Two weeks flew by in the blink of an eye. Kay was out for two days before she bounced back and was back to her usual bubbly self. Between Laila and I, she didn’t spend a minute alone during those two days. I didn’t see Jon at all in those two weeks, but not because neither of us wanted to see each other, but because the case he is working on is full-on at the moment and he had zero spare time. I’m ok with that. He messaged and called in the few minutes he had, and we made the most of every minute. I missed him like crazy, and he made it very clear that he missed me just as much. I invited him to the book signing, but because of its timing he won’t be able to make it, but he has promised he would meet me at the after-party and that’s good enough for me.

I’ve spent almost every day sitting in Kay’s cafe catching up on my proofreading and secretly keeping an eye on Kay just in case she has a moment where Gabby creeps back in. Despite Laila’s busy schedule, she would pop into the cafe any chance she got. Kay would make sure her favourite vanilla chai was ready and waiting. Oh, and a salted caramel cupcake for Micah.

As for Sterling, I didn’t hear a peep from him in those two weeks. When we did cross paths, he would smile nervously at me and head in the opposite direction. I couldn’t help but smile and thank Laila in my head. 

The day before Laila’s event, Kay and I hit the shops to get ourselves something sexy to wear. Kay had a smoking hot body, but she always hid it under her baggy clothes and apron. After hours of her refusing to wear anything remotely sexy, we finally settled on a long, sheer, purple polka dot dress with a velvet waist tie. Not my taste but it screamed Kay and she looked stunning. I decided on a white collared ruffle dress with my thigh-high boots, I know Jon loves me in those boots, and I never want to miss a chance to tease him.

Saturday Afternoon: LAILA’S EVENT

“Hurry up, Cami! We’re going to be late, bitch!” Kay yells at me through my bathroom door.
“Almost done. Jesus, don’t get your panties in a twist,” I grumble back at her.

I zip my boots up, check my hair and quickly rub my peach lip balm on and head out the door.

“What do you think?” Kay does a twirl.
“You look incredible, honey,” I smile at her.
“Thank you, darling,” she smiles from ear to ear.
“What about me?”
“Perfect, Cami! Jon won’t be able to keep his hands off you,” Kay winks at me.
“Ok, Micah will be here any minute to pick us up.” I grab my purse off my bed and head for the door. “Do you have everything, Kay?” I call over my shoulder.
“Yep,” she chimes back.

Opening my door, I come to an abrupt stop against a hard chest. At that moment Kay crashes into the back of me.

“Oww,” Kay whines from behind me.
“Oh shit, sorry,” I say looking up. 

It’s at that moment I realise it’s Sterling.

“It’s ok, Camilla,” he replies quietly, straightening his shirt.

He didn’t call me Cami, I think to myself.

“Have a good evening ladies,” he smiles, then heads down the stairs and out of the building.

I watch him walk away, and I can’t help think that this new Sterling has something to do with Laila. The way he is dressed also tells me he is going to her event tonight and he doesn’t want to mess up. Just the thought of that causes me to giggle quietly to myself.

“Don’t say sorry to me,” Kay snaps at me as she pushes past me and walks down the stairs.
“That’s ‘cos I’m not sorry, bitch!” I yell to her as she walks out the building doors.
“Fuck you!” She shouts back.

I laugh before catching up and waiting beside her on the sidewalk for Micah to arrive. 

Only minutes pass before Laila’s black Jaguar pulls up, Micah steps out and meets us at the side of the car.

“Ladies,” he smiles, opening the door for us.
“Thank you, Micah,” we reply as we slide into the back seat.

He closes the door softly and then runs around the front and slides into the driver’s side. 

“Laila has put a bottle of champagne in the back for you to enjoy on our way to the book signing,” Micah says turning and smiling at us through the car partition.
“Yay!” Kay squeals, clapping her hands.

Micah lets out a slight chuckle as he turns around, closing the privacy window, and sets off.

“Don’t get too drunk before we get there, Kay?” I say, rolling my eyes.
“Bitch, please.” Her reply is sarcastic.

As we whiz through the streets of Brooklyn, my stomach begins to form knots. I haven’t seen Jon in two weeks, and I’m not sure what it will be like to see him after all this time. 

“You’re fidgeting, Cami. Have a drink to take the edge off.” Kay hands me a small glass of champagne.
“Thank you,” I reply softly, taking the glass from her hand and taking a sip.

