Page 43 of Camilla & Dallas
Something tightened in Camilla’s chest, and she sat up straighter. Cheyenne had a point. Dallas was only here because of his job. She hadn’t asked him much about it. She didn’t even know if he was one of those remote researchers or if there was an office in the city nearby.
Geez!
Why hadn’t she asked him about it?
Because she didn’t want to drag what they were rekindling into the mud, that’s why.
“Camilla,” Cheyenne snapped. “What is up with you? We’ve been planning this phone call for almost a whole week. And I feel like you’re not even paying attention.”
“I’m sorry,” Camilla said. “You’re right. I need to be more present.”
“So? Is Dallas behaving?”
“Yes,” she said in a clipped tone, though she didn’t think any of it was Cheyenne’s business. She wasn’t her brother’s keeper, and while it was endearing that she cared enough about Camilla to look out for her, it wasn’t something Camilla wanted right now. “He’s working hard and being a perfect gentleman.”
More of that awful silence ensued. Finally, Cheyenne sighed. “Sorry. I’m just… worried. I know how charming he can be. I know how hard and fast you fell for each other. And I don’t want to see you get hurt again.”
“Can’t get hurt if I’m not invested, right?” And that was the biggest non-lie she could have choked out. Because she was invested. She just didn’t want Cheyenne to know. She was allowing herself to really fall for the guy again, and if it didn’t turn out, she’d only have herself to blame.
Cheyenne might not be willing to help her pick up the pieces again.
“Seriously, Cheyenne, tell me about the kids you’re tutoring. I’ve missed our talks.” She was deflecting and wouldn’t havebeen surprised if Cheyenne could tell. But right now, she didn’t have any interest in telling her best friend about how nice it was to have Dallas back in her life.
They chatted for nearly an hour before Cheyenne pleaded exhaustion and insisted she needed to turn in. Camilla needed to get to work.
The morning passed in a daze. Camilla couldn’t stop thinking about how her life had changed when Dallas had left her. And how Cheyenne had been the only one to listen and tell her she’d be okay. While the Palmer family was close, there had been too much going on when her heart had been shattered, and she couldn’t confide in her older siblings. Mateo and Sophia both had their own broken pieces to pick up. No one wanted to hear how a fling had swept her off her feet only to make her wish she’d never fallen in love to begin with.
Moping wasn’t Camilla’s style.
She needed to get out of her head and live in the moment. Just because Dallas had abandoned her before didn’t mean he’d do it again. He’d promised he’d tell her everything. They had a good foundation to begin with.
They were going to make it.
The three puppiesyipped and crawled over themselves for the treat she held out. Camilla curled her hand closed and tsked until the pups fell back in line. While she didn’t do much of the group training at this stage, she did like to introduce them to training when distractions were present.
Her finger tapped at the empty space where Brax was supposed to be, and she clicked her tongue. Rex stayed where he was, but Tex and Brax both attempted to fill the void. Camillalaughed, an exasperated breath puffing from her chest as she scooped them up and placed them on their spots. “Wait,” she commanded.
A low whistle behind her sent a wave of shivers down her spine. As much as she wanted to look Dallas in the eye, she kept her gaze trained on the little minions. “Wait,” she repeated, holding up a treat. All three pups stayed focused on the treat, and she grinned.
“You’re really good at that.”
“Okay,” she released the pups and treated each of them before turning toward her audience. Camilla smirked, one hand on her hip. “I have a knack for putting unruly men in line.”
All it took was that glint in his eye to make her melt. He could wipe away every last thought of insecurity she had. Even the guilt seemed to disappear when he looked at her like that.
“Hey,” he murmured, stepping over the pen she’d set up for the puppies. The little creatures darted toward him, hopping around his feet. They already knew better than to jump up on visitors, but that didn’t stop them from investigating. Dallas chuckled as he stared down at the dogs before he crouched and gave them attention.
There was something about seeing a man with animals that made her heart soar. They’d been two of a kind. Not only did they both love dancing, but they had connected over their love of animals, too. Their similarities were only one of the many questions as to why Dallas had ended things between them.
“What’s wrong?”
Camilla startled and realized Dallas was staring at her, his brows furrowed. “Hmm?”
“You look…” He rose to his feet and took her hands in his. “What’s wrong?”
She shook her head and plastered on the smile she wore when she wanted to escape talking about her feelings. “Nothing.”
“Camilla,” he warned. “You promised.”
