He steps back, his eyes sweeping over me in that way only he can, making me feel beautiful and vulnerable with just one searing look.
“You’re beautiful. Wow.”
I smile playfully, “You look pretty good yourself, Mr. Cameron.”
He shakes his head, “Mr. Cameron is my dad, not me, though I like when you say,yes sir,to me.”
I shiver as he presses his hand flat on my lower back, guiding me out towards his truck. “Come on, let’s get out of here before I change my mind and spend the evening sucking on your pussy instead.”
“Yes sir. So romantic,” I tease as he guides me out to his truck.
Fifteen minutes later, we’re pulling up to the venue that's located just a few miles outside of our small town. It’s a beautiful, old manor and one of the few historic landmarks in Lonestar Junction. The ceremony is set to take place outside on the plush, green lawn and the reception is planned for inside of the manor, which has been recently renovated into a building with glass windows giving it a much more modern flare. Soft, pink flowers dot the aisle leading up to rows of folding white chairs all pointed in the direction of a beautiful heart shaped arch covered in vines.
“It’s breathtaking,” I whisper to Clay, though he’s not even looking at the venue—his eyes are fixed on me, his grip tight on my waist as we approach the group gathered in white folding chairs on the lawn.
“I hadn’t noticed,” he says, his voice low.
I nudge him playfully, but when our eyes meet, I realize he’s more nervous about all of this than he’s letting on. I wonder if this wedding stirs any sadness or disappointment in him.
Ever blunt, I blurt out my thoughts as we take our seats on the bride’s side, “Are you uncomfortable?”
His brows furrow. “Areyouuncomfortable?”
“No, not really. My dad and your siblings know about us now. I couldn’t care less what anyone else in this town thinks. Plus, this is all just for show,right?”
He presses his lips into a thin line and nods curtly. “I’m not uncomfortable. I’m happy for Savannah, and I’m with you. How could I be uncomfortable when I’m with you?”
I turn my face, not wanting him to see the way his words affect me as I settle into my chair, scanning the crowd. Clay does that to me. Says something so incredibly sweet and shocking and then doesn’t elaborate. Leaves it hanging between us thickly like it could possibly mean something more. It confuses me, like most things with him.
I scan the group of people now seated again. There are a lot of familiar faces from town, mostly older. A few people cast curious glances our way, but every time I catch one, Clay squeezes my hand and gives me a reassuring smirk. It feels natural—maybe too natural. But that’s how it’s always been with us, dangerously close to no longer pretending. I wonder if he feels it too, sometimes.
The music begins to play gently, and the crowd stands as a radiant Savannah begins her walk down the aisle. Clay towers behind me, his arms wrapping around my waist and holding me tightly to his front. I revel in the feel of his big arms holding me so protectively and get lost in the tender moment where Savannah's gaze first meets her grooms.
She looks amazing.
Just like always, she radiates beauty, her round, pregnant belly, and glowing skin only adding to it. Maybe if I were older, or less confident, I’d feel a pang of jealousy—especially after what Lucy told me about Clay and the countless women he’s slept with. But there’s a quiet confidence Clay has instilled in me since then. He’s made me realize that I’m not defined by the man I’m with. I’m strong, resilient, and beautiful all on my own.
The ceremony continues, and as we take our seats, I’m surprised when tears start to fill my eyes. Savannah and Devin look incredible together and knowing they’re about to bring two new lives into the world fills me with genuine happiness for her. Maybe this is what people mean by theClay Cameron effect. Maybe it’s something I can look forward to one day. I know I’m young, but growing up without a mom has made me think often about the kind of mother I want to be. I can’t wait to have kids of my own and build the relationship I missed out on with them.
As the reception moves inside the all glass manor, Savannah and Devin share their first dance, and dinner is served. The food is good, and I scarf it down too quickly after not eating all day. The ache in my stomach disappears, swapping places with the ache in my joints. I rub my wrists together, trying to get some relief from the persistent symptoms of my condition.
Clay’s hand rests on my bare thigh under the table, his fingers gently stroking my skin, making it hard to focus on anything else and soon, the pain in my joints dissipates. Savannah and Devin move towards the dance floor for their second dance at the same time that Clay’s leaning over, whispering in my ear, “I can’t be here anymore,” he murmurs.
“What’s wrong?”
“We showed up together, ate the food she paid for, and everyone’s seen us. But all I can think about is how tight my cock is in these ridiculous suit pants and how badly I want to rip that dress off you.”
I laugh, but it comes out more like a breathy ′ha’as I try tomaintain my composure.
“Would you be disappointed if we left now?” he asks.
“Disappointed?” I pause, considering my words carefully, but the truth spills out. “I could never be disappointed when it comes to you.”
His eyes ignite with heat as he pushes back from the table, grabs my hand, and pulls me out of the building toward his truck. A few people notice us leaving during Savannah’s dance, their gazes lingering, but it’s Jovie’s eyes that follow me the closest.
She flashes me a knowing smile and a wink, and I can’t help but wonder how much she really knows—and what she thinks about her youngest brother-in-law dating me.
Chapter 28 – Clay
