Chapter 18: Camille - Love On Time

I grab a glass of champagne and head to my rightful seat around the bridal party table. The DJ starts playing a loud tune as Ivy and Cooper make their grand entrance into the reception space. Everyone stands and claps as they head to the center of the dance floor and go straight into their first dance. The joyful moment turns tender as the crowd sits down to watch the bride and groom dance for the first time as husband and wife.

I can't take my eyes off them, their love is so inspirational it brings me to tears. I swipe the napkin off the table and blot the corners of my eyes. When I look up, I find Drew watching me with an admiring smile. He gives me a small nod to make sure I’m okay.

Dinner is coming to an end as the parents and a few members of the bridal party give their speeches. Cooper and Ivy knew I didn’t want to make one tonight. They know that standing in front of a crowd and speaking into a microphone is enough to send me over the edge. Instead, I handwrote each of them a letter, hoping it would show them just how much I love and appreciate them while also thanking them for respecting my boundaries.

Ivy’s sister finishes her heartfelt speech as she hands over the microphone to Drew. I do a double take, my heart skipping a beat. I had no idea he was making a speech tonight. I shift in my seat, leaning to the side to get a clear view of where he’s standing.

“Good evening, everyone.” Drew begins, his voice confident and grounding over the speakers. “For those who don’t know me, I’m Drew. Cooper’s best man, and his best friend since we were teenagers. We lived next door to each other and bonded over football and girls.” A ripple of giggles echoes through the reception tent, a few of Cooper’s old teammates chuckling loudly from the back tables. Cooper just shakes his head, a broad grin splitting his face.

“But football aside... Cooper has been the one constant in my life,” Drew says, his voice dropping quieter. “When I moved in next door to the Bensons, I had no idea that I’d end up being welcomed as a part of their family. Cooper isn’t just my best friend, but a brother who has been by my side through everything, my highest moments and my lowest. He never gave up on me, even when he had every reason to.” He looks down regretfully as my heart sinks deep in my chest. A silent apology for all the years he spent running. He brings his gaze back up to the crowd with a small smile, changing his tone into something lighter.

“I remember the day Ivy moved onto our street at the end of our junior year of high school. We were driving home when Cooper caught a glimpse of her. He begged me to go with him to say hi, and by the end of their first conversation, he smoothly scored her phone number. But what I remember most was when we approached our houses, he looked at me and said…’I think I just met my wife’.” Everyone is quiet, captivated by his every word. Ivy is brushing away her tears.

“Ivy fit in with all of us quickly after that, capturing the hearts of everyone around her. She loves fiercely and is an amazing friend. Watching these two grow together through high school, college, and then life and careers has been a privilege. They never let fear or excuses get in their way, they choose each other every day. It has opened up my eyes to what love truly is.” Drew pauses, looking through the crowd until his eyes fall on mine.

“What Cooper said last night is true, and if you missed it, he said this: ‘There is no perfect timeline on love.’” He says, his eyes never wavering from mine. “It’s the decision to look at another person through the wreckage of life and say, 'I am choosing you–completely unguarded, with zero excuses–every single day, for the rest of my life.'’

He blinks, breaking our eye contact to look at the crowd, raising his glass high into the glowing lights of the tent.

“You showed me and everyone in this room what it looks like when love conquers all. Here's to the bride and groom. To Cooper and Ivy.”

The entire room erupts into a wave of applause, chairs push against the grass as everyone stands to toast the newlyweds. I join in, my hands trembling slightly as I clap, my eyes glassy as I look across the table at the man who just used his speech to promise me he’s finally done running. I polish off the rest of my champagne in one gulp, needing the alcohol to calm my nerves.

* * *

The bride and groom finish their emotional dances with their parents, leaving the crowd watching in silence. Then, the DJ takes the microphone, the bass drops, and the lights shift into a vibrant, pulsing glow. The dance floor is officially open.

Finally, a small window opens up so I can head to the bar and get a new drink. I take a long sip of my champagne, the cold zing hitting the back of my throat.

“You look beautiful tonight.”

The deep voice catches me off guard. I turn from the edge of the bar to find Alex standing there, waiting for the bartender to slide a drink across the counter to him.

“Thank you, Alex,” I say, offering a polite smile. “Are you having a nice night so far?

“I am,” he says, lifting his glass in a small toast. “It’s a beautiful wedding. They really nailed it.”

As he speaks, my attention slips. Out of the corner of my eye, I catch Drew standing a few yards away, caught in a conversation with a group of his old high school friends. Even as he nods along to whatever story is being told, his eyes are locked on me and Alex.

