I turned and grabbed the knob, but then Thomas spun me around, grabbed my cheeks, and attacked my lips with his.

When he let me go, I was breathless and disoriented. “What was that?” I asked.

He huffed, “I don’t know what she’s going to say. I just don’t want you to be upset.”

“Why don’t you take it outside?” I offered.

He shook his head. “She knew we were sharing a room. If she wants to talk to me, she can say it in front of you.”

“Just…stop fidgeting. You look terrified.”

He dropped his towel and then pulled his T-shirt over his head.

I returned to the room. “He’ll be out in a minute.”

Camille nodded.

I sat in the chair in the corner and reached for the closest reading material.

“This is a nice room,” Camille said.

I glanced around. “Yes, it is.”

“Did they tell you they had the tuxes delivered? His should be in the closet.”

“I’ll let him know.”

When Thomas came out of the bathroom, Camille immediately stood.

“Hi,” he said.

She smiled. “Hey. The, uh…the guys are in Shep’s room.”

“I heard,” Thomas said simply.

“And your tux is in the closet.”

“Thank you.”

“I was, um…hoping we could chat for a minute,” she said.

“About what?” he asked.

“Last night…and other things.” She looked as terrified as he had.

“We talked about it last night. You have more to say?” Thomas asked.

“Can we…” She gestured to the hall.

“I think it’s more respectful to Liis if we don’t.”

Camille glanced at me, sighed, and then nodded, picking at her metallic black nail polish.

“You look really happy,” she said, looking down. “Your brothers want you home, T.J.” When Thomas didn’t respond, she looked up at him. “I don’t want things to be awkward. I don’t want you to stay away. So, I was hoping…since you seem so happy now…that you would consider visiting more often. Abby, Liis, Falyn, and I need to be a united front.” She chuckled nervously. “You Maddox boys are a lot to handle, and I just…want to get along.”

“Okay,” Thomas said.

Camille’s face turned bright red, and I silently cursed myself for the empathy I felt.

“You’re different, T.J. Everyone can see it.”

Thomas began to speak, but she cut him off, “No, I’m glad. We’re all glad. You’re the man you were meant to be, and I don’t think you could have done that if you were with me.”

“What are you getting at, Camille?” Thomas asked.