Chapter 14

Hearing Kenzie’s sobs almost broke Camden’s heart. He rubbed her back as she cried. He wanted to soothe her by saying something, but no words would come. What do you say to someone whose heart is breaking?

He leaned over and pressed his lips to the top of her head. He breathed in the smell of her. If he knew what to say to take away her pain, he would. He had hoped to find something with Lexi, but he kind of knew from the start they were not compatible. And then the crazy started. He never got attached to her.

But Kenzie had fallen in love with Mason. That was obvious. And he’d broken her heart. No. That was wrong. He’d broken her. And Camden didn’t know what to do to heal her.

Kenzie pulled back and wiped her face. “Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry. That was stupid. I’ve never cried on a stranger’s shoulder before. What was I thinking? I don’t even know why I started crying. I just—”

“Kenzie,” he said, interrupting her.

She looked up at him. “What?”

“Do you really still think of me as a stranger?”

She blinked. “No,” she said softly. “I guess not.”

“Good.” He pulled her close again. “Because I’d hate for you to feel that way.”

She wrapped her arms around him and snuggled into his chest. He liked the feel of her in his arms. Probably too much, since she’d been making it clear she didn’t want that kind of a relationship with him.

When she pulled back this time, he let her go. She turned and stared out at the moon hanging over the ocean waves. “I thought he loved me.”

“I know.”

“I was stupid.”

“No.” She was anything but stupid.

Kenzie was silent as they enjoyed the clean night air. She suddenly slipped off her shoes. “I’m going in.”

“To the water?” He looked at her dress. “You wouldn’t dare.”

She lifted up her skirt. “You think I’m lying?”

He laughed. “No. I think you’re crazy.”

“Come on. Take off your five-hundred-dollar shoes and live a little.” She started running toward the waves.

Camden didn’t want to be left behind. He slipped his shoes and socks off and ran after her. She stood near the wet sand. “How far in should I go?”

“Depends on how wet you want to get,” he said, smiling.

“Betcha I can run down there and back and not get wet,” she said, pointing to a rock stuck in the sand. A wave rushed over it and covered it with water.

“Go ahead.”

She waited until the wave dissipated and then took off toward the rock. Halfway down it was obvious she wasn’t going to make it, as the next wave was building and coming in. “Hurry,” he called.

She changed course before reaching the rock, running back to him, trying to beat the wave, holding her skirt up to her knees. She made it back as the wave slid over the sand, getting both their feet wet.

“I almost made it,” she said, panting.

“Not even close.” He chuckled.

Her mouth fell open. “I was.”

He shook his head. She scoffed and turned to wait for the next wave to diminish. After the water went back out, she dashed toward the rock. This time she didn’t turn back when the next wave gathered. “Careful!”

She reached the rock then turned and dashed back toward him. The wave raced in, right behind her. She laughed as the water crashed into her legs. She continued to run, splashing water as she came toward him. He laughed. The smile on her face was pure joy.

A string of seaweed washed up and she tripped. He grabbed her arms, but her momentum was too much for him and he fell to the sand with her. Water seeped into his tuxedo. Kenzie laughed, the sound filling the night air. “You okay?” she asked.

He looked at her. The moonlight shone behind her. Curly tendrils of hair fell down. Her smile stretched wide. He reached up and tucked the strand of hair behind her ear. “I’m fine,” he said, but the minute the words were out he knew they were a lie. He wasn’t fine.

He was falling in love with her.

***

Kenzie stood, her dress now wet and clinging to her legs. She held out her hand and helped Camden up before another wave came. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to ruin your clothes.”

He grinned at her. “It’s okay.”

She started toward the boardwalk. “There’s something about the ocean. It’s powerful and yet peaceful as well.”

“Yes, I know what you mean.”

“I think my next line of jewelry will be inspired by the ocean.” She was already getting ideas, and she quickened her step so she could get inside and draw some sketches.

“That’s a great idea.”

She brushed some of the sand off his back. “I think I’ll walk the beach in the morning and look for shells and other treasures. Then we can get on the road.”

He nodded. “Okay. Do you want some help? We could meet for breakfast, then come out to the beach.”

“Sounds good.” She picked up her shoes and walked along the boardwalk. They were silent as they headed toward the resort.

When they got to their rooms, Camden paused. “Thanks for talking to me tonight.”

“You mean crying on you?” She laughed nervously.

He shrugged. “I didn’t mind.”

“I know.” She had a hard time looking at him. He’d been a gentleman, letting her blubber all over him. And then he’d caught her even though his suit got ruined because of it. He was quickly turning into someone she could give her heart to, but she needed to keep her head on straight. “Good night,” she said quickly, opening her room door.

“Good night, Kenzie,” he called from the hallway as her door slipped shut.

She turned and leaned against the door, her heart pounding. No. She was not going to let him affect her. She barely knew the guy. And that’s what had happened with Mason.

She took off her wet dress and showered to get the sand off. By the time she was in her pajamas and ready for bed, she’d shoved all thoughts of Camden James out of her mind.