“That would be me living in hell.”
I smile. “She’s an adult. She can make her own choices. I, for one, am happy for her.”
He sighs. “It’s more that she didn’t tell me. Why is she hiding him from me?”
“I don’t think it was malicious. You told me she’s never really dated. This is all new for her. However, I do think he’s a good man.”
“You just met him.”
“I know, but I also saw the way his hand rested on the small of her back as he led her into the room. I saw that look he gave her as she introduced him, and I saw his eyes when he told us he was her boyfriend. He’s in love with her.”
“You don’t know that.”
“I do.”
“It’s not possible from a look, Paisley.”
“Oh, but it is.”
“Explain.”
I place my hand against his cheek. “Easy. He looks at her the way you look at me.”
His shoulders deflate, and he wraps his arms just a little tighter as he holds me. “I love you.”
“I know you do. He loves her too.”
We sit here for several long minutes. “Come on. I know your mom well enough to understand she’s in the kitchen freaking out right now. Besides, we should get going and let them get to their movie, and we have dinner with my parents tonight.” Climbing off his lap, I offer him my hand and pull him to his feet. Hand in hand, we make our way toward the kitchen.
I stop just outside the door when I hear Gerald’s deep voice. “It’s going to be fine, babe,” he says reassuringly. “I didn’t know they were here. We kind of sprung this on him.”
“He’s never seen me with a man.”
“Well, he’s going to have to get used to seeing me.”
“Gerald.”
“You mean too much to me. He’s a grown man, Grace.”
“He’s my son.”
“And I respect that. But you are my number one priority. I hate to see this tearing you up. I can’t handle that.”
“He’s just in shock, I think.”
I turn to look at Cameron, and the anger that was once there is gone. I cough, which is completely obvious and over-the-top, but I want to alert them we are on our way. I count to five and lead us into the kitchen. Gerald has his arms wrapped tight around Grace as her head rests on his chest. I wrap my arms around Cameron and put us in the same position, staring up at him. He nods. He gets it.
“Sorry about that,” Cameron speaks up. “I wasn’t expecting you.” His eyes are locked on Gerald.
“It’s all good,” Gerald replies easily.
Cameron releases me and steps forward. He offers Gerald his hand, and the two shake. Grace smiles, her eyes watering with tears as she pulls away from Gerald and hugs her son. “Love you,” Cameron mumbles.
“Love you too.” She holds him a little longer before stepping away.
Cameron immediately returns to my side, wrapping me up close. Gerald does the same with Grace. “We’re going to head out. Let the two of you get to that movie,” Cameron tells them.
“We should plan something,” Gerald voices. “Grace tells me your schedule is tight, but maybe once the season is over?”
It’s not lost on any of us that if we make the playoffs, the season could run several more weeks. Gerald just told us without telling us that he plans on sticking around.
“Yeah. Our days off are slim, but we should do that.” He looks down at me, and I see the question in his eyes. I nod. “You should come with Mom. To a game. I can, uh, make sure there are two tickets waiting.”
Gerald nods. “You tell us when and we’ll be there.”
Cameron nods. “Right. Okay, well, we’re heading out. Love you,” he tells his mom with a wave. We make our way out to his truck.
I wait until we’re on the road before turning to look at him. “You did good back there.”
“Thanks.” He laughs lightly, shaking his head.
“You know, it’s like you and my dad reversed roles,” I say, biting down on my cheek to keep from laughing.
“I owe your dad an apology.”
This time, I do laugh. “No, you don’t. You didn’t do anything wrong but love me and put me first.”
“You’ll always be first.”
His words send warmth to the center of my chest. I’m not sure who was looking out for me to bring Cameron into my life, but I’m grateful. He’s one of the good ones, and he’s all mine.
Chapter 22
Cameron
“Are we going home first?” I ask Paisley as we drive back into town.
“Yes.”
“What time do we have to be at your parents’?”
“Dinner starts at six.”
It’s fifteen minutes until five. We stopped for ice cream on the way home and stayed longer than we should have. It was her idea, but I needed it. We sat on a bench at a nearby park and ate our ice cream like we didn’t have a care in the world. We got a few looks, and I’m pretty sure some cell phones were pointed our way, but the park wasn’t very busy, and those who were there left us alone.
“You sure you don’t want to just head over there now?” I ask.
“I’m sure.” She rolls her head to the left to smile over at me. That smile, I dream about it. It’s one I can wake up to every day for the rest of my life.
When we pull in front of my condo, she jumps out of the truck and rushes to stand on the sidewalk before turning and waiting for me. “You good?” I ask.
“I’m perfect.” She laces her fingers through mine and pulls me to the door. Shoving the key into the lock, I push it open for her, and she walks in. I follow her, and as soon as the door is shut, I turn, and she’s there pressing her hands against my chest and pushing me against it.
She rises on her toes and places her mouth a breath from mine. “I want you.” She falls back and unbuttons her jeans, sliding them down her hips.
Not one to ever disappoint her, I do the same, kicking my jeans and boxer briefs to the side, not giving a fuck where they land. Next is my shirt, and I’m standing before her naked. I reach for my cock and stroke it lazily as I watch her pull her shirt off as well. I lick my lips, gripping my cock a little tighter as she reaches behind her and unsnaps her bra. She’s quick to remove it from her body, letting it fall to the floor.
She reaches out and places her hand over mine, and together, we stroke my cock. I slide my free hand behind her neck and kiss her feverishly. I will never get enough of her. Never.
“Cam.”
“Yeah, baby?” I ask against her lips.
“I need you.”
“Condom. My wallet,” I tell her.
“Were you a Boy Scout?” she asks, bending to grab my wallet out of my jeans. She finds it easily, dropping my wallet after. She tears the pack open and slides the offending latex over my length. I hate using these with her. I’d give anything to feel her bare—skin to skin, her hot, wet heat. I groan out loud at the thought.
“No. But when my girlfriend is sexy as fuck, you never know when you’re going to need one,” I finally answer. Lifting her in my arms, I turn her back to the wall in the entryway. She squeals and laughs, wrapping her arms and legs around me.