Chapter Thirteen
Camila rolled over and hit the alarm on her clock. She’d set it the night before, wanting to get up early because Samuel was taking her out for the day. She had no idea what he had planned, but he’d told her to dress comfortable. Stretching, she rose from her bed and shuffled into the bathroom. She stripped and jumped into a warm shower, washing her hair with her favorite shampoo.
That done, Camila dried off and pulled out her hair dryer and styled her hair to fall in waves over her shoulders. She took her time applying her makeup, nothing too fancy, just the basics. She curled her lashes and nodded at herself in the mirror, approving the natural look she’d achieved. Glancing at the clock, she realized it was nearly ten and Samuel would be there in just a few minutes. Quickly she donned her undergarments, the dark wash jeans, red cable knit sweater and knee-high black boots that she’d set out the night before.
Grabbing her coat and purse, she left her room. “Bye, Mom! I’m going out,” she called as she passed through the living room.
Her mom didn’t reply, but that wasn’t unusual. She was probably still asleep. Deciding she’d better leave a note, she went into the kitchen and quickly wrote that she was going out and would be back later that night. Finished, she went out her door, locking it behind her. With a spring in her step, she bounced down the cement stairs to the sidewalk. She didn’t have to wait long before a black Mercedes pulled up in front of her and parked.
“You look lovely,” Samuel commented as he greeted her. He held his arms open and she moved into them. “You didn’t have to wait out here, I would have come up to get you.”
Camila blushed. “I know, but I was ready and Mom is still sleeping, so I thought this might be better.”
Samuel smiled. “You are a thoughtful daughter.” He pulled open the passenger door and helped her in. “All in?”
Camilla nodded. “Yes.”
He went around the front of the Mercedes and opened the driver’s door, sliding in. After fastening his seatbelt and checking to make sure she was buckled, he started the car with a push of the ignition button. The car was very comfortable with its heated leather seats.
“So, you never said, where are we going?” she asked.
Samuel glanced at her out of the corner of his eye and smiled. “Well, I thought we could go back to the park. I packed a picnic lunch. I do hope that is alright with you?” He raised a brow and smiled again.
Camila thought that was actually quite a romantic thing to do. “It is,” she murmured, her cheeks feeling warm under his approving gaze.
They reached the park in no time. After Samuel parked the car, he walked around to her side and opened the door, helping her out. It was a kind and gentlemanly thing to do and Camila found herself enjoying it. It made her feel cherished. Something no other guy had ever accomplished. He opened the back door and pulled out a thick red and black checkered blanket, a large woven basket, and a paper grocery bag with handles.
“Do you need me to carry anything?” Camilla asked watching him settle everything in his arms.
“I think I’ve got it,” he commented and then held his elbow out for her to take.
Camila threaded her arm through his elbow and they walked from the parking lot out to the grassy area. They stopped once they reached a nice sunny spot away from everyone. Samuel set the bag and basket down, removed the blanket from his arm and spread it over the ground. He took her hand and helped her to sit, and then sat down himself. He pulled the basket and bag over to them and began pulling things out.
“I brought several things, because I wasn’t sure what you would like.” He smiled as he opened the basket and began to bring out different food items. “We’ve got turkey, roast beef, chicken, and ham. I brought several different toppings as well.”
Camila’s eyes widened. He really had brought just about everything she could possibly want. She noticed one bottle that seemed homemade. “What’s that?” she asked.
Samuel picked it up and smiled. “It’s basil and olive oil. It’s one of my favorite sandwich toppings.” He handed her the bottle. “Have you ever had it?”
Camila shook her head. “No, I don’t think so.” She opened the bottle and smelled it. “It does smell good. Maybe I’ll try it.” She looked up at him, softly smiling.
“If you don’t like it, there is plenty to make you something else,” he said as he pulled out two loaves of bread, white and wheat, as well as some brioche buns. “Alright, so what will it be?”
Camila looked over all the choices, amazed at how thoughtful it was for him to bring such a variety, especially since he didn’t know what she liked. “Um, well, one of the brioche buns, with lettuce, tomato, white cheddar and turkey, is that okay?” she said anxiously.
“Of course, and you want to try the basil and olive oil?” Samuel met her gaze.
She could tell he was really trying hard to please her and make this a wonderful day. “Yes, I do.”
With a nod, he began making the two sandwiches. He made the same for himself as he did for her, except he went with provolone cheese. He set each sandwich on a paper plate and handed one to her. Before he ate, he waited for her to take a bite.
Camila bit into the soft buttery bun. The crunch of the lettuce, with the tomato, turkey and cheese mixed with the flavor of the basil and olive oil was exquisite. She’d never had such a scrumptious sandwich. “Mmmm. This is delicious,” she commented, smiling up at him.
Samuel grinned and then took his time devouring his own sandwich.
As they ate, Camila asked, “So, you mentioned you have a sister. Does she live with you too? I never saw her when I was at the house. Or has she married and moved on with her own family?”
“No, Brianna is younger than Adrien and me. She’s only nineteen. She’s a real sweetheart, but she doesn’t exactly like meeting new people. She keeps mostly to herself.” Samuel looked a little uncomfortable and Camila wondered why.