Camila's POV
Sunlight slipped through my curtains, soft and golden, warming the sheets still creased from where Anthony had slept beside me. I could hear quiet sounds downstairs—the clink of a pan, the low hum of something frying. My stomach grumbled before I could even sit up.
I reached for my phone on the nightstand and texted Mom.
Hey, I stepped on a nail last night. Nothing serious—just a small cut. Anthony from next door helped me. Kitty's fine too. I'll give you a full update later. Love you.
Then I checked in on Julia, Antwan, and Tyler to see how they fared through the storm. Tyler responded first with a picture of a flooded driveway and the caption "Built a river overnight." I smiled. Typical Tyler.
I eased myself out of bed, my foot still sore but manageable, and padded downstairs carefully.
The smell hit me first—eggs, bacon, pancakes, and something warm and herbal. Orange juice and peppermint tea were already set out on the kitchen island like a dream. Anthony stood at the stove, wearing one of my moms old aprons—too small and too floral for him—but he still looked stupidly handsome.
"Morning," I said.
He turned, flashing that crooked smile. "Hey, sleepyhead. Sit down—breakfast is ready."
"I could get used to this," I said with a grin, easing myself onto a stool.
Before I could reach for the food, he crouched beside me and carefully unwrapped the bandage around my foot. There was a small bloodstain, but it wasn't too bad.
"Still sore?" he asked, examining it.
"A little," I admitted, wincing only slightly.
"I'll take you to the hospital later today—just to be sure. Tetanus and all that."
"Fair," I nodded. "Thanks for doing this. For staying."
He smiled again and kissed my knee gently before helping me rewrap the bandage.
I ate like I hadn't eaten in days. The pancakes were buttery and crisp on the edges, the bacon perfectly done, the tea just the right strength. Everything tasted better with him around.
After we cleaned up, Anthony said he needed to run home to check on his dog and grab some clothes. He promised he'd be back within the hour and gave me a quick kiss before heading out across the muddy path between our properties.
Once he was gone, I limped my way out to the barn.
Kitty neighed softly when she saw me, nudging the gate with her nose. Her big brown eyes were calm and her coat was still a little damp but clean. I stepped closer, careful in the mud, and reached out to stroke her mane.
"You're okay, huh?" I whispered. "You're braver than me, you know that?"
She snorted gently and leaned into my touch.
I looked around the yard and sighed.
Branches, trash, and soaked leaves were scattered everywhere. The storm had made a mess of everything—the fence was completely torn down on the north side. Mom was definitely going to need that repair guy again.
I snapped a few pictures for her and sent them, then decided to come clean.
Last night was... kind of a lot. I told you Anthony helped, but I didn't say how much. He stayed the night—not like that, I swear. He helped me clean the wound, carried me inside, made sure I was okay. We kissed, Mom. For the first time. And I really like him. I know you don't know him, and he's technically a stranger to you, but I trust him. I'll introduce you when you're back from your trip. Promise.
A few minutes later, she responded.
Okay. I'm glad you're safe. A little concerned about the "stranger" thing, but I trust your instincts. And if Kitty's good, then that's already a plus. Looking forward to meeting him. Don't make me fly home early, Camila. 😉
I smiled.
No more secrets. No more confusion. Just me, Anthony, the mud, and a storm-battered fence waiting to be fixed
I power line or two were down but nothing lasting