Chapter 12

CHAPTER 12

Sydney

I rolled over and still couldn't believe this wasn't a dream. Cameron had not just spent the day with me yesterday, but the night too. Thankfully it was Labor Day, and the clinic was closed for the holiday. Not that I would've changed anything, it's just nice not to go to work dragging my ass after making love all night long.

Lifting my head, I noticed Cameron's eyes wide open, and he was watching me. "I thought you were asleep," I said.

"You would think I would be after that workout you gave me," he teased before kissing the top of my head. "But I had promised I'd drive my parents to the airport. They are flying out to Ohio and my brother Chris is still traveling."

"Oh, then you better get going. Traffic can be crazy around the airport," I said, slipping from beneath the sheets.

He did the same. "I wish I could stay. But you're right. I don't want them missing their flight."

"I'll go make you some coffee," I said, leaving the bedroom, grabbing my robe on the way.

When he joined me, he was dressed in the same clothes he had worn to the concert last night. He looked great in jeans and a button-down shirt. I noticed that there were still a few buttons missing off the top that might have popped off on our way to the bedroom.

"Did you need me to look for the buttons and sew them on for you quickly?" I asked.

"I don't have that kind of time."

"I have a shirt that might fit you. It's in my closet," I said, rushing off to get it. When I returned and held it out to him, he didn't take it. "It's clean."

"Thanks, but I don't want to wear some other guy's shirt," he snarled.

I looked at the shirt and didn't understand why it offended him so much. "But it's clean. Washed. Just hanging in my closet."

"Good. He can wear it. Not me," he snapped.

I was puzzled. What was I missing? "What's your problem? I'm trying to be nice, so you don't look like your shirt has been half ripped off of you when you pick up your parents."

"Sydney, whoever that shirt belongs to, he obviously is special enough that you opted to keep it."

I could've slapped myself in the head for being so dense. How was it that it didn't dawn on me beforehand? Because I don't normally bring a guy home . "You think it was a lover. Well, you're wrong. It belongs to my brother. He had stayed here years ago when I had a surgical procedure, and they wanted someone with me overnight. He left it here and we both forgot about it." Extending it to him again, I asked, "Any issue with wearing his shirt?"

He took it from me and said, "Thanks. You must think I'm a jerk."

I shook my head. "I take it as a compliment that you think I have lovers over here. I'm so busy that dating isn't something I've made time for in a few years." Not something I should've admitted to, but I felt comfortable with him. Not just now but from the moment I met him. Maybe that's what scared me a little. How easy everything was with Cameron. Even expressing to him that I wanted him, needed him. It felt natural. Like we'd been together for a long time, instead of just meeting a week ago.

As he took his shirt off and put on Ken's, he said, "Busy or not, you must have men knocking your door down. You're not just beautiful, Sydney, but you're funny, and intelligent, and... amazing in bed. Hell, I almost want to text my parents and tell them to call UBER because leaving you physically hurts."

There was something in Cameron's voice that said he wasn't joking or saying it just to get laid. He meant those words, and it touched my heart.

"No one has ever said that to me before," I replied.

"Then they were idiots. You're amazing. Don't ever let anyone tell you differently," he said, pulling me into his arms and kissing me. When he broke the embrace, he asked, "Did you want to come?"

"Where?"

"To bring my parents to the airport. I know it's nothing fun, but maybe we can do something after dropping them off," he said.

"Your parents were very sweet, and I'd love to join you. But aren't you afraid of your mother starting in on the grandkid topic if she sees us together again?" I asked.

He sighed. "Yeah. You're right. She is relentless. But I don't give a fuck if you don't. I do understand if you'd rather avoid such torture."

"It's not torture at all. If anything, it reminds me that I'm not getting any younger and someday, in the future, maybe I will want children. Just right now is not the time. I think maybe in five years." Shut up and stop talking about kids. If he changed his mind and booked it out the door right now, I wouldn't blame him.

"That's a reasonable time period. I hadn't given much thought about a family myself, but I know someday I want one."

At least we were on the same page. Neither of us was looking to rush into anything. Even though we have rushed into bed together.

" Well if we are going, better go now before your parents think you forgot them," I reminded him.

He nodded. "Looks like we're taking the Jeep because your Smart car barely fits me."

"Very true," I said, reaching for my purse and house keys.

He stood there looking at me and said, "And I know you're not afraid of what my mother is going to say, but trust me, she will have a lot to say if you come in nothing but your robe."

I looked down and my jaw dropped. "See what you do to me? I actually was going to leave without getting dressed."

"I know. It's adorable," he grinned. "Now hurry. The clock is ticking."

Placing the purse back down, I rushed into the bedroom and got dressed. I brushed my teeth, combed my hair, and put it in one single braid down my back. When I came back out, Cameron was rinsing his coffee mug.

"Is this better?" I asked.

He turned around and I saw the hunger in his eyes. "Don't even think about it. We're leaving," I said firmly.

Cameron grinned, "But we're coming right back."

Picking up my purse, I said, "Most definitely."

As I passed by him and out the door, he gave me a slap on the ass and said, "I'm warning you now. This is going to be the fastest trip to the airport on record."

Won't be fast enough.

We were at the departure gate, and I got out of the Jeep to assist with their luggage. His mother gave me an extra-long hug. "Don't be a stranger. We hope you come with Cameron to visit up in Ohio. Maybe he can bring you with him for Thanksgiving," she said.

This was only the first of September. There was plenty of time between now and then. Even with all the kind words Cameron had said, I had no idea what his intentions were. Heck, I didn't even know where he lived. I knew he was staying at his brother's, but I would think that was temporary. We knew enough about each other to date, but there was still so much more to learn. He knows a lot more about me than I do about him.

