Chapter 262
Lance’s way of being so open and sincere made Camilla want to keep things real between them. She didn’t want any complications. No extras. Just the chance to really try.
“Promise me, Camilla… Don’t kick me out. Let me take care of you. Give me a shot, okay?” Lance’s voice was quiet, but in his eyes there was something bright and hopeful. There was no room for her to say no.
Camilla nodded. “Alright. I’ll go look at houses tomorrow, Lance. I’ll give you an answer soon p>
This place was just too tiny. She had brought him home so she couldn’t just pretend everything was fine. If she was serious about making this work, she needed a bigger place, something at least as nice as the one in Saddlebrook Estates. She didn’t want Lance to feel like he had to settle.
Lance watched her, noticing how serious she looked, and suddenly broke into a laugh. He reached over and brushed his fingers gently through her hair. “Are you planning to spoil me, babe? Rescue a lost soul and keep him for yourself p>
The way he said “babe” sent heat dusting across Camilla’s cheeks. She shot him a look. “Stop it. Don’t say things like that. You’re only here because of me, and I can’t just let you wander around with nowhere to stay p>
They both knew the whole “homeless” thing was just an excuse. With the amount of money Lance had, it was impossible he didn’t have at least a dozen options. Still, he decided to go along with it.
“I’ll just wait for you to bring me to our brand-new place then,” he said, sounding so much like a sweet, patient puppy she almost laughed out loud.
“Lance, why are you so well-behaved all of a sudden?” Camilla couldn’t help but tease him.
“For you, only you,” Lance replied, his voice dropping to a soft, teasing hush. “And since I’m being this good for you, don’t be shy with me. If you ever run into any kind of problem, I’ll be right there by your side, ready to take on the world for you. Wherever you point, I’ll go p>
With those simple words, he made her worries fade. Camilla felt lighter, suddenly optimistic. She reached up and touched her hand to Lance’s forehead. She was just about to say something when the quiet turned into the sound of a door opening.
Jasper stood in the doorway, tiny fists rubbing his sleepy eyes, blinking at them in confusion. “Mom? Lance? What are you guys doing p>
Camilla froze, hand falling away. She cleared her throat. “Jasper, why are you up p>
He shuffled closer, mumbling, “Lance cooked something really yummy. I ate too much. Now I can’t sleep. Mom, will you tell me a story so I can fall asleep again p>
Lance had been looking all gentle and relaxed, but at Jasper’s words, he glared at the kid, a little indignant. Jasper didn’t even notice, already tugging at Camilla’s hand. “Please, Mom? Can we p>
“Of course, sweetheart,” Camilla said. She gently pulled away from the moment with Lance and walked Jasper to his room.
Lance watched them go, unable to stop the soft half-laugh that slipped out. Little brat, he thought, always running interference. Tomorrow, he’d buy Jasper enough toys to keep him busy enough to leave Camilla alone.
In the quiet of the kids’ room, Camilla found a storybook and sat down beside Jasper. “What story do you want tonight?” she asked quietly.
Jasper looked up at her, his little hand resting on the cover of the book, his mood much more serious than usual. “Mom, do you like Lance p>
Camilla blinked. “Why would you ask that, Jasper? Don’t you like him p>
Jasper shook his head lightly. “Lance is really nice. He’s way better than my old dad was. But I just don’t want you to feel bad. If you don’t really like him, I can just stay away, okay p>
He was just a kid, but after everything that had happened lately, and especially under Barnard’s influence, she realized Jasper was growing up too fast. He barely felt like a five-year-old anymore.
Camilla hugged him tightly, her voice gentle and steady. “Sweetheart, I’m not unhappy. You should always be yourself. Don’t try to protect me by hiding how you feel, okay? Let’s not worry about these things. Just stories for tonight p>
She tucked him in and smoothed his blanket just like always. Her voice turned soft as she began to read.
Jasper peeked at her from under his covers, gaze steady. Camilla smiled and touched his forehead. “Close your eyes and listen for Mommy, alright? Try not to get all tangled up in grown-up worries. Promise p>
By the time Camilla came out of his room, half an hour had passed. A hall light glowed softly, making everything feel quiet and safe.
She found Lance curled up in a corner of the couch, looking a bit forlorn, his long legs tucked under him. His silhouette looked so out of place in the little living room that her resolve returned. Tomorrow, she would find them a real home.
Morning came too soon, with the sharp jangle of her phone dragging her out of sleep. Camilla glanced at the screen. The name “Barnard” flashed up. Instantly, a wave of irritation hit. Still, she picked it up.
Barnard rattled off an address and told her to come over, no explanation, no manners.
Camilla threw on clothes and hurried out of her room. She was surprised to see Susan already in the kitchen, humming as she worked.
Susan glanced up as Camilla rushed by. “Lance took Jasper for a jog. Breakfast will be ready soon. Want to wait p>
“I’ll skip it today. Please just let them know I had to go take care of something.” Camilla’s tone was apologetic, but she really needed to go.
Maybe it was knowing she had to meet Barnard, but not seeing Lance there gave her an odd, unexpected sense of relief.