Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 654

Camila Davis nodded thoughtfully, her mind already spinning with ideas about how to help Dennis’s grandfather get back on his feet. She started mentally running through possible diets and routines, thinking about what might work best.

Dennis noticed her drifting off, and with a little smirk, he pulled her into his arms.

She snapped back to the present, instinctively clutching his shoulder, her eyes wide with confusion. “What’s wrong?” she asked.

Dennis gazed at her from behind his glasses, his eyes dark and a little mischievous. “Hey, we finally get some time together. Let’s not waste it talking about other people, okay? Focus on me for a while, hmm?”

The way he said it—low and smooth, with a teasing edge—sent a shiver right down her spine.

Camila’s cheeks flushed. “It’s not like I’ve been anywhere else,” she mumbled.

Dennis leaned in, his forehead brushing hers, his voice husky. “Not enough.”

Those two words made her ears burn. She could feel her heart thumping in her chest.

Instead of shying away, she leaned forward and pecked him on the corner of the mouth. “How about now?” she teased.

She had no idea that her little gesture was like striking a match near a pile of dry leaves.

Dennis’s eyes darkened. “You know me—I can be greedy. I don’t just want a little, I want the best, and the most. After ignoring me for days, you owe me a little extra attention.”

Camila’s heart was racing. She couldn’t help thinking he was absolutely impossible—dangerous, even. He always had a way with words that left her defenseless.

All she could think (rather helplessly) was: I guess I really do owe him a little more.

She closed her eyes, pressing her soft lips to his, mimicking the way he kissed her, deepening the connection.

Her boldness was like gas on a fire. Dennis held her tighter, and suddenly, they were both lost in the moment.

Who knew how long they stayed like that? When Camila finally came back to her senses, she realized they’d somehow ended up sprawled on the couch, Dennis hovering over her.

They were tangled up, close as could be. His big, warm hand slipped under her sweater, holding her waist. The heat from his palm made her tremble.

He was always so cool and composed, but right now, he felt like pure flame.

For a second, Camila wondered if she might just melt away entirely.

But just when things were about to go too far, Dennis stopped himself. He pulled back, resting his head on her shoulder, breathing hard as he tried to calm down. He gently rubbed her back, soothing both of them.

The competition was split into different age groups—kids, teens, and adults. It was a big deal, held only once every three years, with a lot of prestige.

Mr. Walker said that if Lillian did well, it could really put her on the map—not just here, but internationally.

Camila thought it sounded great, but she was also a little unsure. “Do you think Lillian should do it?” she asked Dennis.

He nodded. “It’s a fantastic opportunity. A lot of famous artists got their start from this contest. But it’s her decision, not ours.”

Dennis turned to their little girl. “What do you think, Lillian? Do you want to give it a try?”

Lillian’s eyes lit up. She didn’t hesitate. “Sure! I wanna do it! I wanna win a prize and make you and Mommy proud!”

Camila and Dennis both burst out laughing, ruffling her hair. “Lillian, you already make us proud.”

Lillian beamed. “But I want to be even better! The best!”

Her parents looked at each other, smiling. No matter what happened next, their little family felt just right.