Page 39 of Under My Skin

Me: Can’t wait!

Lia and Elliejump out of the car and make their way to my open door with a box of pizza and donuts and a bottle of wine.

This is so what I need.

After last night, I need advice. Bad.

“I’m dying to know how the date went. And, Els, you’ve been holding out on us. What the hell is going on with you and Liam?” Lia exasperatedly asks.

“Before we get into that, let’s get some food and wine and get comfortable,” I say while grabbing some plates and glasses.

Once we’re settled on my couch, we all start to dig in. I’m only two bites in, and I can see Lia’s patience slipping away fast.

“Okay, so the date with Brian was a disaster—no real surprise—but Cameron was there. We ended up making out in his car, and he asked if I wanted to be his friend-with-benefits,” I say like it’s no big deal.

“What?” Lia and Ellie scream at the same time.

“Yeah.”

“What did you say?” Lia asks.

“I said yes, but then he told me to think about it for a couple of days. He wants to make sure I’m sure.”

“Oh, wow. Gentleman Cam?” Lia pretends to swoon, and we all laugh.

“How do you feel about it?” Ellie asks.

“Not that gentlemanly, actually. He’s been avoiding me ever since. Like he’s regretting it maybe. I want to…”

“If you want to, you should, Liz. This is literally all you’ve ever fantasized about. Just protect your heart. He’s been so hot and cold that I don’t know if he even knows what he wants. But if it’s meant to be casual, don’t let your feelings get more invested than they already are.”

“Lia’s right. You don’t want to spend eighteen months obsessing over a guy you spent one night with and never thought you’d see again…until you do.” Ellie cringes into her wine, and I can see how miserable she is even bringing this up.

“Okay, Els, what happened?” I ask.

“That’s what happened. It was one night and now he’s suddenly everywhere and wanting my attention.”

“Alright, here’s some free therapy for both of you since I don’t have my degree and license yet.” Lia grabs our hands. “You are hot and smart and funny and successful, and you can have anything and everything you want, so don’t settle for a guy who doesn’t see what’s right in front of him.” Lia turns to Ellie before she speaks again. “And if you aren’t sure what you want, take some time to think about it. It seems like the ball is in your court.”

We can always count on Lia to come to the rescue.

With her advice fresh in my mind, I decide I’m going to go for it. As long as he’s still on board, so am I.

19

CAMERON

What a day.I just took a long, hot shower and checked in on the girls one last time. They’re fast asleep. Thank God, because I’m ready to unwind with a glass of bourbon after this afternoon.

I’m actually surprised Mackenzie and Addy fell asleep so early with how much cake they consumed, but I guess all the energy spent jumping in the bounce house counteracted their sugar high. I’m more than fine with that, considering how drained I am, both physically and mentally.

Especially since no matter how much I try not to think about Lizzie, I can’t. My chat with Reid…I’m not sure it helped. Except that it made clear that I need to set things straight between us. Yes, we’re consenting adults. Yes, we clearly want this. And yes, Reid may be right about other stuff.

As I’m checking the lock on the back door, I spot Lizzie lying outside on her blanket. She’s on her back, alone, looking up into the night sky. Like she does every night. Like I want to be doing with her but have stopped myself from indulging in since the botched date night.

I let out a heavy sigh, contemplating what to do. All I want is to go upstairs and go to sleep and forget all of this is happening.

That’s a lie.

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