Page 14 of A Very Grumpy Marine

“Let’s go before you two start planning my wedding,” I say, grabbing his arm and tugging him toward the door.

Camden chuckles, placing a warm hand on the small of my back as he guides me toward his truck. He opens the door for me, waiting until I’m settled before shutting it and rounding the vehicle.

“So, where are we going?” I ask as he starts the engine.

“You’ll see,” he says, that mischievous glint in his eye making my stomach flutter.

We drive through the town, passing quaint shops and twinkling string lights. Eventually, he pulls onto a winding road that leads out of town, the towering trees surrounding us making the world feel smaller, quieter.

“Are you taking me to murder me in the woods?” I joke, and Camden laughs.

“Not tonight,” he teases. “I wanted to take you somewhere special.”

After a few more minutes, we pull up to a cozy cabin, nestled against a backdrop of towering pines. Soft golden light spills from the windows, and the sight of it sends warmth through me.

“This is my place,” Camden says as he hops out and jogs around to open my door. “Figured I’d cook for you.”

I arch a brow. “You cook?”

He smirks. “Guess you’ll have to find out.”

I follow him inside, taking in the rustic charm of the place. The interior is warm and inviting, with exposed wooden beams, leather furniture, and a fireplace crackling in the corner. It feels…safe. Like a home.

“You live here alone?” I ask as I wander into the kitchen, noting the neatly organized space and the faint scent of something delicious already cooking.

“Me and Gunner,” he says, nodding toward his massive dog, who is currently sprawled on the couch, tail thumping happily.

“I like it,” I admit, running my fingers over the polished countertop.

“I was hoping you would.”

That comment makes my breath catch, but before I can overthink it, Camden moves to the stove, stirring a pot of pasta sauce that smells heavenly.

“Dinner will be ready in about ten minutes. You want some wine?”

I nod, watching as he pours us each a glass and hands one to me. We clink glasses, and I take a sip, letting the smooth red swirl over my tongue.

“Okay, I’ll admit, this is impressive,” I say, leaning against the counter. “Most guys would’ve just taken me to a restaurant.”

“I’m not most guys,” Camden says, and damn, I believe him.

Dinner is incredible—some kind of homemade pasta with a rich, savory sauce. We eat at the small dining table, and the conversation flows so easily it surprises me. He asks about my job, my favorite places I’ve traveled, my childhood with Lilou. I ask about his time in the Marines, his transition back to civilian life, his family.

The more I learn about him, the more I realize how much I like him. He’s intense, sure, but he’s also funny and thoughtful in a way I wasn’t expecting.

After we finish eating, Camden grabs another bottle of wine and leads me to the couch. Gunner immediately hops up onto the other end, resting his head on my lap like he’s known me forever.

“You’ve got a new best friend,” Camden observes, watching me scratch behind Gunner’s ears.

“He’s cute,” I say, shooting him a teasing look. “Much less intense than his owner.”

Camden chuckles, leaning closer. “I don’t think I can apologize for that.”

The space between us shrinks, and my breath catches. His hand comes up, brushing a stray curl behind my ear, his fingers lingering against my cheek.

“I’ve wanted to kiss you since I saw you on that trail,” he murmurs, voice low and rough.

My heart slams against my ribs. I should pull away. I should be cautious. But instead, I tilt my chin up, meeting his gaze.

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