“You lived on the streets,” Bella says to Jasalie. “I think that’s a lot worse than what any of us went through. It must have been freezing some nights.”
Brayden and Leleila laugh. “Way to put it all in perspective, Bella,” Brayden says.
Jasalie smiles. “I know, right? Let’s focus on lighter topics, please. Like the fact that Colt and Dylan promised they’d find a way for us all to fit into Cam’s house tonight and actually get some sleep.”
“Cam doesn’t have anyone to sleep with,” Colton says with a smirk. “So he can take the couch.”
I visibly flinch, and Sky mistakes my response.
“Don’t be rude, babe. Just because Cam’s single doesn’t mean he should be kicked out of his own bed!” Sky protests.
My thoughts are nowhere near where they all think. I’m barely paying attention to the conversation because my focus is on the woman I do share a bed with.
Savannah has re-entered the rink from the lobby, and she glances around furtively. When she spots me only a few feet away and realizes I’m surrounded by people she doesn’t know, she waves shyly and rushes to grab an errant pair of skates. I run my hand through my hair. I should have invited her to join us the moment Dylan texted me to let me know they were coming to town. I shouldn’t have put off the discussion with her. But I did, and here we are.
I hear someone say my name, and I drag my gaze over to Brayden, whose blue eyes are trained on me. “You ARE still single, aren’t you, Cam?”
I cross my arms over my chest and stare them all down. I could just say yes and end this conversation quickly. I’ll take my cousins out to the bar; they’ll spend the night and be gone in the morning. Then Savannah and I can go back to being us, and focus on our relationship at the pace we’re comfortable—slowly and carefully, until we’re both sure of our footing.
Savannah and I are so different in a lot of ways, but in one way we’re exactly the same—somebody close to us betrayed us and broke our trust, and we’ve both been cautious to open up again. My years of drama with Amy fucked with my head, and I swore I wouldn’t date seriously again until I was in my thirties. My cousins believed me when I said that, and I even think they agreed with me. For all their teasing, they don’t want to see me tied down once more with the wrong woman.
I always knew that whenever I introduced them to another woman, she would have to be the one. I wouldn’t waste my time again, letting the wrong woman into my inner circle. Once I chose to let another person in with those closest to me, it would be because I’ve made a decision.
My cousins are so much to take in, and I don’t want to ruin what Savannah and I are building. But continuing to keep her separate from my family isn’t going to work.
So when she scurries by us, head down and focused on reaching the exit unseen, I turn to Brayden. “The answer to your question is no, Bray.”
Brayden raises his eyebrows at Colton, who looks at Jenson, who glances at Ayden, who turns to Dylan.
“What are you saying, Cam?” Dylan asks me.
“You’ll see.” I turn and call out, “Savannah?”
She halts her forward movement but doesn’t turn in my direction. She’s so close I could reach her in a few steps, and she’s definitely close enough that I can see her body tremble.
I call her name again.
This time she lifts her head reluctantly, and we make eye contact.
Her gaze darts from me to the large crowd gathered around me, and panic flashes across her face.
I nod at her. “Do you have a minute? I want you to meet some people.”
She swallows so hard I can see her throat move.
I step around my cousins and head over to her. I tip Savannah’s chin upward with my thumb and sweep my lips across hers. I kiss her gently at first and then more emphatically. By the time I pull back for air, the crackle of laughter behind me is palpable.
Savannah’s face turns bright red, and she drops the pair of hockey skates on the ground. “Oh, my God. Cam, they’re all staring at us.”
“I know.” I kiss her cheek. “So let’s really give them something to stare at.”
I wrap her ponytail in one hand and grip her hip with the other. I pull her closer and cover her lips with my own.
My tongue slides inside her mouth, and I taste her sweetness. Her hands are fighting me every step of the way, not wanting to cause a scene, but her tongue is very much in my mouth, taking over my senses. She bites my lower lip and then…her hands get involved. She slips them inside my open jacket and down to my waistband where my decision to kiss her is causing an urgent problem.
Forcing myself to stop, I break away.
“Fuck.” I exhale and slam my eyes shut. I count to five and then re-open them.
