After Brady dropped me off, I’d practically become catatonic. I couldn’t process what’d happened in Cam’s yard. One minute we were playing basketball. The next we were flirting. That turned into stripping and ended with Cam’s shirtless chest pressed up against me. When he licked my ear, it felt entirely different than the time he licked my cheek. That was playful. This was… I don’t know what it was. Other than completely, mind-numbingly sexy. Oh. My. Gosh. How can someone be so embarrassed and so thrilled at the same time? Those two emotions can’t coexist, can they?
I’d gotten crazy goose bumps when his breath hit my neck and he ran his nose up my cheek. I knew he’d noticed. I’d been an idiot and taken off my shirt so my skin was completely exposed, betraying my reaction. When he said my name, he sounded unsure. I’ve never heard Cameron Bates sound anything but confident and cocky. But the way Cam had looked at me, his emotions seemed raw. He’d looked vulnerable. It was awesome and scary all at the same time.
I was sure for a second that he was going to kiss me. I’ve been kissed enough times to know what the look looks like. Cam had the look written all over his face. I’d been ready for it, too. Even though I was nervous, I’d felt at peace. The moment was right. Being kissed by Cam would have felt amazing. Even almost kissing him felt amazing.
This brings me to my current state of confusion. It was Monday morning, and I still had no clue why Cam had been about to kiss me. He’d never shown interest before. My best guess was that being half naked and soaking wet was enough to give his hormonal teenage brain a momentary lapse in judgment. I should have asked Beth what she thought about the whole situation, but I knew she’d read into it. I was confused enough. I didn’t need false hope.
“So, Bebe. Do you anticipate getting any flowers today?” Cam was talking to me, but I hadn’t been paying attention. There were about ten minutes left in first hour.
“Huh? What? Oh. Flowers. I don’t know. Maybe, I guess.” I looked up and saw three student office aides walk in the room, each carrying a few bundles of carnations. It was Homecoming Spirit Week, and as part of the festivities, the student council was selling things that you could buy for someone and have delivered during first hour. Today’s item was flowers. Ms. Cutter hated this tradition because it took ten minutes from her class each day. Her students loved it, though, because it took ten minutes from her class each day. She was very vocal in expressing her opinion on the matter.
Ms. Cutter put on her grumpy face as she made an announcement. “All right, everyone, settle down and listen up. When you hear your name called, raise your hand so we can get this done quickly.” She looked expectantly at the first student aide and the girl jumped into action, calling out names.
“Bianca Barnes?” I raised my hand, and she came over with a pink carnation. I responded with a thanks and looked down at the note attached.
Hey, Bea. I just wanted you to know I was thinking about you. Have a great day.
- Brady
“Oh, how sweet,” Cam crooned over my shoulder.
The first aide had finished passing her flowers out, and the second one started calling out names. “Cameron Bates?”
“Over here, bro.” Cam’s hand shot up, and the guy brought him his flower. As the aide was walking over, Cam leaned into me. “Bebe, you shouldn’t have…”
“I didn’t.” I snickered.
“Bianca Barnes?” I heard my name called again. What the heck? Maybe my secret admirer had sent me one, too? I raised my hand, and the guy who’d just delivered Cam’s flower came back with another one for me. I looked at the tag this time, and it read:
I’m giving out three flowers today, for my three best girls. I’m sure it goes without saying, but you’re my number one.
Love, Cam
I sent Cam’s sappy remark right back to him, batting my eyelashes. “Oh, how sweet. Thanks, Cam.” He smiled and looked down at his flower’s tag.
“Hey.” He was incredulous. “You really didn’t send it to me.”
I laughed loudly. “I told you I didn’t. Who’s it from, anyway?”
“Angelica.” he grumbled, then glared at me. “I guess I know who really loves me.”
“Cam, you’re my number one. I thought it went without saying.” I made a kissy face.
He pouted. “Yeah, well, it couldn’t hurt to send a guy flowers every now and then to remind him of that.” His fake disappointment was adorable.
“I’ll be sure to remember that next time.”
“Or you could be sure to remember it tomorrow when they’re selling candy…”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” I chuckled.
