Healing Hearts (Book 3 Series 2)

Chapter 21 Cameron

Once the waiter brings the check and I've paid, I offer Hailey my hand, my eyes sparkling with excitement. "Are you ready for the next part of our anniversary celebration?" I ask, my voice tinted with anticipation.

"super ready." A small grin spreads across my face as I hear her response. I intertwine my fingers with hers, the touch sending a small flutter through my chest. I lead her out of the restaurant, the cool night air a contrast against the warm atmosphere of the restaurant.

We walk towards my car, the parking lot deserted and quiet. As we approach the car, I can feel the anticipation building within me. I open the passenger door for her, holding it open with a smile. "Our evening isn't over yet," I say, my voice low.

"Will we go somewhere else?" I nod, my smile widening. "We will," I confirm as she settles into the passenger seat. I close the door behind her and quickly make my way to the drivers side, sliding into the seat and starting the engine. As I pull away from the restaurant, my fingers drum against the steering wheel in time with the low music playing on the radio.

"you're my my my Lover."  I chuckle as I hear her humming along to the song playing on the radio. The sound of her voice, the words she's singing, sends a small shiver down my spine. I reach over and rest my hand on her knee, my fingers gently tracing small circles on the fabric of her dress. I glance over at her, the street lights casting shadows across her face, her eyes shining in the half-light. "You have a beautiful voice," I say, my voice slightly huskier than usual. "I could listen to you sing all night." I squeeze her knee gently, my touch expressing more than my words ever could.

 As I navigate the car through the city streets, the radio still playing softly in the background, I can feel my heart rate increasing. I know where we're headed, and each passing minute only adds to my anticipation. Every now and then, I steal glances at her, admiring the way the shadows and light play across her features, the way her smile seems to light up the entire car.

Finally, after what seems like an eternity, our destination comes into view. I turn into the parking lot, pulling the car into a space and shutting off the engine. I take a deep breath, a small wave of nervousness washing over me. It's silly to feel nervous around her, and yet I can't help it. I look over at her, a small smile on my face.

I open the passenger door, offering her my hand. "We're here," I say, my voice filled with excitement. I gently help her out of the car, my hand still grasping hers as I lead her away from the parking lot towards our next destination. We approach our destination, a small building nestled between two larger ones. Soft, coloured lights can be seen through the windows, creating a colourful glow in the relative darkness of the night.

"What is this place?" I follow her through the door, my smile widening as I hear her question. "You'll see," I answer mysteriously, unable to keep the hint of smugness out of my voice. The interior of the building is painted a warm, earthy colour, the walls adorned with an array of artwork and trinkets. The room is lit by strings of colourful fairy lights hanging from the ceiling, giving the space a cozy and intimate feeling. I lead her further into the room, towards a small table tucked away in a secluded corner.

I pull out a chair for her, gesturing for her to take a seat, and settle into the seat across her. I look around the room, taking in the surroundings before my gaze falls back onto her, a hint of nervousness and anticipation swirling in my chest.

I reach across the table and take her hand, my fingers gently tracing small patterns on the back of her hand. "This," I say, "is one of my favourite places in the city." I look around the room, taking in the intimate atmosphere, the lights casting shadows on the walls, the air filled with the scent of incense.