On Friday morning, Camille slowly awakened to the gentle touch of Hawke sitting on the edge of her bunk. Eyes still closed; she felt his dreamy kiss guiding her into an open-mouth kiss that left her breathless.
He placed her hands on his bare chest. “I want to wake up every morning kissing you, sweetheart,” he murmured, holding her tightly against him.
She smiled faintly, opening her eyes as reality slowly sank in. “Don’t worry. I won’t hold you to that. We’re in this bubble of time where anything feels possible, but the outside world is waiting beyond this cabin.”
“Don’t cheapen what we have,” he said, his voice firm but tender. “We’ve known each other for a long time, and we’ll be family soon, starting with the engagement party this Saturday. It wouldn’t have been proper to start a romantic relationship when you were younger, and later, I earned your anger because of Ondine. But I’ve always felt we were attracted to each other, even though we hadn’t acted on it. I want us to go as a couple, in a committed relationship. I realize that you think I am moving too fast.”
She shook her head, pulling back slightly. “No, we’re not looking for the same future. You’re handsome, arrogant, well-off, a womanizer, a fantastic kisser, and not someone who does faithful forever after. I don’t see this leading anywhere but to heartache for me.”
Hawke’s eyes reflected a mixture of determination and vulnerability. “Let’s spend the next few months getting to know each other properly. I don’t mean physically, but understanding how we can be together,” he said. “I’m tired of being a bachelor. I want what my parents have, what Trent and Ondine have. I want that with you.”
“I…No, I don’t think we would work…” she stammered, her heart pounding.
“Don’t be afraid. Just give us three months. Take a chance. It will be a challenge because we might not be often in the same place. Between the ranch, my foundation, and other CEO meetings, I travel extensively , but we will find a way to get together.”
“Okay. I agree,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.
“I’ll do whatever it takes to convince you that we are meant to be together,” he replied, his voice steady. He gave her a final kiss and left the cabin to take care of his stallion.
His words lingered as she dressed in her riding gear for the morning chores. She couldn’t shake the thought of his proposal as she readied herself for her biology test that afternoon. Fortunately, it was online and would be proctored in one of the resort’s conference rooms.
Hawke dropped her off at the stable, promising to come by to check on his horses mid-morning. He was particularly concerned about a young, skittish mare.
A few hours later, Camille joined him in the filly stall, their presence quiet and soothing. The filly nickered softly, her ears flicking towards them, slowly relaxing in their company.
Just then, two grooms strolled past their stall.
“Did you see them coming together? Can you imagine how much a photo of them together is worth? He’s always featured in the tabloids with a new girl on his arm. The caption will read Cinderella and the Prince. We should watch the cabin tonight and get some photos,” one groom whispered.
Camille looked up at Hawke, her face blanching and flushing simultaneously. She couldn’t believe the gossip. She started to step out of the stall.
But he stopped her and stepped out himself. Hawke approached them quietly, his presence commanding attention. “You shouldn’t spread rumors. I assume you’re talking about Miss Camille and me?”
“Yeah…but it’s not gossip if it’s true,” one groom replied defiantly.
“Camille and I have been engaged for a while, but we haven’t announced it because the spotlight should remain on Ondine and Trent’s engagement party this Saturday. My lawyers will not tolerate unsavory comments about our relationship or photos and will address them harshly. Understood? “
“Yes, we understand,” they replied, exchanging nervous glances.
“Get back to your chores,” Hawke said firmly, watching the grooms scurry away. He walked back into the stall where Camille was hiding.
“What were you thinking?” she whispered, her voice trembling with contained anger, eyes blazing. “We are not engaged. We decided to take a few months to see where this relationship might lead but not rush into an immediate, full-blown engagement. They will leak that information, and then what?” She paced, wringing her hands. “Why now? I should have refused to have you stay at the cabin,” she lamented. “My parents will be shocked if a salacious picture of us together shows up in the tabloids.”
He took her in his arms. “Shush. Relax. You will be okay. Focus on your morning tasks. We will talk later this evening. I have an appointment in town. Do not forget to eat lunch. Good luck on your test.” He left after giving her a heart-stopping kiss, his lips lingering on hers.
He wanted to protect her, to be the man she could always rely on, the one who would never let her down. Numbly, she nodded and returned to grooming the filly, thinking of the morning’s events. Fortunately, Lucky sensed her mood and behaved incredibly well all morning, his presence a comforting distraction. By lunch, she felt closer to normal.
Henri stopped by, his expression reassuring. “I’ve dealt with the two grooms. You shouldn’t worry about any further gossip.”
As evening approached, Camille felt she had aced the test, though she remained cautious about being overconfident. Her family had flown in from France and arrived at El Ocaso in the afternoon. That night, on the eve of Ondine and Trent’s engagement party, she stayed at the resort to prepare with her family in the morning.
As she lay in bed, she let her mind wander back to Hawke’s kiss and his unexpected declaration. Despite her frustration, a small part of her couldn’t deny the warmth his words and actions had ignited. She resolved to face whatever came next with an open heart and was ready to tackle any challenges.