The third office aide was working on her flowers when she called out, “Ms. Cutter?” The class snickered, and our teacher’s cheeks turned bright pink. She held out her hand to accept the carnation.
I turned to Cam, eyes wide as Ms. Cutter silently read the note attached to the flower. “You didn’t? You’re such a suck-up.”
“Hey, someone’s got to make the lady happy. I’m doing my part to keep us out of detention.” Cam was a smooth one.
Ms. Cutter smiled, and her eyes twinkled when she looked back at us. “Thank you, Cameron. That was very kind.”
“Anything for my best teacher.” He grinned, releasing the dimples. The class snickered again.
“Bianca Barnes?” I looked up. My name had been called a third time? What the hell was going on? If Beth sent me a flower, I’d be in trouble, because I hadn’t even thought about sending her one. I raised my hand, even though it was unnecessary. The aide was already headed over to me. But she didn’t have just a single carnation. She had a whole bouquet. It had pink carnations and baby’s breath sprinkled around a dozen red roses, all situated beautifully in a glass vase. There was a chorus of oohs and aahs from the class.
I looked at the delivery girl. “You can buy all this for a dollar? You guys must have a sweet hookup on flowers.”
She laughed as she responded. “Nope, I wish. Someone dropped it off in the office before school and asked us to deliver it when we did the rest of the flowers.”
“Do you know who it was?”
“No, I wasn’t here when it came in. I think they left it with the secretary or something. There should be a note, though.”
“Oh, ok. Thanks,” I said, then looked down to read the note.
Bianca,
I figured you’d get at least a couple flowers today, but I knew that just a couple of flowers wouldn’t do you justice. You deserve so much more.
Yours - ?
“Great, now my single flower looks pathetic.” Cam was reading the card over my shoulder. “How am I supposed to impress you with this guy hanging around? He needs to come clean so I can send him packing.” I knew Cam was joking, but the idea of him being jealous had me dancing internally.
The bell rang, and I put on my backpack, then picked up the gigantic vase of flowers. I’d have to take them to second period because I didn’t have time to go to my locker. As I walked down the hall I got a few questioning looks and a lot more oohs and aahs. A girl I passed was holding a single flower. When she saw mine, she hit her boyfriend in the arm and said something to the extent of That’s how a real man sends flowers. I was making quite the spectacle.
I sat the flowers on the ground during my second class, careful not to kick them over. It seemed a shame to put something so beautiful on the floor, but if I put them on my desk I’d have had no room to work. I got to my locker before government class and was met by a squealing cheerleader. Beth was squealing an awful lot lately.
“Bea, they’re so beautiful,” she breathed. Cam walked up behind me, and she looked at him. “Almost as beautiful as mine is.” Beth smiled and then gave Cam a hug and a kiss on the cheek. “Thank you, Cam.”
“Well, I couldn’t let my favorite twins go without a flower today,” he said. “But it looks like neither of you needed me to make sure you got flowers.” Cam nodded his head toward my vase and then to the three additional f
lowers in Beth’s hand.
“Yes, but I like your flower better.” Beth sighed. “These are from Josh Sutton. I think Bea was right. Maybe I let him down a little too gently…”
I laughed. “I’ve told you a million times, Beth. You’ve got to stop being so nice to all the random guys that ask you out. A little rejection is good for a man. Puts hair on their chest,” I insisted. Cam nodded in agreement.
“You’re one to talk, Cam,” Beth accused. “Mr. I have no interest in Angelica Valdez, but I’ll flirt with her all day long and make her think she has a chance.” Beth must have seen something in Angelica that I didn’t, because she was always sticking up for her. Cam’s eyes dropped to the floor as the warning bell for third period rang. He must have felt bad.
The rest of the school day went by quickly. I left my flowers in the locker room on top of my locker during PE, chemistry, and basketball conditioning. I knew that was a gamble because anyone could have taken them, but I didn’t want to flaunt the flowers in front of Brady. I hadn’t mentioned my secret admirer to him at first, because I thought it might be him. Now I wasn’t so sure it was Brady, but I still didn’t want him to know. If it wasn’t him, I was worried that he’d give up on me because he thought he had serious competition. But I didn’t know if he had serious competition yet, since I didn’t know who the guy was.
