Nicole’s comfy couch, Nicole sitting next to her in her oversized soft chair.
“Aren’t you nervous, going away with Cameron?” Aubrey asked, shocked. “You agreed to go away with Cameron for the weekend so soon into your relationship.”
“No, I’m not. I feel I know him well enough to take this trip. Besides, we aren’t sharing a room. I booked my own room at the hotel.” Nicole wanted to be mature about this.
“This is a big step, don’t you think?” Aubrey wondered. “You have only been dating him a couple of months.”
“I like Cameron. And I feel he’s into me. I have a feeling about him. I can’t define it just yet, but I like it. I like the way he makes me feel. I like who I am when I’m around him.” Nicole knew she had to be strong around Aubrey. She didn’t want her to talk her out of going.
“Have the two of you slept together?” Aubrey glanced at Nicole with uncertainty. Nicole knew she would ask that question.
“No, we haven’t.” Nicole felt the time was close. Their kisses reawakened a long-lost desire in her. If she could get over the tinge of guilt she felt when she recalled their dates. During their moments of embrace or kiss, she didn’t feel guilt. When she spent time with Cameron, he was the only one she thought about.
Aubrey paused briefly before speaking her mind. “That’s a big step for you. You haven’t been with anyone since Tyler.”
“Tyler isn’t coming back.” Nicole had to be realistic and face this very fact. “I loved Tyler with all of my heart. I’ll miss him always. However, I have to move forward. I don’t want to be single forever. I want love in my life.”
“I know you do. I just want you to be careful. I don’t want you to get hurt.” Aubrey moved closer to Nicole.
“Aubrey, you know I love you. I know you’re looking out for my best interest. I promise I won’t get hurt.” Nicole had to plead her case. She really wanted to spend the weekend with Cameron.
Aubrey had to support Nicole in this. “Okay… I’m excited for you, though. You’re stepping out of your comfort zone.”
“I have to, Aubrey. I have to. I can say, though, Cameron makes it easy,” Nicole admitted.
“You really like him, huh?” Nicole knew Aubrey could hear the excitement and fondness for Cameron in her voice.
Nicole took a deep breath before speaking. “I do.”
“So, what outfits are you taking on the trip?” Aubrey jumped up and headed toward Nicole’s room.
“I thought about wearing a dress for the concert. A pair of jeans and shorts, a few t-shirts, comfortable but cute shoes. Nothing too fancy,” Nicole said, right behind Aubrey.
“And lingerie?” Aubrey said, raising her eyebrows.
“Well, I don’t plan to sleep with Cameron. I’ll pack cute bras and panty sets. How’s that? I want to feel sexy at least.” Nicole wanted to be prepared for anything.
“Do you get those feelings around Cameron?” Aubrey asked.
“What kind of feelings?” Nicole didn’t know what Aubrey was talking about.
Aubrey asked, with arched eyebrows. “Desire, want, longing?”
“YES! The last time we went out, he kissed me. He gave me a deep, passionate kiss. I felt dampness between my legs, permeating my jeans. I hadn't experienced that sensation since Tyler died. My attraction to Cameron is clear now. I thought I would lose it, drop my panties right there in the car in front of his house,” Nicole said, laughing.
“Girl! I’m guessing you didn’t do that.” Aubrey laughed out loud. By the look on her face Nicole was sure the image appeared in her head.
“No, but I felt the urge. It's been a while.” It had been two years. Cameron made her tingle, feel alive on the inside. She felt desirable.
“We’ll see if you last the weekend. With y’all being all over each other, I’ll be surprised if you can resist each other.” Aubrey knew her friend. “If you feel the hots for Cameron, it’s only a matter of time.”
After laying out all of her clothing options, Aubrey helped Nicole put her things into a suitcase. When Aubrey left, Nicole finished packing and closed all her windows and shutters, since she would be gone for a few days. For the first time, Nicole walked around her house and didn’t feel Tyler’s presence. She no longer sensed him in her house. She didn’t long for him in the middle of the night. She didn’t reach for him, or hug her pillow, wishing it was him. She no longer felt the ache for Tyler. Was she actually moving on? Was she ready for a new relationship? Nicole drew in a deep cleansing breath, fell back onto her bed facing upward, staring at the ceiling.
With a tear rolling down her cheek, Nicole thought out loud. “Tyler, you’ll always be in my heart. Cameron’s a good guy. I hope you’re happy for me. I want to give this a try. I want to feel love again. I believe I can love Cameron,” Nicole whispered, wiping her cheek. She believed her spoken words, although feeling some hesitation. The dreams of Tyler were out of her control. She didn’t know when she would have one. The scene was always the same. Tyler and Nicole sat in a room, staring at one another.
Nicole must have dozed off because the next thing she heard was her phone buzzing with an incoming text.
