When I walk back to the living room, Camden is looking around the space. Turning around, his face instantly scrunches up, worry lines forming around his eyes and forehead.
“What happened?” He strides toward me.
“Nothing.” I shake my head. “This is just a ridiculous situation.”
“Were you crying?”
“Mood swings,” I shrug as if it’s no big deal.
“Ally…” He reaches for me, wrapping his arms around me in the most comforting hug I’ve ever experienced. “We’re gonna be okay,” he promises. I nod against his chest, finally wrapping my arms around his waist.
When his fingers comb the long strands of hair that cascade down my back, I sink into him, grasping as much of the comfort as I can. For the first time in days, I feel relaxed. And if I’m being honest, it’s the first time in weeks. Sleeping with Camden not only left a physical reminder but an emotional impact. I haven’t been myself ever since.
“Let’s eat.” He gives me one more squeeze before I step back and nod. “There’s a deli around the corner.”
“Perfect. Can I leave my bag here until we finish? I need to check into my hotel, but I came here first, so I wouldn’t miss your lunch break.”
“I’m not even going to ask how you got a hold of my schedule.” I shake my head, grabbing my purse, and heading out of my apartment.
“That was easy. Your company website has it listed.”
“Well, that does bring down your stalker status by half a point,” I deadpan, which causes him to laugh.
chapter 13
Camden
I’m pregnant. Those words will forever stay in my mind. When I saw the notification for Allyson’s message a few days ago, I remember grinning to myself, thinking she’d contacted me instead of the other way around. I gave her space and stopped writing, not wanting to come off like a douche by continuing to bring up the night we spent together.
The last thing I expected was for that night to change everything in our lives.
I sat and stared at the message for well over thirty minutes. I couldn’t process it or understand until it hit me—caught up in the moment, we never used a condom. Then, I did the one thing I could think of and book a flight over here to talk in person. After an overnight flight with two layovers, I’m exhausted, but seeing Allyson in the flesh after all these weeks thinking about her is worth it.
She looks beautiful, even with bags under her eyes and fear written all over her face. Never in my wildest dreams did I think life would take the two of us to this moment or that I’d one day crave her more than I do my evening scotch. But I do.
“This way,” Ally finally speaks as we walk toward the deli she mentioned. I open the door for her, allowing her to walk in before me. Her sweet perfume hits me, and I inhale like a starving man. Forget the hunger in my stomach; around Allyson, I’ve got a hunger for things I’ve never wanted in my life.
“What do you recommend?” I ask, unsure what half of the ingredients are on the overhead board.
“I’ve got it.” She finally gives me a smile, albeit a weak one but a smile nonetheless.
“I’m in your hands.” I rock back on my heels, placing my hands in my pocket as I smile.
Her chest rises and falls with each deep breath she takes until it’s our turn to order. I’m impressed by her Spanish, lifting my eyebrows as she is in total control of the conversation with the attendant at the counter.
Once our food is ready, I grab the tray and follow her to an empty table. The place is full of people waiting in line to order while others sit at tables, engaged in conversations—such a change from back home. Since I got off the plane, I’ve been noticing the differences between both countries.
“I have to be back at work at four, although you probably already knew that.” Allyson takes a sip of water before unwrapping her sandwich, which is made with French bread, and instead of cold cuts, it has grilled chicken.
“Yeah,” I nod. “So… Anyway,” I pause, trying to collect my thoughts.
“Honestly, Camden, you don’t have to take on this responsibility. Don’t feel like you need to step into a Dad role just because I’m pregnant. I didn’t tell you because I expected something from you, but I did think you had a right to know, even when I’d rather have kept this to myself.” She leans forward on her elbows, her face serious as her eyes stare into mine to emphasize her point.
“I’m not going to propose just because you’re pregnant, but I do want to be a part of this. That kid’s mine, too.” I don’t back down. If I flew all the way over here, it’s to tell her I plan to be in this child’s life. I know that jumping into a marriage just because of a baby isn’t exactly a solution, but I’m going to be there for Allyson and this kid. If it means spending more time with her, then lucky me.
Allyson mutely blinks a few times. She finally nods and begins eating her lunch. I’ve got about an hour and fifteen minutes before she has to be at work, and I refuse for them to be silent awkward moments.
“How are you feeling?” I ask right before I take a bite of my own sandwich. The chicken is juicy and perfectly seasoned and covered in melted cheese. “This is really good, by the way.” Almost as good as the subs I love from Meat Me in Richmond.
“I love this place.” She wipes her mouth with a napkin. “I’m okay. I haven’t one-hundred-percent processed it yet.”
“I get that,” I nod. “I mean, I’m not in your shoes, but it’s kinda hard to believe.”
“Yeah,” Allyson sighs. “I’ll be okay. I should mention, though, that my mom