Did that make me horrible? I kept feeling guilty about keeping Brady on the hook. I was honestly into him, at least a little bit. And it’s not like we were getting serious. Two dates and an almost-kiss were far from serious. That’s what dating is about, right? Figuring out how you feel about someone? Seeing if you have a connection? I hoped my guilt was unfounded. I went to bed that night staring at the beautiful flowers on my desk and wondering what tomorrow might bring.
. . . . .
I’d stopped by the office before conditioning on Monday to buy Cam a candy gram. I knew after yesterday’s comment that I’d be in trouble if I didn’t. But I didn’t want to play into his ego, so I’d picked my favorite candy instead of his. We sat in English class Tuesday morning, anxiously awaiting the last ten minutes, Cam making obnoxious remarks. “Man, I’m starving. I think some candy would really hit the spot. You know, I didn’t get any flowers from an important person yesterday. My hopes are extra high this morning that she loves me enough to buy me a box of candy…”
I ignored him. The door opened, and the same three student aides from yesterday filed in. The first two were carrying movie-theater style candy boxes, but the last one was carrying a giant teddy bear that was holding a basket filled with multiple candy boxes. My eyes got wide, and a thought crossed my mind. Holy crap on a stick. That better not be for me. Ms. Cutter grumbled something under her breath and clapped her hands to shush us. The room was buzzing with excitement.
The delivery crew followed the same protocol as yesterday. Cam had received his box of Junior Mints. I hadn’t bothered to attach a note. I was pretty sure he didn’t need one to know they came from me.
“Aww, shucks, Bebe.” Cam was acting goofy. “I didn’t know you cared. Since Junior Mints are your favorite, I’m assuming you sent me these with the intention of cuddling up at lunch and sharing them?” He was puckering his lips, and I was barely containing my laughter.
I held out my hand. “Or you could just give them to me now.”
He jerked the precious candy away from me, then opened the box, pouring the minty goodness into his mouth. He grinned and chewed. “No cuddling, no candy.”
Right then, I heard my name called. “Bianca Barnes?” I turned to the front and saw that the only delivery which hadn’t been made yet was the giant basket-wielding teddy bear. I raised my hand, and the girl who presented the bouquet yesterday handed me the extravagant gift. “Looks like you have a fan,” she said, then headed out of the room, not giving me time to ask if she knew who the sender was. I looked at the accompanying card.
Bianca,
I wasn’t sure what your favorite kind of candy was, so I figured I better send one of each.
Yours - ?
“Oh my gosh, this is getting out of control,” I said, reading the note aloud to Cam.
“What’s wrong? Not enough Junior Mints in there?”
“What’s wrong?” I mimicked, “are you jealous of my candy bear?”
“Nope. Not a bit. There’s enough candy in there for both of us. There must be at least ten boxes. You don’t even like Milk Duds. Hand them over.” Cam held his hand out expectantly.
“I can’t,” I protested, looking around the room. “What if the guy is in here? His feelings might be hurt if I give some of my gift away.” I didn’t believe my gift giver was in the room, but I wasn’t going to hand over the candy so easily.
“I’m sure your man isn’t in here. And if he is, I bet he wouldn’t care about you sharing some candy with your poor, starving best friend.” Cam was pouting.
“Oh fine, you big goon. But just the Milk Duds.” Cam snatched the box from the basket and shoved it in his bag. “Thanks. Now I have something to look forward to at lunch.” The bell rang and he stood up, swinging his bag over his back. “You’re the best.” He said as he scooped me up into a giant hug, my feet dangling over the floor. He planted me back on the ground then walked out the door. I shook my head and sighed. Time for another day of gawking at Bianca and her lavish gifts.
I was a little embarrassed by all the staring, but that emotion was subdued by my curiosity. It’d been a whole week since my secret admirer had stared showering me with gifts, and I still had no clue who he was. I’d originally figured that this was just an elaborate buildup to a homecoming invitation. But I suppose it was unlikely at this point, since the dance was only a few days away. I was going to feel super bad if he did end up asking me, because I already had a date. What would I say then?
