat rose to her cheeks and she forced herself to look him in the eye. “Nothing.”

His mouth turned up in a half-smile. “Really?”

“No.” She looked away.

He pulled her closer and swayed to the music, his cheek almost touching hers. “You look beautiful,” he said in her ear.

The words sent a small thrill of excitement through her, and yet, she shrank away from them. She could easily fall in love with Camden. His handsome face and his rugged muscles made her heart pound. But she didn’t want to end up watching another relationship crash and burn.

Lexi accused Camden of cheating on her. Had he? Obviously not with Kenzie, but with someone else? Was he a player, like Mason? The thought of falling for Camden, only to find out he was seeing other women behind her back, made her stomach lurch. She did not want to go down that road again.

She stiffened. “At least you didn’t say I looked like a million dollars. Or should I say billion?”

He pulled back and smiled at her, but it was a tight smile. After the dance, she pulled away from him. “Well, I’m hot. I’m going to sit the next one out.”

“Do you want a glass of ice water?”

“That would be great. Thanks.” She walked over to a table and sat down. Everyone else was mingling or dancing, but she didn’t care.

Camden set a glass of water down on the table and joined her, sitting backwards on a chair. “You okay?”

She picked up the water and drank deep. The cold felt wonderful going down her parched throat. When she was done, she set the empty glass down. “Yes. Much better now.”

He cocked his head. “That’s not what I meant.”

She looked at her sister, who was now dancing with her father. She knew what Camden meant. He wanted to know if she was okay with Mason and everything else that had happened. “I’m dealing with it.”

“Are you?” His gaze held sincerity.

She looked away. Maybe she wasn’t. Maybe it was easier to bury her pain and anger, and to run away from it. That’s what she had been doing, right? Running. And from the look Camden was giving her, he knew it. She ignored his question. “Are you looking forward to going home tomorrow?”

He was silent for a few seconds before answering. “It’s always nice to get back home after a trip.”

She wouldn’t know. She’d been on the move so much lately, she hadn’t had time to feel like anyplace was home.

They sat quietly for a few more moments before Camden leaned closer. “Do you want to take another walk on the beach?”

“Yes.” The word was out before her brain could tell her what a dumb idea that was. She didn’t want to think about broken hearts or cheating men. She wanted to have her own fairytale ending. Maybe if she shoved all the bad out of her head, she could go with Camden and not think about anything else but how good he looked in his tux.

He stood and led her outside the complex. The cool night air danced across her skin. She breathed in the scent of the ocean as they made their way to the boardwalk.

“Camden!” A woman shouted, and Kenzie turned to see Lexi.

She hobbled over to them, looking even more disheveled, a bottle of vodka hanging from one hand. Camden stepped in front of Kenzie. “Lexi. Go home.”

Lexi’s mascara made her eyes look like she’d been in a fight with a permanent marker. “I can’t. I love you.” Tears streaked down her face.

“Lexi. It’s over. You need to move on.”

She sniffed loudly and rubbed her nose. “But I love you.”

“We aren’t a couple anymore,” Camden said, motioning between them. “There’s nothing between us. Do you understand?”

“No. I don’t understand why you left me. I’ve never understood why any of them left me. I’m pretty, right? I’m a good person.” She sniffed, and Kenzie suddenly felt sorry for her.

“It wasn’t you. It . . . it was me.” Camden pointed at his chest. “It was all me.”

Kenzie’s heart swelled. Camden was trying to let her down easy. He was a good man. The thought echoed in her head as she watched him take Lexi’s hand.

Lexi slowly nodded, taking a minute to process the information. “It wasn’t me?”

“No. But I’m sorry. We can’t be together anymore.”

“What am I going to do?” Lexi looked at the sand.

Camden took a step, gently guiding her toward the sidewalk. “You need help. Can I call someone to come get you?”

Lexi’s shoulders slumped. “I called my ex. He’s coming.”

Camden’s eyebrows shot up. “Daniel?”

Lexi nodded. “He said he still loves me.”

“That’s good, Lexi,” Camden said, his voice soft. “Go get some coffee so you’ll feel better.”

She sniffed again and looked at Camden. “I’ll miss you.”

“No, you won’t. You and Daniel will be good for each other.” Camden let go of her hand and motioned toward the street. “Now go sober up.”

She had a little difficulty walking in the sand, but managed to make it to the sidewalk. They stood there watching her until she disappeared around the corner.

Camden turned back to Kenzie. “Well. I hope she’ll be okay. She’s nuts, but I don’t want anything bad happening to her.”

“I know. You’re kind hearted.”

“I hope Lexi didn’t ruin your sister’s dinner.”

Kenzie didn’t want to think about Lexi anymore, but questions started forming in her head. How long had he dated Lexi? Had he loved her? Kenzie shook her head and forced the thoughts to leave. She walked down the boardwalk with him. “No, I don’t think so. She made a scene, but it was taken care of quickly.”

Camden sighed and stuffed his hands in his pockets. “Sorry. Lexi . . . was a mistake.”

Before she could stop herself, she asked, “What do you mean?”

“I dated her because she was pretty. And because she lived in my apartment complex, so I knew she already had money.” He shook his head. “Stupid, I know. I was lonely and I wanted. . .”

“Companionship?” Kenzie guessed.

He shrugged. “I wanted what my sister has.”

The boardwalk ended and Kenzie stopped to lean against the railing. The light above them hummed. “What’s that?”

He joined her at the railing. “A family. Someone to grow old with.”

The way he said it made Kenzie’s heart ache. She knew the desire all too well. She closed her eyes. “Yes,” she said, quietly. “I had wanted that, too.”

Admitting that stabbed at her heart. She hadn’t wanted to even admit that to herself. It hurt too much, knowing what Mason had done. He hadn’t ever been in love with her. How could she have been so stupid?

Camden put his arms around her and pulled her to his chest. She didn’t even realize she was crying until he reached up and wiped a tear from her cheek. She buried her face in his chest and let her emotions take over.