Alex follows my line of sight, watching the longing gaze stretch between us. A knowing smile spreads across his face as he looks back at me.

“You know that man is head over heels in love with you, right?” Alex adds softly.

My head snaps back to him, my cheeks flushing. “You aren't the first person to tell me that this week,” I sigh, the weight of his observation making me desperate to deflect the spotlight.

“What about you? Do you have anyone special back home, Alex?”

“I actually do,” he says, his posture softening as a quiet, proud expression takes over. “He’s, uh... he’s great, Cami.”

A wide smile forms on my face, the tension evaporating from my shoulders at his admission. I had no idea, but it makes perfect sense, and I love that for him.

“I’m really happy for you, Alex. Truly. Are you still living in California? I’d love to get together with you guys sometime.”

“Yeah, we are!” he says, smiling warmly as he stirs the liquid in his glass. “And I would really love that. I’ll reach out to you when we get back.”

“Sorry to interrupt,” Drew says, his voice low as he reaches out to slip his fingers through mine. “Alex, do you mind if I steal her for a few minutes?”

“She’s all yours.” He chuckles, bringing his drink to his lips.

Drew has me by the hand, and I realize he is pulling me out to the dance floor. Other couples, including my parents, are slow-dancing to “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” My heart drops to my stomach. Realizing that he just navigated through the crowd, ignoring everyone else, just to find me and ask me to dance, leaves me at a complete loss for words.

We slow to a stop right in the center of the dance floor. He turns to face me, wrapping one strong arm securely around my waist while his other hand gently clasps mine. I rest my cheek against his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart, letting my eyes fall shut as we sway to the rhythm of the music. My body melts into his, the crowd around me disappearing into a soft blur. He’s the only one who can quiet my mind, keeping me present and calm in every moment. His warm lips place a gentle kiss on the top of my head. I take a deep breath, inhaling his warm scent.

We don't say anything, we just hold each other, savoring the time we have left. My heart is carefully piecing itself back together as the pain of the past begins to fade into a distant memory. And finally, the world around me is no longer burning, but rebuilding itself from the ashes.

The music slows to a stop, and we just stand there staring at each other, neither one of us moving. He smiles down at me, taking a small step forward. He reaches for my face, threading his fingers through my hair. Slowly, he brushes his thumbs across my cheeks and, without hesitation, presses his lips to mine. Right here in the open, at the very center of the dance floor for everyone to see, no more secrets and no more hiding. I smile against his lips and wrap my arms around his neck, as he lifts me off my feet.

A small crowd nearby cheers, and I don’t even have to look to know who it is. The bass of a pop song blares through the speakers, and we are swarmed by people coming to dance. Ivy appears through the crowd, pulling me into a big hug. Over her shoulder, I find my mom watching us, smiling. She gives me a small nod of approval as she takes a sip of her wine.

Before I know it, the night has passed in one exhilarating blink. The reception becomes a whirlwind of energetic dancing, nonstop laughter, and a rush of adrenaline and alcohol, leaving me breathless and entirely surrounded by love. My hands still hold the proof of just how much love is in the air. I had supposedly caught the bouquet by coincidence during the toss. But I didn't miss the glint in Ivy's eyes the moment she turned around, spotted where I was standing in the crowd, and launched the flowers right in my direction.

I sit alone at a table, savoring my final glass of champagne as the venue's waitstaff begin to tear down the reception space around me. The chaos from earlier has settled into a peaceful calm. Cooper and Ivy made their grand sparkler exit just minutes ago, and the vast majority of the guests dispersed immediately after. Now, under the dimming lights of the tent, the air is still, leaving me alone with my thoughts and the lingering warmth of the evening.

The sound of footsteps on the grass approaches from behind, and a warm hand gently brushes against the back of my chair. The top button of his dress shirt is undone. He doesn't say anything at first, just watches me sip my champagne. He pulls out the chair right next to mine and sits down, and the clinking of the waitstaff clearing plates fades into the background.

“You survived,” he says softly. “Your brother is officially a married man, the crowd is gone, and you look absolutely breathtaking in that dress.”

I let out a small chuckle, twisting the stem of my champagne glass between my fingers as I hold his gaze.

“Hm. Now what?” I tease boldly, tilting the glass to finish the rest of my drink before setting it aside.

“Now is the part where I steal you all to myself for the rest of the night,” he says, pushing his chair back to stand, extending his hand to me.

