Matthew and Camille Ch. 03b

****Hi everybody. I'd like to apologize for two things, one this is a very short part and was actually supposed to go along with 3a, and two, I'm really sorry that it is taking so long for me to get the chapters out. I'm working on 4 and it's almost done. I'll have it up as soon as possible. Thank you guys for all of your comments and votes, they've actually made me feel guilty, which is a good thing in this case because it motivates me to write more. Again, thank you for all of your support, and as always please excuse any errors. ****

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Camille snuck tentative glances at Matt from the corner of her eye as they slowly walked toward his Navigator parked at the curb in front of her house. She hadn't had much experience dating but she had a nagging feeling that she should probably say something, but, at the moment, Matt's warm, firm hand at the base of her back had her drawing a complete blank. So, like a curious child, she continued to sneak peeks at him.

She had been so distracted inside, first by the audacity of her sister and friend, then by Matt himself, to actually get a good look at him. He looked different. Gone was the suit and tie that she'd thought were his uniform, granted, she had only seen him twice before. Instead he wore a dark grey dress shirt, the two top buttons undone, revealing a patch of smooth naturally tan skin, and a pair of black slacks. His hair was different, too. Before, his hair had been combed back in a sleek, more contained style, now it hung in what Camille thought was its natural state. His too long, slightly curly dark locks fell at his temples and over the collar of his shirt.

In a nutshell, Camille thought, trying not to openly gape at him, he looked great, sexy as hell, even. Suddenly, her confidence began wane. Her steps slowed as they stepped within a few feet of Matt's car.

Matt's hand immediately gripped her side as he felt Camille's steps slow. "Is there something wrong?" He asked halting to turn and face her.

"I...," Camille started.

Matt's face was etched with concern as he asked, "Do you feel sick?"

Camille contemplated telling him that she did. Theoretically, it'd be so easy to say yes and go back into her house, kick her sister and friend out, then climb into bed, and let Adam Levine's voice lull her into a fitful sleep. However, there were a few things wrong with that scenario. First, Amy and Danielle would never let her back into her own house with Matt waiting for her outside. Second, though she thought Adam was a sexy beast, he wasn't Matt. Third, she was a terrible liar.

"Camille...?" He urged when she didn't answer.

She mentally shook herself. "Yea, I'm fine," she said giving him a smile that she hoped didn't look forced. "It's just that...I'm sorry. For them, I mean," she said gesturing toward her front door.

Matt smiled. "Amy and Danielle?"

Camille gave a nervous laugh. "Yea, they can a bit..."

"Blunt?" He finished for her.

"Intrusive, demanding, downright bitchy, to say the least," Camille said finding herself laughing easily as a deep rumble escaped Matt's throat.

"It's fine, really. They are just looking out for you."

Camille shrugged, "I suppose," she said glancing back toward her house. "Though I think they could have been a little more delicate about it." She turned back to Matt, pushing Amy and Danielle far from her mind. "So, where are we going?" She asked excitedly.

Her child-like enthusiasm drew forth another rumble of laughter. He found her eagerness, like so many things about her, charming and adorable. "I'm not telling you. I said, earlier today, you may recall, that it was a surprise, and it still is, so stop trying to get it out of me," he finished when he saw the beginnings of another protest.

"Fine," she said relenting with a pout. "I mean, I guess I can trust you; you did pretend to be my boyfriend to rub some dirt in those chicks' faces."

Matt laughed again as they stopped at his vehicle. "You think so?" He asked leaning against the passenger side door, giving her a look of mock skepticism.

Camille frowned reflectively. "Well, I'd like to think so. You seem like you are anyway. Like I said, you didn't have to do what you did that night," she looked up at him, giving him a genuine smile, "but you did anyway. Thanks, again."

Matt's look was serious as he studied her. He lifted his hand to gently caress the beautiful skin covering her cheek bone. "It wasn't difficult." Matt lowered his hand until he could lace his fingers through hers. "Did I tell you that you look beautiful?" He asked, perfectly aware that he had.

Camille smiled and looked away shyly. "Yea, you did. Thank you." She said turning back to him.

"You're welcome," he replied. "Come on," smiling again, he nodded toward his vehicle, "Let's go."