Chapter 25

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

Cam raised his beer bottle to toast Ainsley and Dare, then took a healthy sip as a smattering of applause broke out from their family and friends gathered in Dare's backyard.

A new song drifted from speakers set up in the corner of the patio, and his attention was drawn to Kinley, seated next to him. He pushed back his chair and extended a hand to her. "Come dance with me."

She slipped her hand into his and he pulled her out to the makeshift dance floor. Placing one hand on her hip, he pulled her as close as he dared. Her gaze flitted around the yard before meeting his, full of pleasure and pride. "This turned out really well, didn't it?"

He smiled. "It did. I can't believe you put this together so fast."

"Where there's a will, there's a way." Her dreamy gaze drifted toward her sister and soon-to-be brother-in-law. "You know, I don't blame them for not wanting to wait. They've both been through so much…"

Cam agreed. Almost losing the love of your life had a way of putting things in perspective. Though Dare and Ainsley had only been together for a short period of time, Cam had never seen the sheriff so damn content. They were meant to be together.

"They deserve to be happy." Cam glanced down at her. "Does it make you wish for your own wedding?"

Her gaze once again strayed over his shoulder, and a sad smile flitted across her lips. "I'd have to find a decent guy first."

Their conversation about Ted from the other night came back with brutal force. That asshole had never appreciated her, and she deserved so much better than some asshole looking for a nanny to take care of his kid. Forcing his anger down, he took a tiny step forward, shifting Kinley so she was even closer.

"You know… I might have a solution for you."

"What's that?" Her head tipped to one side.

He peered down at her. "You could just save yourself the trouble and marry me instead."

Her eyes widened fractionally, and her chest hitched as she drew in a sharp breath. Several beats passed as she stared up at him and his shoulder blades tightened nervously. He was just about to make a joke about it when she broke the silence. "Maybe I should."

Her expression suddenly turned serious, unsure, her teeth digging into her bottom lip. He knew that look. He'd pushed far enough for one night. She'd been hurt far too much recently, and she needed time for things to settle down. If he pressed any more, she would bolt.

Cam dipped his head and speak next to her ear. "In case I haven't told you already, you look absolutely stunning."

A shy smile curves her lips. "You clean up pretty well yourself, mister."

The song drew to a close, the final notes lingering in the air like a whispered promise. Cam reluctantly let his hand fall away, but not before squeezing Kinley's hand, a silent message he hoped she understood. She smiled up at him, a hint of something unreadable in her gaze.

"Kinley, I?—"

"Mind if I cut in?"

Kinley stiffened at the sound of the other man's voice, and Cam drew back, frustration pulsing through his veins.

Cam turned to face Cooper Klein, and his stomach swooped violently. Klein was a great cop, and Cam enjoyed working with him. But now, watching him stand next to Kinley, he couldn't help but hate the man just a little.

Kinley smiled warmly, her face lighting up at the sight of her old friend. "Hey. Glad you could make it."

"Wouldn't have missed this for the world." An easy smile stretched his face as he extended a hand toward Kinley. "Dance with me?"

"Of course," Kinley replied, her voice cheerful. She glanced back at Cam. "Thanks for the dance."

He nodded and forced a smile as he stepped away. "Any time, Kins."

He made his way to the bar, trying to push down the swell of jealousy rising in his chest. Ordering a whiskey, he glanced back at the dance floor just in time to see Kinley laughing at something Cooper had said. They moved together effortlessly, a testament to their shared history, and it stung more than he cared to admit.

"Damn, McCoy," a voice drawled beside him. "Keep scowling like that and you're likely to clear the place out."

Cam turned to see Sawyer Reed leaning casually against the bar, a teasing glint in his eye. "Shut up, Reed," Cam muttered, taking a gulp of his drink.

Reed swiveled toward him. "Seriously. What's up with you and the Layne girl?"

"Why?" The question came out far more hostile than he'd intended, and the corner of Sawyer's mouth kicked up.

"Don't shoot." He held up a hand in Cam's direction. "It was just a question."

Cam rolled his eyes and glanced back at Kinley. She was smiling up at Cooper, but Cam couldn't tell how genuine it was. Was she really into him?

"You're friends, right?"

Cam nodded. "Yep."

"And?"

He glanced over at the detective. "And what?"

Sawyer rolled his eyes and gestured between Cam and Kinley. "How long have you been doing this?"

Cam turned his attention back to the whiskey in his hand. "Don't know what you're talking about."

Sawyer chuckled. "Don't bite my head off. If I can see it, so can everyone else."

Cam sighed, setting his glass down with a little too much force. Reed was a relatively knew addition to Brookhaven. The man had moved here a few months ago, but he was right about one thing. If the new guy could sense his interest in Kinley, then he had it bad.

He shook his head. "It's not that simple."

"It never is," Sawyer agreed, his tone losing some of its teasing edge. "But glaring at her while she dances with Klein isn't going to win you any points."

Cam took another sip of his drink, savoring the burn as it slid down his throat. "I know."

Sawyer's gaze drifted across the dance floor, and his easy smile faded, replaced by something entirely different. Following Sawyer's line of sight, Cam's eyes landed on Brynlee Layne, Kinley's younger sister. She moved gracefully among the guests, her peal of laughter mingling with the music.

A mirthless escaped before he could stop it. "Hypocrite."

Sawyer's eyes snapped back to Cam. His eyes went wide for half a second before he smoothed expression into a blank mask. "Not sure what you mean."

"Right."

For a moment, they stood in companionable silence, both lost in their thoughts. Happy party goers buzzed around them, filled with joy and celebration, yet they were both keenly aware of the two women who seemed just out of reach.

"You gonna do something about it?" Sawyer asked finally, breaking the silence.

Cam shrugged, his gaze returning to Brynlee. "Someday. When the time's right."

The final notes of the song drifted out, and Cam pushed to his feet. If Kinley wanted another dance, it sure as hell wasn't going to be with Cooper Klein.