Chapter 73

The mood in the room was awkward. It was Cameron's first time in Dakota's room, a space decorated in shades of pink, with two large plushies on the bed. He couldn't help but recoil at the thought of spending the night.

"Cameron, please have a seat," Dakota said, blushing and lowering her gaze. She was just as flustered. This was the first time she'd had a man in her bedroom, and tonight, they were to share her bed.

"Alright," Cameron replied, his tone stiff.

Silence settled over the bedroom, broken only by a knock on the door. They both jumped.

"Cam, Dakota, may I come in for a moment?" Jane called.

"Mom, what's wrong?" Dakota asked, straightening.

"I brought a clean bathrobe for Cam. He can change after his shower," Jane explained.

"Okay, Mom, come in," Dakota replied.

Jane entered, smiling slightly at the couple's evident awkwardness. She placed the bathrobe on the bed. "Cam, don't feel awkward. Treat it like your own home. Dakota, you too. Cam's here for the first time, so talk to him more." She paused, a cryptic smile playing on her lips. "I won't disturb you any longer. Rest early."

"Alright, Mom, please leave quickly," Dakota said, hurrying her mother out and locking the door.

"Phew," she breathed, leaning against the door, her cheeks flushed. Her mother was being overly enthusiastic. Why so eager to marry her off? If her mother knew Cameron was only a temporary boyfriend, a ploy to get Willie to leave her alone, she'd be furious. But she couldn't rely on Cameron to keep up the charade indefinitely. Another sigh escaped her.

"What's wrong, Dakota? Why so many sighs?" Cameron asked gently.

"I'm sorry, Cameron. I've involved you again," Dakota said with a bitter smile.

"It's alright. It was nothing, just a bit awkward," Cameron smiled. "Were you sighing because of that?"

Dakota nodded. As she expected, nothing escaped Cameron's notice.

"What are you worrying about?" he asked, concerned.

"It's nothing. I was just thinking… my parents like you so much. How will I explain things to them in the future if they ask about you again?"

"You can just tell them I'm your boyfriend," Cameron suggested.

"But…" Dakota hesitated.

"But what?"

"But you saw how my mother treated you today. She'll definitely want me to bring you over more often."

"If it's just once or twice, I can make excuses. But in the long run, I'm afraid…"

"You're afraid she'll find out?" Cameron asked.

"Exactly," Dakota replied.

"Haha! That's simple. If you don't mind me coming here occasionally for a free meal, I don't mind doing you this favor," Cameron said.

"Really?" Dakota's eyes widened.

"Of course. We're friends, after all," Cameron laughed.

"Alright. Thank you so much, Cameron," Dakota said, her lips pursed slightly.

"You don't need to feel bad," Cameron waved his hand.

Dakota's eyes glistened; her cheeks flushed again. "If there's nothing else… I'm going to take a shower."

The smile vanished from Cameron's face. He took a deep breath. "Sure."

Dakota blushed, retrieved her nightgown, and hurried into the bathroom. The door slammed shut. After a moment of rustling, the shower started.

"Phew…" Cameron exhaled, but he couldn't quite relax.

(The final promotional sentence was removed as it was not part of the story itself.)