I place my palm in his. “Lead the way.”

The elevator doors slide shut with a soft click, leaving us in complete silence. The tension between us has thickened throughout the night. A sharp ache radiates through my feet, driving me to finally unbuckle the straps of my heels.

“Remind me why women willingly wear these things?” I kick off one heel, and instant relief rushes through my foot.

Drew glances down at me, his throat moving as he swallows. Without a word, he drops to one knee. His hand wraps around my ankle, grounding me as he unbuckles the remaining strap and slowly slides off the second shoe.

“Because they make your legs look incredible.” His hands slowly graze up my exposed leg, disappearing into the high slit of my satin dress.

My eyes flutter shut, goosebumps rising beneath his soft touch. I lean my head back against the elevator wall, holding myself steady with the handrail. His fingertips travel up my inner thigh until he reaches the hem of my thong. My breath hitches in my throat as a small moan escapes my lips. His hazel green eyes look up at me from below, hooded with unspoken want. I part my legs wider, giving him the silent plea to keep going.

The moment his thumb grazes the fabric of my underwear right at my center, my legs betray me, turning to liquid beneath his touch. He grabs my hips, keeping me firm in place. Then he rises from his knee, his hand wrapping around the back of my neck to pull me into a deep, searing kiss.

The elevator chime cuts through the haze and the doors slide open, signaling us to break apart. Drew catches my hand, his other pressing against the small of my back as he guides us out into the hallway. Our suite door beeps green as it unlocks, and then complete darkness swallows us.

The heavy door clicks shut, but neither of us reaches for the light switch. The moment I turn to face him, his lips are already crashing into mine. He presses my back hard against the wall, dragging his mouth down the sensitive line of my neck to press a hot, wet kiss against my collarbone. My heart is thumping rapidly in my chest with a strong pulsing ache between my legs. I reach for the buttons on his shirt, quickly maneuvering each one through the dark.

“God, I’ve wanted you for so long.” He breathes heavily, pulling his shirt off.

“Then show me.” I whimper.

He pulls my mouth back to his with a low groan, rocking his weight firmly against me. Slowly, he guides us deeper into the room until the back of my legs hit the edge of the bed.

“I need to see you, baby,” he whispers, turning the lamp on his nightstand to the dimmest setting. A low, warm glow illuminates the small room. My eyes fall to his tanned, broad chest, my knees weakening under me again.

“Turn around for me.” He says, his voice cracking.

I do as he says. He unties the low satin ribbon at the base of my lower back and finds the zipper, slowly sliding it down until it gives way completely. His hands glide up over my bare skin, fingertips lightly brushing the curves of my waist. The sheer intensity of his touch makes my body tighten, and I throw my head back against his chest. He leans into my neck, his mouth sucking hot and heavy against my racing pulse. Finally, his hands slide upward, coming to a rest just beneath the swell of my breasts.

“Is this okay?” He whispers in my ear.

“Yes,” I say, my chest rising and falling.

His hands cup over my breasts, pinching my nipples between his fingers.

I gasp. “Drew.”

“There you go again, you’re driving me wild, Cami.”

I turn to face him, letting my dress pool around my ankles until I'm left in nothing but my underwear. Drew sinks onto the edge of the bed, his eyes traveling over every inch of my body now that we're at eye level.

“You’re beautiful.” He whispers.

“I need these off,” I demand, reaching for the leather belt still buckled securely around his waist.

He lets out a low laugh and stands up, unbuckling the buckle and sliding his dress pants down his legs. When he sits back down, he's wearing nothing but tight black underwear that hugs every hard ridge of his body. Slowly, I crawl into his lap, centering myself over him as the mattress cushions my knees.

He wraps his hands around my ass, slipping his fingers just below my waistband. I push him back against the pillows and rock my hips into him. The sudden friction sends a jolt straight to my core, forcing a guttural, breathless moan from both of us.

Slowly, keeping his gaze locked on mine, I trail my fingers down his stomach to the waistband of his underwear, slipping my hand under until his entire length is wrapped securely in my hand.

“Fuck, Cami.” He grunts, “I’m not going to last long.”

I smile down at him. “It’s okay, we have all night.”

I stroke him gently, my hand wrapping around his warmth, just as he reaches up to hook his fingers under the band of my underwear. He pulls the fabric to the side, slowly slipping a finger inside me. My eyes flutter shut as pure ecstasy washes over me. I rock my hips against his hand, urging him deeper. He responds to the movement, carefully adding a second finger as a ragged moan escapes my throat, my orgasm already building tight and heavy in my core.

