Best of the Best

Chapter 9: Precious

After his fill of tacos, ice cream, and some more running around Thomas was sleeping soundly. The expanding patch of drool on Camila's shoulder was proof he'd lost the battle to stay awake, despite fighting valiantly. Camila's arms were burning, but she wasn't about to mention it and allow sore muscles to disturb the moment she was currently living in. That she had no doubt she was going to continue living in when she closed her eyes that night.

Thomas on one shoulder, Lauren resting her head on the other, both hands wrapped around Camila's arm as they walked along the small boardwalk of food stands and surf shops, the sun just starting to drop, streaks of orange tinting the sky. This was dream material.

Lauren broke up the pleasant silence they'd been enjoying. "When do your classes start?"

Camila adjusted Thomas, looking over to check he was still asleep. "Wednesday," she answered. "Three full classes, thanks to you."

Lauren ran her thumb along the firm muscles of Camila's arm. "Don't give me credit for your hard work. I just put it out there. Your story, your passion, your mission are the reason people joined. Though the article was very well written."

Camila chuckled. "Guess we make a good team."

Lauren nodded. "I think we do."

Camila smiled, and didn't try to stop herself from pressing a kiss to the top of Lauren's head, closing her eyes. "You're sure about your draft pick?"

Lauren stopped them, tilting her head to look up at Camila. "I wouldn't be here. You wouldn't be holding my son if I wasn't. This was never casual for me. Not only because of Thomas, but because of you."

Camila leaned into the soft hand that was now resting on her cheek. "You and Thomas," she started, pausing to think of what she wanted to say. "You guys are- I never for a second went into this without my whole heart."

Lauren's thumb stroked Camila's blushing cheek. "You rarely do, do you?"

Camila nodded. "I don't think my heart's ever been this involved in something."

"Even that medal of yours?"

Camila ducked her head. "So many things more precious than gold."

Lauren bit her lip and tilted Camila's chin back up. "This is the part where you kiss me, champ," Lauren said. "If you weren't holding my son."

Camila was lucky she didn't drop Thomas as she felt her whole body go limp. "Right. Yeah," she stumbled. "I mean Thomas is awesome and I like being the person who gets to carry him for you, but it would be great- I would like to kiss you... umm, properly. You know, for the first time especially."

Lauren laughed and tugged on Camila's arm to get her moving and drag her out of her stupor. "What's going to be proper about it?" She asked, raising an eyebrow.

Camila pressed her face into Thomas' hair to hide her ever worsening blush. "Well, you know, with- with my hands... so I can hold you."

Lauren brushed her lips against Camila's shoulder before laying her head back down. "I think you'll be getting lots of chances to do it properly."

---

They walked in the sand back to the car. Lauren, with her sandals in one hand, squeaked as a strong wave surged up the beach and the cold water hit her feet. Camila laughed and wrapped her arm around a narrow waist, picking Lauren up off the sand until the offending wave receded.

"Oh, put me down you."

Camila laughed, and set her down further up the beach. "Hey, I saved you. I think a little appreciation would be nice."