“You think being with me will disappoint him?” I force the question past my lips.
“No.” She’s quick to defend. “It’s not you. It’s just I know my dad. He’s always said no one will be good enough for his girls, and well, I guess I just worry he’s going to be rude to you, and you don’t deserve that.”
“I can handle it.” I can handle anything as long as she’s mine.
“You shouldn’t have to handle it. That’s what stresses me out. I won’t let him be that way. Not with you. You’re different, Cam. You’re with me for me, and you’re so good to me. If my dad can’t see that, then I-I don’t know what…”
I guide my truck into the parking lot of the restaurant and park before removing the keys from the ignition and turning to look at her. “Hey.” I reach over the console and cradle her cheek. “I don’t want you fighting with your family for me. I’m a man. A man who is crazy about you. I can take what they dish out. Okay?”
“I-I don’t want you to decide this isn’t worth the hassle.”
Fuck me. “Baby, that’s never going to happen. I’m in this. Me and you. I fought too damn hard to get you to be with me. Do you really think I’m going to let your dad run me off?”
“I really like what we have, Cameron.”
“Me too, baby. Me too.” Leaning over, I kiss her softly. “Now, let’s go inside and have dinner with your family. I don’t want you to stress or worry about anything. I can handle it. I promise you that. As long as I know at the end of the day you’re mine, none of this will get to me.”
“Cam, I—” She starts but then stops. “Thank you,” she says instead of what was on the tip of her tongue.
“Anything for you. You ready?” I ask.
“As I’ll ever be.”
I nod. “Stay put. I’ll get your door.”
“You don’t have to do that. I’ve told you this.”
“And I’ve told you that I like doing things for you. Give me this, please?”
“Fine,” she grumbles, but I can see the slight tilt of her lips as she tries to hide her smile.
Climbing out of the truck, I see her family waiting in front of the restaurant for us. I can feel their stares as I make my way to the passenger side to open Paisley’s door. I offer her my hand, and she takes it, this time her smile lighting up her entire face. “You’re beautiful,” I tell her as we walk hand in hand toward the front entrance of the restaurant.
“Are you trying to charm me, Cameron Taylor? I think it’s my dad you want to use all that Taylor charm on.”
“Nope. All my charm is yours,” I say, making her throw her head back in laughter.
“What did we miss?” Parker asks.
“Nothing. Cam’s just being Cam.” Paisley smiles up at me, and my heart misses a beat. I’ll do whatever it takes to see that smile on her face every single day.
“Ready?” Larissa asks us.
“Yes,” Paisley says. Her body is relaxed as she leans into me, and her voice is steady. Hell yes, my girl is ready. She’s got me in her corner, and I’ll always be here for her to lean on.
Chapter 15
Paisley
Cameron pulls out my chair and waits for me to sit before taking the one beside me as his own. He immediately places his hand on my leg under the table, and the contact is soothing.
“Paisley, guess what?” Peyton asks.
“What?” I give her my full attention. Well, as much as I can. There’s always a part of me focused on Cameron, even when he’s not this close and touching me.
“I’m signing up for drama club.”
“Really? That’s awesome. What made you decide to do that?” I ask my youngest sister.
“Well, Mom’s always saying how dramatic I am, so I thought I might as well try it and see how it goes.”
“Are you giving up softball?” I ask her.
“No.” Her answer is hard and firm. “This is just something to keep me occupied until softball season starts.”
“Will it overlap?” I clarify.
“I don’t know. I guess I better make sure. I’m not giving up softball,” she says adamantly.
“I’m sure it will work out, lady,” Dad tells her.
Our server appears, and we place our orders. As soon as he steps away from the table, Dad turns his attention to Cameron. “So, Cameron, tell us about you,” he says, sitting back in his chair. He’s at the head of the table with Mom at his side. I’m on the other side with Cameron next to me. Peyton is next to Mom, and Parker is directly across from Dad. At least I’m between Dad and Cameron.
“I went to college at the University of Tennessee. My degree is in sports management. I started playing for the Outlaws right after college, and I’ve been there until just recently.”
Dad nods. “You finished your degree?”
“Yes, sir. I promised my mom I’d have a fallback. It’s a good plan. This career isn’t guaranteed.”
“It’s always good to have options.” Mom smiles at him.
“What about your family?” Dad asks.
“It was just my mom and me growing up. My mom’s parents helped with me a lot. Mom worked full-time and went to college to become a registered nurse after I was born.”
“She’s so sweet,” I add. “You and Grace would get along great,” I tell my mom.
“You’ve met her?” Dad asks.
“I have. A few times, actually.” I hold his gaze as he processes what I just said.
“This is serious then?” Dad asks. This time, it’s Cameron he’s looking at instead of me.
He tightens his grip on my leg under the table while holding my dad’s stare. “Yes.” Just one word. No explanation. Then again, none is needed.
“It’s a little soon to be serious, don’t you think?” Dad asks.
“Easton!” Mom scolds him.
“Baby, I’m just speaking the truth. They’ve known each other a handful of weeks, and it’s serious. She’s too young for that.”
“Easton Monroe. Have years of marriage and three girls made you lose your memory? Do you not remember our dating history?”
“That’s different.”
“Explain that.” Mom crosses her arms over her chest and gives him a look that tells us she’s not playing. It’s her mom look, the serious one.
“She’s our little girl. She’s only twenty-two. She’s too young to be serious.”
“I’m not even going to dignify that with a response.” Mom rolls her eyes. “Paisley is an adult. She’s a college graduate, has a career, pays her own bills, and has the freedom to date whomever she wants.”
The server delivers our food, and we all dig in. The table is quiet, and my heart sinks. I was so hoping this would go better. Cameron’s mom was so good to me, and that was weeks ago when we first met. I love my dad, but sometimes he’s just too over-the-top.
“Hey,” Cameron murmurs in my ear. I turn to look at him, and he’s still leaning in close, ignoring anyone and everyone but me. “You all right?” he asks softly.