Chapter 77

"Good night, Dakota," Cameron murmured, turning off the light and getting into bed. The room plunged into darkness.

Dakota peeked out from under her blanket, startled by the click of the light switch. Her heart thumped. Sleep eluded her.

Cameron, too, was restless, his mind occupied by thoughts of both Dakota and Laura. Silence settled over the bedroom. They lay motionless, unsure how much time passed.

Finally, Dakota shifted, a tingling sensation in her limbs.

"You're not asleep yet?" Cameron asked softly.

"Hmm, I'm not used to this," Dakota replied in a low voice. "You're not asleep either?"

"It's too early. I can't fall asleep."

"Then, shall we talk?"

"Sure."

"Cameron, speaking of which, Laura will be coming to Yrando the day after tomorrow. I wonder why someone like her, from Leving, would visit this small city?" Dakota said casually.

"I have no idea," Cameron replied indifferently.

"I'm sorry for reminding you of your past," Dakota said.

"It's no big deal. The air conditioning is a bit cold," Cameron said.

"Hmm, but you just said you're strong. I'll turn up the air conditioning," Dakota said, picking up the remote and raising the temperature by two degrees.

"Do you really want to see Laura?" Cameron asked as Dakota sat up.

"Yes," Dakota nodded.

"Why?" Cameron asked, surprised.

"Because she's truly outstanding. She's not just a goddess to you guys; she's an idol that girls like us admire. She's stunning and marvelous, impeccable in every way."

"That may not necessarily be true. At least, I don't think she's as…" Cameron hesitated.

Dakota's cheeks flushed. "Cameron, what are you saying? Maybe she's different when she's with someone she likes."

"Perhaps," Cameron chuckled.

However, Dakota sensed something in Cameron's tone. "Cameron, why do I feel like you don't like Laura?"

"Do I? Maybe I'm just not very sensitive to women's feelings," Cameron offered weakly.

"Alright," Dakota said.

She suspected Cameron's five-year relationship with Madison had left him with a negative attitude toward relationships. She couldn't understand why Madison would divorce someone as outstanding as Cameron. She wanted to ask, but felt too embarrassed.

"Dakota, I think I'm a bit tired," Cameron said.

"If you're tired, then rest. I'm going to sleep soon, too," Dakota said gently.

"Okay, don't think too much. It's easy to lose sleep. If you want to see Laura, you can see her at the airport the day after tomorrow," Cameron said.

"Okay, goodnight," Dakota said.

"Goodnight," Cameron replied.

The conversation ended, and silence returned to the bedroom. Dakota lay back down, her mind still filled with thoughts of Cameron. Gradually, she drifted off to sleep.

Faint breathing filled the room. Cameron smiled slightly, closed his eyes, and fell asleep.