The car comes to a slow stop and Micah rolls down the privacy screen.

“We’re here, ladies,” he smiles at us.
“Brilliant. Thank you, Micah,” I smile back at him.

Kay takes my glass and puts it back in the holder as Micah opens the door for us. Stepping out of the car the first thing we see is a massive banner that says, ‘Laila Mills, book signing here today,’ and posters of her book – ‘Feel Again‘ –  hanging in the windows. The line outside was enormous and went all the way down the road and around the corner. 

My girl knows how to pull the people, I think to myself.

Not thinking, we immediately walk down to find a spot in line. We don’t get far before we are stopped by a beautiful woman that introduces herself as Annie, the co-owner of Bound Together Book Store.

She looks familiar, but I can’t place her. She is dressed in a pink off-the-shoulder sweater, a high-waisted black pencil skirt, and nude pumps. Her hair is short and frames her face perfectly. Her ‘boss vibes’ are enormous, and I love it.

“No, no, honey. You’re a VIP. Follow me,” Annie gestures towards the doors.

We follow closely behind her as she speaks with security that then ticks our names off and pushes the doors open. Walking in, we are caught off guard by how beautiful this book store is and Kay was right; the book smell is AMAZING. Walking under the book arch in the front, we spot Laila busy signing books. She looks up for a moment and waves to us before continuing to sign books. Annie leads us through the bookstore to a small room. Opening the door, the first thing we see is a small circular table with Laila’s books in a tower, in the center is a large vase with white lilies in it. At the base, the table is lined with all kinds of savoury food and sweets.

“Now we can talk properly,” Annie sighs.

Kay and I giggle.

“It’s so nice to meet you, Annie. I’m Camilla and this is Kaylee.” I put my hand out to shake hers.
“Oh, no, honey. We don’t do handshakes here,” she says, pulling me into a hug.
“Hey! Don’t forget about me,” Kay whines.

Annie giggles and lets go, pulling Kay in for a hug as well.

“You’re an amazing hugger,” Kay sighs out.
“I’ve been told,” Annie giggles out.
“I love your store, Annie,” I gush.
“Oh, thank you, honey, but my sister Angel and I run this place together,” she smiles softly looking around.
“Wait, Angel. Is your brother Anthony?”
“Yes, how did you know that?” Annie’s tone confused.
“I met Angel and Anthony the other day at Jon’s apartment”.
“Oh, you’re THE Camilla Anthony was telling me about?” She gushes.
“Ummm yes,” I reply nervously.
“Jonathan is smitten, girl,” Annie winks at me.

“Ummm, I don’t want to interrupt y’all, but I believe Stefan Walker is catering tonight, and Laila promised I could meet him,” Kay interjects.

Annie starts laughing as I roll my eyes at the friend I wish would disappear right now.

“He is. He is out the back with my sister putting the final touches on the meals. Come with me, and I’ll introduce you,” Annie smiles at Kay pointing towards the kitchen behind us.

“OMG! Ok breath, Kay, just breath,” she says, turning and walking slowly towards the kitchen.
“Will you be ok here, Camilla?” Annie places her hand on my shoulder.
“Of course,” I reassure her.

Just then, a very handsome man approaches me. He’s tall with light brown hair that’s combed to the side with a slight curl in it. Clean-shaven and wearing a brown scoop neck shirt, dark green leather jacket, black ripped skinny jeans, and matching green loafers. He is fine as fuck!

“Ah, this is my better half, Tyler,” she says, placing a kiss on his cheek. “Tyler, this is Camilla, Jonathan’s partner.” 

“I mean, we aren’t- He’s not,” I stammer.

“Oh please, that boy can’t stop gushing about you, girl,” Annie teases. “Can you keep her company while I introduce her friend Kay to Stefan?” She places her hand on his arm and he immediately blushes.

“Of course, beautiful,” he leans down and kisses her on the forehead.
“Thank you, sexy,” she winks at him.

We both watch Annie walk over to a now hyperventilating Kay, placing her hand on her shoulder and calming her before leading her into the kitchen.

“That girl is truly the sweetest” I mumble, turning back to Tyler.
“She really is,” he smiles warmly.

FUCK! He heard you. My inner voice shouts.