“I need you inside me.” I cry out between breaths.

“Are you sure?” He asks, slowing his momentum.

“I’ve been sure for eight years, Drew, don’t make me wait a second longer.”

“I… I don’t have any condoms.” He says in panic.

I grab his face in my hands. “I’m on birth control, and I just had an annual a month ago.”

“I get tested often for travel, I’m clear too.” He adds.

I look down at him, my gaze locking with his as a warm smile spreads across my face.

“And for the record,” he says, his voice thick with vulnerability. “I’ve been dreaming of this for eight years, too. There hasn’t been a single night where I didn’t wonder what it would feel like to be inside you.”

A deep flush creeps up my neck, burning my sensitive skin. I slide off his lap and sink onto my back, stretching out against the mattress.

I look up at him and whisper, “Show me exactly how you’ve dreamt it.”

His eyes turn dark and glassy. Desire looks so good on him. Without skipping a beat, he follows me down, slowly tracing his fingertips up my legs until they stop at the hem of my underwear. He hooks his fingers into the fabric, carefully dragging it down my legs before tossing them on the floor. I watch as his eyes memorize every curve and dip in my body. His throat bobs as he drinks me in. A dizzying sensation takes over, leaving me entirely weightless.

His lips press against my belly button, sending a frantic rush of flutters straight through me. He worships his way up my stomach, kissing and teasing his way to my peaked nipples. I let out a raspy gasp, lacing my fingers through his messy hair to hold him close. Then, agonizingly slow, he trails back down, his tongue mapping a wet line all the way to the heat of my core, stopping exactly where I need him to be.

He looks up, searching my eyes for approval, but I just chuckle and gently nudge his head back down. He has always treated me like I was something fragile, taking his time, but I'm not a girl anymore. He pauses against my skin to smile, knowing exactly what I'm thinking without me having to say a word.

His mouth goes crushing into my center, tongue twirling and sucking right where I ache for him. My back arches and my eyes fall shut, an orgasm already wanting to rip through me. He dips a finger inside me, his tongue never leaving me.

“Drew.” I moan. “I’m going to…” I can’t even finish my sentence before my first orgasm rips through me, setting fire to every nerve in my system. I fall back on the mattress, breathless.

He climbs over me, smiling. “You taste so good, baby.”

I grab him by the back of the neck, pulling his lips back to mine. He moans directly into my mouth. I slide my hand down, gripping the waistband of his underwear. Taking the hint, he strips them off, throwing them to the floor to join the rest of our discarded clothes. Then he slides back up my body, settling right between my thighs.

“Are you sure this is okay?” He whispers, the lamp's dim light casting a golden glow over his hard body hovering above mine.

“It’s more than okay.” My voice cracks.

He lines himself up at my entrance, his eyes locking onto mine. They are hooded, thick with lust and a wave of raw emotion. I reach up and cup his face, my thumb gently catching a single tear threatening to spill over his lashes.

He slowly slides into me, my body stretching deliciously to his size. My lips part, my breath catching in my throat, but my eyes stay entirely focused on his.

He thrusts the final distance, leaving no space left between us. His eyes fall shut, and his breathing becomes rapid. Between ragged moans, he grips my thigh, angling my leg up to drive deeper as he continues his unyielding rhythm. My body is already chasing a second orgasm, coiled tight and feeling euphoric. I whimper as he rolls his hips into me, my fingertips digging hard into the sharp lines of his shoulder blades. His body starts quivering under my hold, sending me straight over the edge. I see stars as white-hot heat floods my body. I cry out, and he pulls me tight against him, holding me steady in his arms as we ride out the crashing surge of our orgasms together.

He collapses onto the mattress beside me, his chest heaving as he fights for breath. We turn to look at each other, and a grin washes over his face before we both burst into breathless laughter. Eight years of wanting, of pining, of hurting, gone in a single night. Looking at him, my heart has never felt so full or so terrified, all at the same time.

A dim, navy-blue dawn begins to peek through the window as I lie limp across Drew’s chest. We spent the rest of the night memorizing every inch of each other's bodies, leaving nothing untouched.

His fingertips brush lazy, soothing circles over my bare shoulder as we drift into blissful exhaustion.

“I’m not ready to say goodbye to you,” I whisper, the words finally breaking through the quiet room.

“Then don’t.” He presses a tender kiss to the top of my head, just as a single tear escapes and slips down my cheek. I close my eyes, letting the steady rise and fall of his chest gently rock me to sleep.