Page 45 of Building Romance
I frown. They left babies downstairs.
Everyone sees my face and starts laughing.
Camryn leans in. “Don’t worry. His babies live in a fish tank.”
It takes me a moment to understand. “Oh, fish. Right.”
She pats my leg. “You need another drink.” She holds up her other hand and Al makes me a drink. I could get used to this. I wait for her hand to leave my leg but she leaves it there for a second and I start to want it there. In fact, I need it there, and when she pulls it away, I miss her touch. Shit. I’m falling for Camryn Tanner.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Cam
I feel like something has shifted. I don’t know what or when or why, but two nights ago as we sat back here in our suite and laughed over the antics of my friends, I felt at home with Fletcher.
I fell asleep with my head on his shoulder, our feet propped up on an ottoman we dragged across the living space. And when I woke, I was in my bed. He must have brought me in here after I fell asleep.
I smile at that as I start to wake up, snuggling beneath my blankets for a final few moments of silence.
Then the reality of the day hits me. We’re about to start the finale. I’m proud of us and nervous as hell. So much rides on us winning. I need this. Phyllis is keeping the store afloat while I’m gone, but sales are down and McDowell’s isn’t even set to open for a few more weeks.
I get out of bed and head into the bathroom. I get ready as fast as I can and then meet Fletcher in the hallway.
“Ready?” I ask.
He nods. He had the driver pick up some more appropriate clothing for him for this week and he looks…well, like he belongs on television. I, however, look like a deranged, crazy cat lady who just saw daylight for the first time in a month. My hair, as much as I have tried, is its usual mess of curls. My skin is pale because I have no time for the sun. And my outfit, while clean, is from a thrift store that I went to with Jocelyn a few weeks ago. It all pales in comparison to Fletcher’s high-end clothing and perfectly styled hair. The guy doesn’t even need hair and makeup.
“What?” he asks as if sensing my annoyance.
“Nothing, just…nerves,” I white lie because I am nervous.
“No worries. We got this.” He holds a hand up for a high five and I raise an eyebrow.
“What?” he asks, keeping his hand in the air.
“Are we ten?” I question, fighting a smirk.
He looks me up and down and then with a heated stare shakes his head. I watch him swallow hard. His perfect lips press together before he speaks. “No, you are most definitely not a child, Camryn.”
I feel my skin flush under his intense gaze. Holy shit, is Fletcher flirting with me?
I lick my lips and clear my throat. “Let’s go,” I command, not wanting to think anymore about Fletcher and what those perfect lips could do to me.
He only nods and presses his hand to my back as we walk out and down to the competition area.
My nerves double as I step up to the counter. We perfected everything yesterday and the prep day went so well that they decided to move up the competition day to today after both teams agreed we were ready.
I tie my apron and set out everything as the camera crew gets ready. I feel my hand shake a little as I set down a knife and Fletcher’s hand covers mine. I look up at him.
“We got this, Hollywood. Just like yesterday. Your cupcakes are going to win this thing,” he says, reaching out with his other hand to twirl a loose strand of hair around his finger. He gives it a little tug and smiles down at me.
Felicity comes over with a grim look on her face and Fletcher’s hand falls away. “What’s up?” he asks.
She looks at me. “Small hiccup. A pipe burst in your room, Camryn. I had my PA get your things and place them in Fletcher’s room while the staff clean up, but the room may not be habitable until after you leave. I can get a cot for the living room. But all the other rooms are booked and the nearest hotel has the crew staying in it and apparently fans for a local college football team. I’m so sorry. I just wanted you to know so you aren’t surprised when you go up there later. Fortunately, the clothes in the closet are dry, so that’s good,” she says giving me a look of pity.
I sigh. “Thanks, Felicity. A cot is fine.”
“She can have my room. I’ll take the cot,” Fletcher says.