Quick! Eat something to stop yourself from saying anything else embarrassing. I think to myself.

I reach for the first thing I can see, a slice of pizza, and shove it in my stupid mouth.

“So how do you know Laila?” Tyler asks, reaching for a mini hamburger.
“I-” I clear my throat, “we’re friends,” I mumble, trying not to spit food at him.
“Oh, nice. She’s an amazing writer,” he watches me intently.
“She is,” I swallow the rest of my food without even chewing it. “How did you and Annie meet?”

“That’s a funny story. I was in a bookstore, not this one,” he laughs, “but another one close by and I was looking for a math book. Annie happened to be working at that store and I was wandering around completely lost when she approached me. She was the most stunning woman I had ever seen. It was love at first sight,” Tyler blushes as he recalls their meeting.

“Awww, that’s beautiful, Tyler,” I gush.

“Thank you. She’s beautiful and I’m an incredibly lucky man to have her as my wife,” he smiles softly, looking over at Annie in the kitchen with Kay, Angel, and Stefan.

I stand watching his eyes watch Annie lovingly. He is so in love with her. It’s perfect.

“Is Angel married?”
“No, but it won’t be long.” Tyler tears his gaze from Annie and back to me.
“Is she seeing someone?”
“Stefan Walker” he smirks.
“NO WAY!” I blurt out. “She’s the one he moved here for?” My hand shoots up to my mouth in shock.
Tyler lets out a chuckle. “Yes, she is.”
“That’s like a real-life fucking fairy tale,” I gush, turning around and watching Stefan and Angel moving together effortlessly in the kitchen.
“You could say that,” Tyler giggles.
“Hopefully that will be me one day,” my voice soft as I turn back to Tyler.

“Well, from what I’ve heard it will be,” Tyler winks at me. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, my wife is looking far too delicious not to eat at the moment,” a devilish smile creeps across his face.

“Oh, by all means, go right ahead, Tyler,” I smirk at him.
“Enjoy your evening, Camilla, and it was nice meeting you.”

“You too, Tyler.” I smile at him as he brushes past me and walks over to Annie, wrapping his hands around her waist and whisking her out of the room.

I know exactly what they are going to do, I giggle to myself.

As I turn back to the table, Laila is standing there stuffing her face.

“Hungry much?” I tease.
“Starving,” she looks at me from the corner of her eye.
“Jesus, Laila, you look incredible tonight.”
“Thank you,” she winks at me, stuffing a piece of pizza into her mouth.

Laila had gone all out tonight. Her dress was a dark maroon colour with a corset bodice, thin straps, and came up to above her knees. Her hair is down, slightly wavy, and falls effortlessly over her shoulders and back. She’s paired her dress with shiny black pumps and her makeup made her beautiful blue eyes pop with a deep red lipstick outlining her lips perfectly. Not a single thing out of place. She is stunning.

“I’m not wearing a bra or panties under this dress,” she whispers in my ear.

I choke on my own spit at her words and my eyes shoot straight to hers as she smiles devilishly at me.

“You’re completely naked under there?”
“Yep,” she winks at me.
“Why?”

Laila points to the bookshelf next to her table. There leaning up against it is Sterling.

“I’m going to fuck that boy tonight,” she gloats.
“Clearly,” I reply sarcastically.
“Oooofff, look at him in that tight white shirt and jacket,” she purrs. “He’s making me so fucking wet.”
“Oh, Christ, Laila! I don’t need to know,” I shake my head.
“Only a couple more signatures and he’s mine,” she says, straightening her dress out. “Oh, is he big?” Her eyes flick up to me.

“I-” I stammer. “I don’t know if I should be having this discussion while I’m kinda seeing Jon,” I reply nervously.

“Am I going to be able to walk, Cami?” Her words stern.
“No, Laila. The boy is packing,” I roll my eyes at her.
“Yum,” Laila purrs, eyeing Sterling out.
“Please stop,” I beg.
“Oh, shut it!” Laila rolls her eyes as she struts out of the room and back to her table.

That woman will be the death of me, I think to myself.

Poor Sterling. My inner voice giggles.

The rest of the afternoon went off without a hitch. Kay got an autograph from Stefan, which even he thought was weird, but then my best friend is an odd child. Laila greeted the other guests that were invited to the after-party and directed them upstairs where it was just starting. Angel and Annie were busy tidying up and closing the shop down for the night.

