Page 70 of Finally Found You

I step through the doorway, her familiar floral scent hitting me like a wave. “Hello, Camilla,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady.

“Hi,” she responds. Her eyes dart everywhere, avoiding meeting mine.

“Awkward,” Kenzy comments, scanning the plush apartment interior. “Is JJ here?”

“Yeah, she’s in her room,” answers Cami, glancing over her shoulder.

“JJ!” Kenzy’s voice echoes through the apartment as she strides away. She freezes mid-stride, swiveling to glance back at us with an impish grin. “Why don’t you two fix your issues while I visit with JJ? I want this to be a good visit.”

Cami gawks at her as I take in the place. My eyes are immediately drawn to the panoramic view beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows. Inside, the living room exudes a peaceful ambiance. The plushness of the beige sofa invites me to sink into its embrace while a cozy nook by the window holds a collection of potted plants, their leaves reaching toward the sunlight.

“Nice place,” I mumble, not sure how to start the conversation but trying to dissipate the awkwardness hanging in the air.

“What is she talking about?” Cami’s question is a featherlight whisper, tinged with confusion.

I scratch my neck, the stubble there prickly against my fingertips. “Remember my brothers were having a conversation last Saturday?”

She nods, her gaze fixed on her intertwined fingers as if they hold the answers to her unspoken questions.

“Well, they also mentioned that I had to have a serious conversation with Kenzy about my love life.”

“Oh,” is all she manages, her eyes darting toward the bedrooms, hiding a myriad of emotions.

“Why don’t we go for a walk so we can discuss this?” I suggest, eager to clear the air between us.

She shakes her head, her braids swaying with the motion. “I’d rather not. It’s been a hard few months trying to forget you, but if you’re going to—”

“Kenzy wants me to try to date you,” I cut in, deciding to rip off the Band-Aid.

Her eyes widen. “Why?”

“I told her I’m in love with you, and she wants me to be happy.”

Her face crumples, her lips pushing into a pout. “What does that mean?”

“She’s giving us her blessing if we want to pursue dating.” I say the words slowly, so they sink in. “And though this sounds very old-fashioned, I would be honored if you’d let me take you out on a few dates while we’re here.”

“If things don’t work out, it’ll be a disaster.”

“I told you to bring her flowers, Dad.” Kenzy’s voice floats from within the apartment. “She likes to be swooned like they do in rom-coms.”

Cami’s cheeks flame with color.

“Just say yes, Cam. I promise he’s very nice.” Kenzy’s insistent voice punctuates the silence.

“It doesn’t get any better than your daughter trying to pimp you,” I mutter, a hint of humor lining my words.

“Almost as good as Tinder but without having to lie on your profile,” Cami shoots back, a glimmer of amusement in her eyes.

I arch an eyebrow. “What do you say? Are you swiping right?”

She steps outside of the apartment, and I follow, the door closing behind us with a soft click. As her hand lingers on the doorknob, she turns to face me, her expression a mix of curiosity and apprehension.

“Is it worth it?” she asks, her voice barely above a whisper, yet it echoes through my heart and the depths of my soul.

I take a step closer, my gaze locked with hers, searching for the words that will convey the depth of my emotions. “Honestly, Cami, I don’t want to just date you,” I confess. “What I want is so much more because I’m in love with you. This isn’t some fleeting infatuation that will vanish with the morning sun or the April rain. I want all of you—the beautiful mess, the imperfections, the scars that have shaped you into who you are.”

I reach out to cradle her cheek, my thumb tracing the exquisite curve of her jaw. Leaning in, I press my lips to hers. I pour every ounce of my love into this kiss. I want her to feel the depth of my love, to understand the unyielding strength of my desire. It’s a connection that transcends the physical, intertwining our souls in a dance of vulnerability and trust.

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