Grinning, Nicole typed in her response.
Nicole stared at her phone for a few seconds. She noticed the three dots bouncing, letting her know she would see an incoming text from Cameron soon.
Nicole sat for a few more minutes, thinking about her words she’d spoken earlier, before falling asleep. In an instant, an intangible weight lifted from her chest. The constriction that had gripped her heart like a vice seemed to dissolve, replaced by an airy lightness.
“Thank you, Tyler,” Nicole said, looking up at the ceiling. She knew it was a sign. It was a sign from Tyler. It was time to move on.
Nicole moved her suitcase and tote bag from her bedroom just as Cameron rang her doorbell. She glanced at herself in the mirror near the front door. A subtle radiance emanated from her skin, catching the light that seemed to unveil an inner luminosity. It had been a while since she last saw that glow. It was Cameron. Smiling at her newly found lightness, Nicole opened her door to see him, flashing his million-dollar smile, hands in his pockets.
“Do you want to come in? Use the bathroom before we get on the road? Get some water or something?” Nicole asked. She wanted to be polite. However, she was ready to get on the highway. Cameron’s scent, the sight of him in his gray sweat shorts and tight white t-shirt hugging his large, firm biceps, made her want to lead him straight to her bedroom, move with feline grace and pounce on him.
Cameron walked inside Nicole’s house and shut the door. Giving her an intense gaze, he strolled toward her. Standing only inches away, Cameron placed his hands on her waist, pulling her into him. He looked into her eyes, paused, licked his lips, then kissed her, tugging on her lower lip before licking it. He breathed her in, his tongue entering Nicole’s mouth, tasting a minty flavor on hers. Cameron pulled away, only to brush a tender trail of kisses from her mouth to her right ear.
He inhaled a breath, then said, “I’m ready now.”
The kiss left Nicole speechless. She couldn’t move, planted where she stood. Her face turned flush and warm.
In a low, hoarse tone, Nicole said, “Then let’s go.”
Nicole settled into her seat inside Cameron’s SUV. The plush leather enveloped her back, providing comfort that induced a sense of snugness and coziness. Their estimated time of arrival in Vegas was five hours, fifteen minutes. On their calls, Nicole and Cameron talked nonstop. For the first twenty minutes, though, they rode in silence. It wasn’t an awkward silence. It was a tranquil hush that settled between them. Recognizing the songs on the playlist as 80s and 90s R&B, her lips curved into a gentle smile. Nicole shifted silently in her seat just as Cameron reached for her hand.
“I hope you enjoy this playlist. I made it the other day for our ride,” Cameron admitted.
Nicole’s heart was instantly filled with gratitude at Cameron’s thoughtfulness. “I love it. I know the words to every song that’s played”
Nicole sat back in her seat and let out a pleasurable sigh. Cameron held her hand for several minutes before bringing it to his lips, brushing a tender soft kiss on her forehand. Nicole dreamingly tapped her foot to the soft melody of D’Angelo’s Lady.
“You good, Cameron?” Nicole asked, knowing they had only spoken a little since the start of the car ride.
“Yep! You? Are you hungry?”
“No, I’m good. I may want something when we gas up, though.” Nicole appreciated Cameron’s attentiveness to her, making sure she was okay.
“In Barstow, there's a place with delicious greasy, cheesy burgers and fries. And milkshakes.”
“Oh, that sounds fantastic.” Nicole felt her stomach rumbling.
“The show is tomorrow night. I thought tonight we could have a quiet dinner in the hotel. Tomorrow, we can walk the strip, shop, and then head to the concert venue.”
“I’m game for all of that.” Nicole would be happy as long as she was with Cameron.
They spent the rest of the ride to Barstow enjoying the playlist, Nicole singing to Sade, Nothing can Come Between Us.
“This is one of my favorites by her,” Cameron said, swaying to the music.
“I would give anything to see her in concert.” Nicole could cross this idea off of her bucket list. “We can go together.”
“I’ll hold you to that,” Cameron said, giving Nicole a wink.
Once in Barstow, Cameron gassed up his SUV. They got cheeseburgers, shared an order of large french fries, and sipped on chocolate milkshakes. When they got to the hotel, Nicole checked in and received a surprise when she learned that Cameron had paid for her room. She couldn’t believe his generosity. She made a mental note to give him a thank you gift when they got back to Los Angeles. Their rooms were on the same floor, which made her foster a sense of closeness and security.
"I'm going to freshen up for dinner," Nicole said to Cameron as they stepped out of the elevator. “We’re having dinner at six o’clock?”
“Yes, I’ll come knock on your door at 5:45.” Cameron took Nicole’s hand and pulled her in for a kiss on the cheek, then whispered, “I’ll see you soon.”