I thought back to Saturday and my intense heart-stopping moment with Cam. For a minute, I imagined that all this attention was coming from him. That eventually he would proclaim his undying love for me. Oh, Bianca, you really are hopeless, aren’t you? Maybe it was Brady, and he’d come clean the night of the dance? That thought made me nervous, because I’m pretty sure I wasn’t ready for a declaration of undying love from him.
By the time Wednesday morning rolled around, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’d received something in first hour the last two days, so I figured there was a good chance I’d get something this morning as well. I knew the student council was selling discounted school swag today. Not exactly as cute or romantic as Monday or Tuesday and definitely not anything I needed. As a member of the basketball team, I had plenty of items with Franklin High School Hawks printed on them: T-shirts, sweatshirts, key chains, foam fingers. I was totally curious if the boy would try to use spirit week items today or skip them altogether.
As the deliveries were being made at the end of first period, my foot was bouncing up and down anxiously. I didn’t want to admit it, but I’d be pretty disappointed if nothing came for me today. As stressed as it made me, a part of me enjoyed being showered with presents and made the center of attention. Maybe that made me a snot, but at this point I didn’t really care.
“Bianca.” The friendly office aide approached my desk and handed me a Franklin Hawks water bottle. I stared at it, mouth open. He’d gotten me a water bottle. How could he possibly know that I needed a water bottle? Of all the Franklin High paraphernalia, this was the one item I actually needed. I’d broken the top of mine at conditioning on Monday afternoon and hadn’t had a chance to replace it yet. Cam snatched the note from the bottle as usual, and read it out loud for the people sitting around us. They were looking at the water bottle, obviously unimpressed with the gesture.
“Bianca.” Cam cleared his throat, then switched to the sexy radio voice.
I was informed that your last water bottle met an unfortunate end this week. That same little birdie also told me water isn’t your drink of choice. Check inside.
Yours - ?
I shook
the bottle, and sure enough, something was flopping around inside. I opened the lid and dumped out the contents. In my hand I held a twenty-five-dollar gift card to 7-Eleven. I stared at the card in shock, then held it up for all to see.
“I knew it wouldn’t be just a water bottle,” the girl to my left said. “It wasn’t a big enough statement.” Her eyes were excited. Seems a few of my classmates were living vicariously through me. I, however, narrowed my eyes at Cam and held the card in his face.
“Sweet,” he said. “Twenty-five dollars might get you a month’s worth of Slurpees. Unless you do the right thing and spring for mine, too. Then it’ll only last a couple weeks.” He was grinning and rubbing his hands together, but I was getting angry. Either my secret admirer was Brady and the gift card was intended to give me a clue, or Cam had info and he was holding out on me.
“You,” I accused, angrily pointing my finger into Cam’s chest. Too bad I’m so upset. I can’t even take a moment to enjoy his yummy pecs under my finger. “You better start talking.” I gave him a serious stare. “This guy wouldn’t know I’d broken my water bottle and that I loved Slurpees unless someone told him. I think that someone is you.” I waited a second for my implied threat to register with Cam. I expected him to look shocked or scared, or at least guilty. But none of it happened. He only laughed at me.
“I swear, I didn’t tell anyone anything.” He was shaking his head. “This guy could have found out about your water bottle from a number of people. Are you forgetting that you made a huge scene over it when the damn thing broke? In front of everyone in the gym. That would include all the girls and boys basketball players, plus a number of cheerleaders and at least a handful of passersby.” Cam paused. “And let’s get real here for a second. You stop at 7-Eleven multiple times a week and get the same Coke Slurpee. Every. Single. Time. Maybe the guy’s seen you there? Maybe he works there?”
I listened to Cam defend himself. Unfortunately, both of his points were true. It wasn’t a secret that I loved frozen beverages and frequented the convenience store. And, while I wouldn’t have called it a huge scene, I might have been overly dramatic at the loss of my favorite water bottle earlier this week. I sighed in defeat, hating that Cam was right. I was back to square one.
Perfectly Oblivious (The Perfect Series Book 1) Page 18