Cammie Healy - Jennifer Foor Page 0,37

been feeling since early childhood was the real thing. It was just a shame she’d never know that part of me.

Seeing her again, being in the company of her beauty was like I’d lost all sense of priority. I needed to find a way into her life, even if it was only as a friend away from the ranch.

Sitting across from her at that restaurant and hearing what she’d been through, well it made me want to get on a plane and hurt the man who’d left her in her current state. How could someone treat her like a piece of trash? If that were my baby she was carrying things would be different. Not only would she be wearing my ring on her left hand, but I’d give her the life she deserved; one filled with more love than she ever thought possible.

That night I tossed and turned. I’d been staying at my grandfather’s mansion while in town on business. Since he was giving me the reigns to the company I had to spend more time there.

In all honesty it was nice to be able to catch up with old friends. In some ways it felt like I’d never had to move away. Up until the moment she walked into the room I was content. Her sister was pushing herself on me, and I didn’t seem to mind. If I couldn’t be with Cammie, why not her sister who resembled her so much? It was probably wrong. At the time it seemed natural to be attracted to her. She reminded me of being a teenager and daydreaming about Cammie.

Being a year older, Cammie hung out with different people. She was into science and books, where I enjoyed adventure and mischief. Back then I got away with a lot. I think my mother moved us away so she could take the spoiled brat out of me. I suppose it worked. I became more appreciative because we never had much, aside from the expensive gifts my grandfather would send for birthdays and Christmas.

The following morning I awoke with a plan. I ate some breakfast, read the stock section of the newspaper and caught up on some sports, before heading back to the ranch. Getting inside the home was easy since I’d been friends with Josh my whole life. I was welcome to walk right in the door, even if it appeared no one was home.

After checking to see who might be around, greeting Mr. and Mrs. Healy, I headed upstairs in the direction of Josh’s room, only to stop when I came to the door with the name CAMMIE on it.

I placed my hand on the doorknob, deciding at the last minute to change my mind. I’d no sooner turned around when I saw Callie coming out of her room. Her eyes lit up when she realized who I was. “Wes. I was wondering if you’d be over today. Mom and Dad are making dinner for Cammie. It’s supposed to be just our family, but you can be my plus-one.”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea. I wouldn’t want to interfere.”

“Nonsense, you’re always welcome, Wes.” Her mother announced as she came up behind me. I turned and acknowledged her as she walked into Cammie’s room. “Hey, sweetie. Are you up?”

Before I could peek through the crack in the door, Callie was pulling me along.

“Come with me real quick. You can help me pick out what I wear tonight.”

I stopped, refusing to appease her. “I’m here to see Josh. Besides, I’m a terrible judge of fashion. Maybe you could ask your sister since she’s home. I’m sure she doesn’t expect you to get dressed up on her account.”

“She’s not who I’m dressing up for you idiot. Do I have to spell it out?”

I placed my hands in my pockets. “We talked about this, Callie. I’m just not interested in having a relationship.”

“Give the girl a break,” I heard at my side. Cammie was coming out of her room in a bathrobe. I almost wanted to pinch myself to see if it was really happening. She smiled while walking past us. “You two would look cute together.”

It was difficult hearing her say it. It only verified there would never be an opportunity for us. Maybe I was a fool for thinking she’d save herself for me. The girl was out of my league. I was a blip on the radar before, and even less now. Nothing had changed. She was still unreachable.

Like a