Nicole could barely take in a breath as Cameron pulled away from her. She could only manage a subtle cure of her lips, betraying a quiet joy.
When Nicole got into her room, she flopped on the bed and began texting Aubrey.
Nicole was checking her emails when she noticed Aubrey replied.
As Nicole began typing a response to Aubrey, a text from Edward came in.
Despite Nicole’s lack of interest in Edward, she found herself puzzled by his persistent attempts to be with her. She understood how his presence made her feel. His companionship was a blessing and a curse. He offered comfort because of his reminder of Tyler. Yet, he made Nicole angry for his reminder of Tyler. A reminder that Tyler was gone. Edward’s continued pursuit remained elusive to her, leaving a sense of confusion. Wasn’t her lack of interest clear? She would respond to his text and talk to him next week.
Aubrey would be upset with Nicole if she knew Edward was still pursuing her. She had told Nicole if she didn’t put him in his place, she would. Nicole had to respond to Aubrey’s text.
Nicole and Aubrey exchanged a few more text messages before Nicole put her phone down to close her eyes and rest. Lids shut, she inhaled deeply–not just for air, but a moment of respite. The slow measured breath filled her lungs, a conscious effort to anchor herself in the present. Splashing water and voices of children drowned out the negative thoughts of Edward’s constant persistence. Cameron and she were alone in Vegas. Cameron’s presence lingered in the corridors of her thoughts, like ethereal visions playing across the canvas of her mind. His image materialized in a series of fleeting snapshots. Cameron’s million-dollar smile, his laugh, his thoughtfulness, his kisses. The lingering sensation of his kisses played on her lips like a soft melody of one of their favorite songs. While she was daydreaming, the air conditioner in the room switched on. The gentle brush of air she felt against her lips felt like a ghost of Cameron’s affection, a delightful haunting that sparked a symphony of desire.
It was the buzz of Nicole’s phone that woke her from a deep sleep. Reaching for her phone on the nightstand, she noticed a text message from Cameron.
Nicole panicked, wondering the time. How long did she sleep? Her phone read 5:30.
Thank goodness Cameron texted her. Otherwise, she would’ve had to rush to get ready.
At promptly 6:20, Cameron knocked on Nicole’s door. She gave herself an approving smile when she glanced at herself in the mirror. Dressed in a black, fitted, halter dress and high heel black strappy sandals, even she thought she looked sexy. She was thankful she had washed her hair and put it in a bun prior to the drive. With the added product, she had beautiful long curls hanging just past her shoulders.
“Hi,” Nicole said, opening the door.
“Hello, WOW! You look amazing,” Cameron said, mouth curving to display a huge smile.
“Thank you! Let me grab my purse.”
As the elevator descended to the lobby, Cameron and Nicole's hands found solace in each other. Fingers interlocked, creating a tangible connection that exceeded the confines of the small space. When the elevator door opened, the couple waiting to enter the elevator recognized Nicole and Cameron weren’t moving. It was the man clearing his throat that brought them out of their gaze.
“Sorry, excuse us,” Cameron politely said to the gentleman.
As they exited the elevator, Nicole stood slightly behind Cameron, admiring how sexy he looked in black slacks and a baby blue, long-sleeved button-up with a black jacket. A palpable hush fell over the hotel lobby as they strolled through, an unspoken acknowledgment that all eyes had gravitated toward them.
Once seated at their table, Cameron ordered a bottle of wine for sharing, steak with fresh greens, and potatoes au gratin for Nicole, and the seafood pasta for himself. Conversation over dinner was light and flirty. Nicole was certain her cheeks had remained flushed with color after receiving the compliments from Cameron. They sat at the bar, ordered after dinner cocktails, and watched the band walk over to their instruments to begin their set. A rich melody of smooth jazz blanketed them, filling the air with the rich timbres of saxophone, piano, and subdued percussion. The music quickly became a soothing backdrop, casting a spell of relaxation.
Cameron set his now empty drink on the bar, took Nicole’s hand, and asked, “Would you like to dance?”
Nicole took the last sip of her drink and responded, “I would love to.”
Cameron led Nicole to the small dance floor and pulled her close, resting his right hand on the small of her back. Streaks of heat spread through Nicole’s body, just from Cameron’s resting hand. As the notes danced through the air, they swayed to the harmony, the timeless tunes wrapping around them like a comforting embrace. Nicole nestled her face in Cameron’s neck, breathing in his clean, spicy scent. With a slight pull back, Cameron and Nicole locked eyes, their lips almost touching as he lowered his head. Cameron moved in to brush a soft kiss on Nicole’s lips. Eyes closed, she smiled as he pulled away. Butterflies circled her stomach at the thought of Cameron and his kiss. He was nothing but dreamy.
After dancing, Cameron led Nicole back to the bar. “Do you want another drink?”
