Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 701

By the time the kiss ended, Camila Davis felt boneless and a little drowsy, as if all the strength had melted out of her.

Maybe it was just the exhaustion catching up with her—the past few weeks had been a whirlwind at work, and her body was running on empty. Or maybe the hot spring had worked its magic, easing every muscle, lulling her into deep relaxation and letting the fatigue seep in.

Dennis Williams kept his arms wrapped around her, brushing his thumb over her soft, damp lips. He chuckled quietly, voice low. “Think you can walk on your own?”

Camila shook her head, stifling a yawn as she leaned into him, her tone playfully plaintive. “I don’t think I can move at all.”

Dennis laughed and, without another word, swept her up into his arms. “Then let me carry you back.”

She didn’t protest, just looped her arms around his neck with ease. After all, it wasn’t the first time he’d carried her.

Back in the room, Camila changed into her pajamas and, the moment she touched the bed, she was out like a light.

She fell asleep so quickly that Dennis couldn’t help but chuckle. Sitting at the edge of the bed, he watched her peaceful face for a long moment, then gently pinched her cheek. “Such a perfect night, and you just go right to sleep… leaving me to stew.”

He shook his head, but the truth was, he didn’t really mind.

After tucking the covers snugly around her, Dennis retreated to his own room and took a long, cold shower.

Camila slept through it all, blissfully unaware.

The next morning, after breakfast, Lillian was practically bouncing with excitement, eager for their day out with Sarah Brown and the rest of the gang.

For once, she was the one hurrying her mom along. “Sarah and the others must be there already! We can’t be late, Mom!”

“Alright, alright, we’re leaving now—don’t forget your water bottle.” Camila, half-amused, handed the little bottle over.

Lillian grabbed it and scrambled into the car, a bundle of anticipation. Camila and Dennis followed her in.

When they arrived at the water park, Camila found herself face-to-face with Dennis’s family again—Lillian and Audrey Williams.

Audrey looked worlds apart from the pale, frail girl she’d met the last time. Today, her cheeks glowed with health, and there was a lively energy in her eyes that belied any hint of illness.

With her hair in a high ponytail, crisp white tee, light jeans, and sneakers, Audrey radiated youthful vigor.

She spotted Camila and waved cheerfully. “Camila!”

Audrey wanted to say, Of course there’s a problem! This was a water park—sure, adults came too, but seeing her usually buttoned-up brother here of all places just felt… out of place.

Camila caught Audrey’s meaning and glanced at Dennis herself. Dressed in tailored slacks and a crisp button-down, exuding quiet sophistication, Dennis looked like he belonged in a corner office or a members-only club, not a family water park.

But then she remembered how, back in Harrisburg, Dennis had gone anywhere with her and Lillian, never once complaining or acting out of sorts.

She smiled reassuringly at Audrey. “Jordan Smith is fine. Let’s go.”

Audrey shrugged, letting it go. “Well, if you say so. Let’s see if our workaholic brother can actually enjoy himself here—I’ve never seen that side of him!”

With laughter and chatter, the group headed inside together.

It was only once they were in the park that Dennis realized: they’d need swimsuits.

Neither he nor Camila had come prepared, but Sarah Brown had clearly anticipated this and brought extras for them.

She even handed Camila a thoughtfully chosen swimsuit—stylish but not too revealing, with a flirty top and a skirted bottom. When Camila put it on, the swimsuit showed off a hint of her waist, just enough to be playful without being over the top.