Bittersweet Love

Chapter 4

Logan:

I turn my head to the side and look at Camille. Then I reach out and touch her back. I start stroking it until she turns to me. She beams. "You were great."

I grin. Camille looks at me expectantly. I stay quiet. She narrows her eyes. "Don't you want to say something back?"

"Um . . . thanks?"

She looks at me indignantly and I start laughing. Then I lean down to her and whisper, "Just kidding. You were amazing, totally stunning. That was the best thing I've ever-"

"Okay, that's enough," she says, rolling her eyes. "Jerk . . ."

I wink at her and kiss her briefly. Then I pull her close, her back is leaning against my chest.

"What are you doing?"

"I want to be close to you," I answer. She grins. "Still not enough?" she teases, and I roll my eyes. "You'd like that," I murmur to myself and Camille laughs. Grinning, I put my hands on her waist. "You're making fun of me, aren't you?"

She raises her eyebrows. "Is that a problem for you?" she teases me again.

'Okay, if that's what she wants . . .'

"No, not for me. But maybe for you."

"Why should that be a problem for me?" she asks, confused.

"That's why," I say, tickling her. She immediately laughs and tries to get away from me, but I won't let her.

'She has the best laugh in the world.'

At some point, however, I have pity and release her from the little torture. Camille gives me a glowing look and I assume she's going to slap me at any moment. But instead she pulls me close and kisses me passionately.

'I didn't expect that.'

I'm confused but I kiss her back. Then suddenly I feel her tickling my ribs. This spot is the worst for me.

"Did you really think you would get off so easily?" she asks, amused. I want to answer her, but I don't even have the strength to defend myself. I just lie there and laugh my heart out.

"Oh, your laugh is so sweet, Logie," Camille teases, making things worse for me. Luckily she frees me shortly afterwards. I sit up and look at her reproachfully. "Not cool, Camille."

She laughs. "Oh, come on. After all, you started it. And I like some revenge."

"Oh, really?" I attack her again and this time I tickle her from head to toe. "Yeah, I like revenge too," I say, laughing. At that moment my cell phone rings. I stop tormenting Camille and turn around to pick it up. It's Kendall. "Hey, Kendall. What's up?"

"Hey, man. Say, are you still with Camille?"

"Yes, I am."

Kendall is silent for a moment. "Then you should come back as soon as possible."

"Why?"

"Logan . . . have you checked the time?"

I look at Camille's alarm clock. "Oh no . . ." It's almost eight-thirty in the evening.

"Mom's pretty upset. You know the rules. It doesn't matter if we're not there for dinner, but we must let her know."

"Yes, Kendall. I know. I'll be there in a moment."

"Okay. Oh, and Logan?"

"Yes?" I ask annoyed.

"You know we have to be in the studio at seven a.m., right?"

I groan. I forgot that too. "Yes, of course." I hang up and quickly get dressed. Then I run to the bathroom and check my appearance. I comb my hair and wash my face. Camille stands in the doorway of her room. I walk over to her and put my arms around her. "I'm sorry."

She smiles. "It's okay. We had lots of fun."

I kiss her goodbye. For a moment I forget that I'm probably in trouble, all I can think about is Camille. I smile at her and caress her cheek. "I'll call you."

She nods and gives me a quick kiss on the cheek. Then she whispers, "Goodnight, Logan."

I swallow hard. I don't want to go, but I have to. I look her straight in the eyes. "I love you."

"I love you too," she replies. I give her my best smile then I leave her apartment.