Feeling a buzz, Nicole responded, “No, I think I better stop drinking before I embarrass myself.”
“Oh?” Cameron said, eyebrows arched upward, sporting a devilish grin. “That sounds like fun.”
Giggling, Nicole said, “We should call it a night.”
Cameron kissed Nicole on her cheek, put his arm around her shoulders, and slowly let her toward the elevator.
“Thank you for a beautiful evening, Cameron. The food was so delicious. The dancing was the perfect end of the evening.”
“It was a perfect evening, huh?” Cameron smiled at Nicole, gazing into her eyes.
Nicole retrieved her room key and faced Cameron. “I would invite you in, but after the wine and drinks, I can’t be responsible for what I may do.” She flushed.
Cameron’s head cocked to the side, his eyes shifting from the ground to her, asking, “Can we take our chances?”
Nicole felt the heat climb up her face and knew she was blushing. “Cameron, I want to. I really do.” A desire, unrestrained and fervent, pulsed through Nicole as she entertained the thought of inviting Cameron in her room and to her bed. The allure of shared intimate moments and whispered exchanges echoed within the walls of her mind. His body was tall, firm, and muscular. The way his butt looked in his pants made her want him. The prospect danced in her head like a provocative whisper, kindling flames of anticipation of when they could be intimate.
Cameron pulled Nicole closer, lowered his head and brushed kisses across her jaw, down her neck, then brushed his lips against hers. She looked up at him, her breath catching in her throat. He drew her close again, this time pressing his body against hers, holding her at her hips, and kissed her hungrily. Nicole responded by playfully biting his bottom lip, then gliding her tongue into his mouth. Cameron opened his mouth to receive her tongue, the kiss intensifying in a heated dance of their longing for each other. Cameron pulled away, looking down the hallway, looking to see if anyone was watching them.
In a deep, velvety rich tone, Cameron spoke. “I want to kiss you, hold you, be close to you, Nicole.”
Nicole could hear the yearning in his voice. “I want that, too, Cameron. I just need to wait a little while. Is that okay?” Thoughts of the last time she had sex flashed through her mind. It was with Tyler. Cameron was a sexy man, and Nicole wanted him as much as he wanted her. Was it guilt she was feeling at that moment, or fear?
Cameron took Nicole’s hands and brought them to his lips, brushing soft kisses on each palm of her hands. “Of course, baby. I’m not going anywhere.”
Cameron grabbed Nicole into a tight embrace and hugged her close, kissing her on her forehead. He pulled away, giving her one last kiss on the lips, and said goodnight.
As Nicole’s eyes fluttered open, sunlight greeted her, casting a warm and golden glow across her hotel room. It was 7:30, according to the nightstand clock. She reminisced about last night. She had dreamed of Cameron–him coming into her room, them making out, and his hands all over her. As they removed their clothes, she was just enamored by his beautiful, tight, fit body. They reached for each other, entangled in a horizontal embrace. As Cameron adjusted his body to be on top of her, she woke up. That dream made Nicole realize she was ready, and she didn’t know how much longer she could wait to have Cameron. She banished fear and guilt away. She wanted that man.
She reached for her phone to call Aubrey.
“Aubrey, oh my goodness, last night was amazing,” Nicole screeched.
“Hello to you, Nicole. Did you? You didn’t.” Aubrey didn’t think Nicole was ready to have sex with Cameron.
“No, I didn’t, but I felt I could. I was tempted to, but a feeling of caution made me hesitate.” Nicole recalled her feelings of guilt and fear overwhelming her.
“Nicole, honey, I know you’re scared. You’re human. You have feelings, needs. It looks like this man is really into you. He likes you,” Aubrey rationalized. Nicole knew she was right.
“He told me he isn’t going anywhere,” Nicole cheered.
“Do you believe him?” Aubrey asked, wanting to get to the root of Nicole’s hesitance.
Her voice was now at a normal level. “Yes, I do.” Nicole truly trusted Cameron.
After a moment of contemplation, Aubrey spoke. “Follow your heart. Follow your desires. Cameron’s safe. He seems to be what you want.”
“I know. Aubrey, I guess I’m just scared. I'll confess, Tyler never crossed my mind last night. So I know it’s ok. It’s as if I bring thoughts of Tyler into my thoughts on purpose. Did I tell you before I agreed to come to Vegas? It was as if I got the okay from Tyler, like I released him. I agreed to come with no reservations.” Nicole left out the part about her reoccurring dreams of Tyler.
“You’re ready, Nicole. You’ll be fine. Have fun, enjoy your time there. Enjoy Cameron. I gotta go to work this morning. Call me later? I love you, girl.”
“I love you, too. Bye.”
Feeling better, Nicole began texting Cameron.
The three dots on the screen started moving after a few minutes.