My family.
Hailee’s cries built, her pace quickening as she began to lose control. Pulling her hair gently to make her back bow, I dipped my head, sucking the hollow of her neck, nipping at the skin there, pushing her closer to the edge.
“Cam—” My name fell from her lips as she clenched around me, pulling me further into her body, squeezing me so tight I saw stars. I wanted to stay there. To live in this bubble and never leave. But her walls clenched me again, and I fell right over the edge with her, holding her close as my muscles locked up and I came hard.
I knew I’d have to leave eventually, but right there, in that moment, I never wanted to let go.
Hailee
“Good morning.” The deep timbre of Cameron’s voice sent shivers rippling up my spine.
“Morning.” I peeked an eye open, fighting a smile as I stretched my body, my legs brushing his making my tummy clench.
“I was almost scared to wake up, in case last night was a dream.” His eyes lit up with emotion.
Emotion I didn’t want to get too lost in. Not yet. Not when there was still so much going on around us.
“Come here.” Cameron dragged my body closer to his, igniting a fire in my belly. “I could get used to this,” he said.
Burying my face in the crook of his shoulder, I let myself enjoy the moment. I was in Cameron’s bed… again. And it didn’t feel awkward or strange or like I was making a dreadful mistake, one I’d regret later.
It felt right.
“Thank you.” His voice coaxed me out of his chest, and I gazed up at him. “For coming after me last night, thank you.” Cameron touched his head to mine, inhaling a shaky breath.
“I wouldn’t be anywhere else.” Looping my arm around his shoulder, I breathed him in, the lingering scent of sex flooding my senses. “Should we expect a visit from Xander any minute?” I asked.
“He had a sleepover at Katie’s, but I should probably warn you my mom and dad are home.” My eyes widened and he smiled against my cheek. “Is that going to be a problem?”
“I don’t know; you tell me.”
“I want them to meet you,” he blurted out, gently pulling away to see my reaction.
“I already met your—”
“I mean officially, Hailee. I want to introduce you to them as my girl.”
His girl?
“Don’t look so worried. This is a good thing.” Cameron stole a kiss from me while I was still reeling from his words.
His girl.
He’d called me his girl.
“But Jason—”
“Will have to get over it. Life’s too short, Sunshine. I realize that now. You never know what’s around the corner and I’m not about to waste another second worrying about what Jase might or might not say because I’m in love with his step-sister.”
“In love…” I choked out. “You love me?” My heart was going to burst out of my chest. He looked so calm, so normal, and I was having an internal conniption.
Cameron’s lip curved, breaking into a wide smile as he chuckled. “You hadn’t figured it out by now? I am completely,”—he kissed me—“and utterly.” Kiss. “Ass over elbow in love with you, Hailee Raine.”
“Oh.”
Oh.
His brow quirked up. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you at a loss for words. I don’t know whether to be flattered or mildly concerned.” Amusement danced in his eyes.
“I- I think I need a minute.”
“Should I…” He thumbed to the door and began to untangle himself from the sheets, but I wrapped myself around him, dragging him back to the bed. “Wait.”
“Wait?” he smirked. “Is there something you want to tell me?”
“Cameron,” I chided. “You can’t just spring something like this on me and expect me to be okay with it.”
“Well, I was kind of hoping you might feel the same…” He left the words hanging between us as he dipped his head, capturing my lips again. Rolling me onto my back, Cameron pressed the lines of our bodies together, erasing any space—and doubts—from between us.
“I—”
A knock at his door startled us both and Cameron froze above me. “Yeah?”
“It’s just me, Son. Mom wants to know if you’re hungry?”
Heat blazed in his eyes as he hardened between my legs. “I, uh, yeah sure, Dad.” His voice cracked with lust. “But tell her to make an extra plate.”
My cheeks burned as I silently shook my head with disbelief.
“I see …” His dad cleared his throat. “Well, we’ll… hmm, we’ll see you both soon.”
“Sure thing, Dad.”
“Cameron,” I hissed the second his dad’s footsteps grew quiet. “What the hell?”
“Time to meet my parents.” He winked, dropping a kiss on my head before clambering off me and the bed, not bothering to even try and hide his erection.
I wanted to be mad at him, to argue that this was moving too fast, that he was completely crazy. But as I watched him pull on his jeans and a clean tee, I couldn’t find it in me to protest. Because he loved me.
Cameron Chase loved me.
Ten minutes later, I was having second thoughts.
“I’m not sure this is—”
“Hailee, stop.” Cameron pulled me into his arms. “They’re going to love you.” He gazed down at me with such intensity I felt my throat constrict.
“Yeah, but—”
“No buts. I need you, okay?” His expression softened. “Please, do this, for me.”
Arching my brow, I let out an exasperated breath. “You’re not playing fair.” I wanted to be there for him, I did. But it wasn’t fair to use his situation against me.
Damn him.
“I told you once before, I’m a Raider. And Raiders never quit. Even if we have to play a little dirty sometimes.” Something flashed across his face, but it was gone before I could decipher what it was. “Ready?” he added, and I gave a little shrug. “I guess.”
Cameron led me into his kitchen, his hand firmly around mine. “Mornin’,” he said without a care in the world. “Hailee’s going to stay for breakfast. I hope that’s okay?”
A woman with short dark hair and Cameron’s gray-blue eyes beamed at us. “Of course, it’s okay, sweetheart. Hailee, I’m Karen, Cameron’s mom, it’s lovely to meet you.” She came over and hugged me. “And under better circumstances this time. I’m sorry you had to see that, sweetie,” she whispered, and I swallowed over the lump in my throat.
“It’s nice to meet you too,” I said as Cameron wrapped his arm around me, guiding me over to one of the stools.
“Hailee,” Mr. Chase said around a wary smile. “It’s nice to see you again.”
“Hello.” I gave him a small wave as I sat down while Cameron helped his mom get some extra plates from the cabinet.
“How was the game last night?”
Cameron stiffened but quickly recovered. “Actually, I wanted to talk to you about that.” He came and sat down beside me, taking my hand in his, as if he needed the contact. “While Mom is going through her… treatment,” the word got stuck in his throat. “I think I should quit the team.”