Camila's POV
A Few Weeks Later
I walked into the bridal suite where Olivia was getting ready for her wedding.
"Hey, you," I greeted as I stepped inside. Olivia turned, her face lighting up with a warm smile.
"Camila!"
"How are you feeling?" I asked, taking in the breathtaking vision before me. She looked like something out of a dream, her wedding gown flowing like liquid silk, the delicate lace veil resting gracefully against her curls.
"You look absolutely stunning," I added, my voice full of admiration.
She blushed, her fingers smoothing over the lace. "Excited. Nervous. A little bit sad, honestly."
I frowned. "Sad?"
She let out a soft laugh. "It's just… I've dreamed about this day since I was a little girl, and now that it's here, I almost don't believe it. Like… what happens after the fairytale moment?"
I squeezed her hand gently. "You live the fairytale, Olivia. You've found someone who loves you, cherishes you. Someone who will stand by your side no matter what. That's the real magic."
Her eyes softened. "You always know what to say."
I shrugged, offering a small smile. "I know you, and I know love when I see it."
Her expression grew serious. "And you? How are you doing?"
I hesitated, then nodded. "Better. We haven't spoken in weeks, and honestly… I think I've finally stopped missing Matthew."
She squeezed my hand tighter. "That's good, Camila. You deserve so much more than what he put you through."
I let out a breath, feeling lighter than I had in a long time. "Yeah. I'm focusing on myself now, on my career. Being a personal image consultant was my passion before him, and it still is. I'm ready to start fresh."
She smiled. "I love that for you."
A knock on the door signaled it was time.
I hugged Olivia tightly. "I'll be out there, cheering for you."
She beamed. "I know you will."
As I stepped into the wedding hall, soft music filled the air, and the guests turned to watch the bride make her way down the aisle. It was a beautiful, intimate, heartfelt ceremony.
Then, just as I settled into my seat, a man slid into the chair beside me.
I glanced at him and nearly did a double take.
He was handsome and breathtakingly handsome. Dark hair, piercing blue eyes, and a confident smirk that made my stomach flutter.
He caught me staring and smiled. "Enjoying the wedding?"
I hesitated before nodding. "Yeah, I am."
He raised an eyebrow, waiting.
I sighed, giving in. "I'm Camila."
His smirk widened. "Camila… I like that. I'm Henry."
I tilted my head. "So, Henry, how do you know the bride and groom?"
"Olivia's my sister-in-law. What about you?"
"Just a friend of Olivia's." I smiled. "Small world, huh?"
"Very small." His gaze lingered on me for a second longer than necessary. "So, Camila… do you crash weddings often?"
I laughed softly. "Not usually. But for Olivia, I had to be here."
Henry's smirk deepened. "Same. Not really a wedding guy, but family's worth it."
The reception was lively, laughter and music filling the air. Henry and I found ourselves seated together again, the conversation flowing easily.
"Tell me, Camila," he mused, twirling the stem of his wine glass between his fingers, "what's your idea of a perfect date?"
I leaned back, playing along. "Hmm… Something intimate. Not just fancy restaurants and grand gestures, something real. A night under the stars, deep conversations, stolen glances, and a kiss that lingers even after it's over."
Henry exhaled, looking at me like I was a puzzle he wanted to solve. "That's… beautiful."
"And you?" I challenged myself, my eyes meeting him.
He smirked. "A quiet spot, just the two of us. Good wine, a little teasing, a little mystery. And a moment where we both forget the world exists."
I shivered at his words, a thrill running down my spine.
"Well, Henry," I teased, "you have quite a way with words. Are you always this charming?"
He leaned in slightly, his voice low and smooth. "Only when I meet someone worth charming."
Heat spread through my body.
I wasn't looking for anything serious. I was just a woman trying to find herself again, to move past the heartbreak and remember what it felt like to be desired.
And right now, Henry was looking at me like he wanted to memorize every inch of me.
"Maybe we should find a quieter place to continue this conversation," he murmured.
I hesitated for half a second before nodding. "Lead the way."
Later That Night
Henry led me to a cozy hotel nearby. It was impulsive, reckless but for the first time in a long time, I wanted to be reckless.
He handled the arrangements effortlessly, paying for the room without hesitation.
Inside, the city lights cast a golden glow through the windows. The air between us crackled with anticipation.
We sat on the couch, our bodies close but not quite touching. Henry poured us each a glass of wine, his fingers brushing against mine as he handed me the glass.
I said, a smile forming on my lips. "So, what's your idea of a perfect date?" I grinned, tossing a playful challenge.
Henry smirked, meeting the challenge head-on. "Well, it starts with a quiet spot like this just the two of us, away from the world."
I laughed, tilting my head. "And then?"
His gaze darkened slightly, his voice dipping into something more intimate. "Then, we talk not just about the usual things, but about what makes our hearts race, what keeps us awake at night. The kind of conversation that lingers long after the night is over."
I chuckled, my tone teasing yet intrigued. "Well, Henry, you've got my attention now. Let's see just how deep this talk of yours can get."
He leaned in, his eyes locked on mine. "I'd rather show you." His voice was velvet, thick with promise.
Heat curled low in my stomach. There was something about the way he looked at me like I was something rare, something he wanted to savor.
"You're trouble," I murmured, my lips curving.
His thumb brushed against my knuckles, sending a delicious shiver up my arm. "And you… you're a masterpiece. A woman like you deserves to be admired, cherished."
I swallowed, my heart stuttering in my chest. "For just one night?"
His fingers trailed lightly up my arm, leaving a path of warmth in their wake. "For as long as you'll let me."
The way he said it, his voice low, reverent, made me feel like I was the only woman in the world. My breath hitched as he reached up, his fingertips tracing my jaw before tilting my chin slightly.
"Let me worship you," he whispered, his lips hovering just above mine, his breath mingling with mine. "Let me make you feel like the goddess you are."
His words wrapped around me like silk, igniting a fire that burned away the last of my hesitation.
And when I leaned in, finally closing the distance, I knew tonight, I would let him.