Eve
Cameron slides me off his dresser to my feet. Still coming down from my release, I lean back against the solid furniture so I don’t topple over. He snags my panties from somewhere and slides them up my legs then wraps me in a hug. “You okay?”
“I . . . yes? Yes.” I can’t think or breathe right. After a few minutes between my legs, he’s left me a stuttering mess of buzzing skin and tingling girlie parts. “I’m good, yeah. Thanks.”
His low chuckle vibrates against my chest. “My pleasure.”
An obvious symbol of his lack of receiving pleasure digs into my stomach. I slide my hand between us and grip him from the outside of his jeans.
A hiss seeps from between his teeth, and he pulls his hips back. “Not tonight.”
The nauseous roll of rejection turns my stomach. “Oh, but I thought—”
“You’re my slut? Fuck buddy?” He drops a soft kiss to my forehead. “Not tonight, Yvette.”
A flash of disgust makes me cringe at his use of my full name, but it quickly disappears when his words sink in. He doesn’t want me to reciprocate so I don’t feel used. I’ve never been with a guy who wasn’t more concerned with getting off than he was about me. And fuck if my eyes are welling up with tears at the thought of Cameron putting his own needs aside. For me.
I suck it back and peek up at him. “That’s the nicest thing anyone’s ever done for me.”
He blinks and his expression hardens. “That can’t be true.”
I push out an uncomfortable laugh. No need to air out all my garbage here and now. “Nah . . . it’s not, but that’s really cool of you.”
“Need to go make an appearance out there. Don’t know who’s left, but I—”
“Oh shit!” I cover my mouth. I totally forgot about Mason. How long have I been back here? “I need to go.” I straighten my dress and do my best to wipe the I-just-came-hard look from my face. “Do I look okay?”
He glares at me, but doesn’t answer.
“What?” I smooth my hair and press on my cheeks, hoping the heat I feel in them still will soon recede. “Is it bad? He’s going to know what we’ve been up to.”
“Fuck him.” Cameron’s words are growled.
“I came here with him.”
“No, you came there”—he nods to the dresser—“with me.”
He’s so hot and so frustrating. I cock my hip and glare. “What do you want me to do? March out there and announce to everyone that you just had your mouth between my legs?”
I don’t want to remind him about keeping our hookups a secret. If it were up to me, I’d be screaming that we’re together to anyone who’d listen. But there’s this new feeling I have; it’s like worry or concern when it comes to Cameron. I want to make things easy for him. I’m also not excited about hurting Mason, but I knew going into this date that was a possibility. All the more reason to keep this between us for now.
“I have to find Mase.” I move to the door in a hurry. He must be so worried, probably thought I left and didn’t say goodbye.
“Make it fast.” Cameron’s deep command stills me at the door. “He drops you at home, and then I’m picking you up.”
Warm flutters race through my belly, and my blood pounds faster through my veins. “Sure thing, boss.”
I move down the hallway, out through the living room, and into the backyard with a huge smile on my face. I scan the remaining partygoers, grateful to find Mason in a group of people talking. Sneaking up undetected, I sit on a tall chair and wait for him to see me.
It only takes a minute or so before his eyes lock on me. He excuses himself and comes over. “I feel like such a dick. I’ve been so wrapped up in this bet we made playing pool, I’ve completely neglected my date.”
I smile, and this time it’s not fake. “Don’t worry about it. I knew enough people and had fun hanging out with them.”
“I looked for you when the fireworks started.”
“Yeah, sorry. I went to the bathroom and got to talking to an old friend.” It’s not a lie. Not really.
He reaches out and brushes his thumb along my cheek. “Hot?”
“Hmm?”
“Your cheeks are red.” His eyelids drop low and communicate much more than his words. He tucks my hair behind my ear and sifts his fingers down its length.
I pat my cheek. “Yeah, it’s a little warm outside.”
And then I feel it.
If I didn’t know better, I’d think gravity had doubled its weight as the air around me turns oppressive. I blink and turn toward the source, but not even gravity can compete with what’s pointed my way.
Cameron is staring with a glare so intense it sends goose bumps up my arms and a shiver racing down my spine.
“Damn, Eve.” Mason rubs his hand up and down my arm. “You feelin’ all right?”
My instinct tells me to throw Mason’s hand off to protect him from the terrifying man who hasn’t taken his eyes off of us. “You know, now that you mention it, I’m not feeling that good.”
“Well shit, you should’ve grabbed me so I could get you home.” His eyebrows are pinched together with concern. “Come on.” He helps me from my chair and wraps a hand around my waist to guide me out.
Waving a quick goodbye to everyone outside, we move toward the house and right to Cameron, whose eyes are fixed on Mason’s hold of my waist. Shit, this isn’t good.
“Cam, sick party. We’re gonna take off.” Mason moves in for a handshake, but Cameron only glares.
I clear my throat, and Cameron’s eyes dart to mine. I tilt my head to Mason’s extended hand and toss him a glare of my own. Shake his hand!
He slides his gaze to Mason and thankfully reaches out to grasp his hand. “Thanks for coming.”
“We’d stay longer, but my girl’s not feeling—shit, man.” Mason pulls his hand away from Cameron’s, shaking it out and laughing. “Can’t fight with a broken hand. Damn.”
The tiny hint of a smile twitches the corner of Cameron’s mouth. “Oops, don’t know my own strength.”
I shake my head, vowing to punch him in the gut first thing when he shows up at my place—after I kiss him, and ravage his body.
Cameron’s eyes fix on mine. “Drive home safely.”
I nod. “Thanks for having me.”
He runs two fingers across his bottom lip. “Thank you for coming.”
My face ignites in a furious blush that has Cameron grinning bigger than I’ve ever seen, which isn’t all that big.
I pull at Mason, and he takes the cue and accompanies me to the front door. “That guy’s moody as shit,” he says under his breath.
“I guess so.” As irritating as his little show back there was, it was equally sexy. And there’s a twinge of satisfaction knowing that I can affect a man like Cameron in a way that makes him want to break another man for simply touching me.
It’s a short and quiet ride back to my place. I don’t know what Mase had planned for the end of the night, but I’d be willing to bet it didn’t involve a sick date. I can’t bear to look at him. I feel so guilty, but I convince myself that his disappointment in my sudden illness is better than the rejection I’d dole out if he tried anything with me.
He escorts me to my door. “Hope you feel better.” His big arms wrap me in a hug. “Get some sleep.”
“Thanks for everything.” I give him a small smile and push into my house then lean back against the door and take a long, deep breath, listening to the rumble of his truck as it backs out of the driveway and fades down the street. Cameron should be here soon. I need to get ready.
I race back to my room, stripping off my shoes, dress, and jewelry. Standing in my panties and bra, I rip through my drawers and closet, looking for something that looks as if I’m not trying too hard.
Pink maxi dress, flip-flops. Done.
I’m in the bathroom, brushing my hair when I hear the knock on the door. Ponytail in hand, rubber band hanging from my mouth, I swing open the door.
My heart plummets into my stomach.
“Dad?”