Kay and I made our way up after being told numerous times by Annie and Angel to, ‘get outta their hair’.

Stefan was buzzing around with his crew, positioning cutlery and the copious amounts of dishes he had put together. Kay and I felt kind of out of place with all these people we didn’t know, but that didn’t last long because Tyler came up with a glass of champagne and a spinach and ricotta tart in hand. 

“Thank you, Tyler.” I smile at him as I take the glass of champagne and tart.
“Not a problem, ladies,” he smiles, turning and handing Kay a glass and tart.
“Tyler? Oh, you’re Annie’s husband?” Kay squeaks out.
“Excuse Kay, she’s been gushing over Stefan all night and the girl’s almost lost her voice.” I roll my eyes.

“That’s fine; he is a handsome man.” Tyler chuckles. “And yes, I am that gorgeous woman’s husband.” He replies sweetly. “And you are?”

“I’m Kaylee, this bitch’s best friend and a friend of Laila’s,” her every word dripping with sarcasm.
“Wow!” I shake my head at her.

Tyler chuckles. “Well, it’s nice to meet you, Kaylee, but my wife is beckoning me.” Again he blushes. “I’ll catch up with you ladies later,” he winks at us as he strides past Annie.

Kay downs her entire glass of champagne and then stuffs the tart into her mouth.

“Christ, Kay. Slow down” I scold.
“I need it. There are far too many fine men here tonight and none of them are coming home with me,” she pouts, walking off.

I stand there for a few moments enjoying the atmosphere and sipping on my drink until I feel a pair of strong arms wrap around my waist. I knew it was Jonathan because my body instantly melted into his arms and only he has that effect on me.

A shiver runs through my entire body as his lips brush against my ear.

“You look absolutely mouthwatering tonight, Melek,” Jonathan whispers.

I bite down on my lip as a rush of heat runs through my body. I scan the room to see if anyone else heard his words and, realising it was just me, my legs threaten to give out under me.

Jon lets a small chuck as he reaches up. “Let me take that for you before you drop it, Melek,” he says quietly, softly taking my glass out of my hand and placing it on the table next to us.

I turn around to face Jonathan, resting my hands on his chest. He looks panty-droppingly gorgeous and smells unbelievably sexy. My hand shoots up to my mouth to catch the drool before it comes pouring out.

Jonathan’s hair is in a neat bun at the back with a couple of loose strands resting against his forehead. He’s wearing a light denim long-sleeved button-up shirt with three buttons undone at the top, a long silver necklace with a silver Turkish coin hanging on it, skinny black jeans, and black lace-up dress shoes.

Good lord! My inner voice purrs.

Before I get a chance to share the lusty thoughts I’m currently having about him with Jon, Kay interrupts. “Have you seen Laila?”

“No,” I hiss through gritted teeth.
“Oh! Sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt you guys,” Kay replies, cautiously backing away.
“That wasn’t very nice, Ms. Adams,” Jonathan smirks at me.
“She’ll get over it,” I shrug. “You look very handsome, detective,” I say, wrapping my arms around his neck.
“Thank you, Melek,” Jon smiles at me softly.
“I missed you.”
“I missed you too,” he kisses my forehead.

The lights dim and the room falls silent.

“I think someone is about to make a speech,” Jonathan says, looking around.

FUCK! I can’t catch a break tonight, I think to myself.

“Urgh,” I huff, unwrapping myself from Jonathan and turning around.

Brilliant timing, Laila, I think to myself.

Out of the corner of my eye, I see Sterling stepping out of the toilets straightening his clothes. I feel Jonathan tense as his hands tighten around my waist.

FUCK! He’s seen him! My inner voice shouts.

I place my hands on his and lightly rub them. He stays tense for a moment before finally relaxing, letting out a deep sigh.

Listening to Laila making her speech and a small reading from her new book to everyone, Jon leans down and whispers “Camilla?”

“Hmmm,” I tilt my head up towards him.

“I need to talk to you about something. Privately. Can we go back to my place tonight?”

Jonathan’s words, usually full of sweetness, held no emotion. My brain starts doing overtime as my anxiety threatens to take over.

What? What is it! I silently freak out while standing in a crowded room that now feels completely empty. The only thing I can muster up is, “ok,” and even that comes out as a low whisper.