"Have a safe trip home, Mrs. Giampietro."

"Please, call me Sarah." Then she hugged Cameron and made it a point to say it loud enough for me to hear. "Don't let this one slip away. You'll never find anyone as sweet as Sydney."

At least she didn't mention kids. That was a plus.

His father hugged us both as well, and we waved as they entered the airport.

"Never thought I would be grateful for the travel regulations," he said. I wrinkled my nose, puzzled and he explained. "If not, my mother would've insisted we go inside and stay with them until they boarded the plane. We'd be stuck with them for another two hours. I don't think I can listen to her tell you another story about when I was a kid."

"Funny. I was enjoying them. Of course, I can't picture you with long hair," I chuckled.

"Did you forget the part that I grew it out so that I donate it to Locks of Love?" he asked.

"No. I didn't forget one thing she said. And it sounds like you were one amazing young man, and they are very proud of you," I said heading back into the Jeep.

"Yeah. It's been a long time since they said that. Feels good hearing it," he admitted.

Not that I wanted to know, but I needed to. Was there something in his past that they disapproved of?

"Your mother didn't say anything negative about you. Well, except for the fact that you move around too much and should settle down. But that type of talk happens to everyone," I said.

"True."

As we headed back to my house, I pushed for more. "So, when she says you move around a lot, where exactly do you live? I mean, I know you live with Chris now, but where did you live before? Was it Boston?"

"I have a Condo in Florida in the Keys."

Florida?

"You mean you still, have it?" I asked.

"Yes. I'm here staying with my brother temporarily."

That only left me with more questions. I'd start with the one that was at the top of my list. "How long will you be in Boston?"

"I don't have a set time. Are you trying to get rid of me so soon?" he laughed.

The opposite.

" I just thought you must have things back in Florida that you needed to attend to," I stated.

"Nope. No pets. Not even a fish. No plants to water either. Mom meant it. I travel a lot. It wouldn't be fair to leave any living thing alone that long."

Like me?

" Agreed. And very thoughtful of you. Some people have animals that they leave at kennels all the time because they don't have time for them. It's one thing if they are just on vacation, but some people do it regularly. I guess you already know that you don't have time for anyone," I said, then quickly corrected myself. "I mean any pets."

He looked at me quickly before turning his attention back to the busy roads. "I think you said it how you meant it, the first time. If you're trying to ask if I would like to continue seeing you, the answer is yes. I didn't plan on meeting anyone on this trip. It was solely business. But I'm glad you decided to whack me on the head." He reached over and took my hand in his. "Maybe it's what I needed."

"No one needs a hit in the head," I said. "I could've really injured you."

"When you have a head as thick as me, then maybe you do. I never thought I'd meet someone like you. Never thought past today when it came to dating. But I know that I don't want this… whatever it is, to end. I like you, Sydney. I like you a lot. And if it means I fly up from Florida on the weekends, I'll do it. Unless, I have a... a prior engagement, that is."

"I really like you too, Cameron. And you're not the only one surprised by this. All I was trying to do was clean up debris that my contractor had left behind. Who would've thought that I'd find a...find you?" I almost said, boyfriend. It wasn't up to me to label it when Cameron obviously wasn't ready. And maybe he never will be. His mother made it sound as though he'd never brought a girl home before. What makes me think that I'll be the first?

Wishful thinking. That's all. I know better than to count on hopes or dreams. It's actions and hard work that make things happen.

I know that for a fact, because I had spent years wishing for someone like Cameron to be in my life, and it happened. Even if it was with a 2x4 making contact with his head.

We stopped at a restaurant to grab a bite as neither of us had eaten anything since last night. My stomach was growling and if I didn't eat soon, I was going to get hangry, as Amanda called it. I couldn't picture ever getting angry with Cameron, but low blood sugar might say otherwise.

"I don't think I've ever eaten so fast in my life, but that veggie omelet was amazing."

He said, "I could've eaten cardboard and not cared. I've been on such a rigid eating schedule for the past few months that being off feels weird."

"Why such a strict eating regimen? It's not like you're fat." Probably don't have an ounce of fat on that delicious body of yours.

"Some people can eat what they want. Not me. I either gain or lose weight too fast. I need to stay between 160 and 169. You would think it was easy, but it's not," he stated.

"If you think I'm about to reply with my weight, you're dreaming," I said firmly.

He laughed. "Don't worry. You told me that was one of the ‘don't ask' things. But for the record, whatever your weight is, it is perfect. You've got a body that is going to spice up my dreams for sure. Hell, I am not sure I can even dream as good as reality because being with you is amazing."

The heat rushed to my cheeks as I knew people around us could hear. I'd given up caring. "It was so hot that I thought we were going to set off the fire alarms."

"Maybe we can find another public place on our way back to your house to work off these calories. What do you say?" he asked.

I shook my head. "Tempting as it may be, I live here. People know me. And the police definitely do. I treat the K-9 at my clinic. I really would rather not have them know what I look like without my clothes on."

"Very true. Then let's get out of here. I know you have work tomorrow, and I want to spend every second I can with you before then," he stated.

"Me too. But I will be sure to leave work promptly if you want to come over for dinner tomorrow night. And by dinner, I mean takeout."

"Sounds good. I'll pick it up on my way to your house. How does pizza sound?"

"Like just the right amount of carbs to last us the night," I winked at him.

"Hmm. Maybe we should have it tonight too," he grinned.

He tossed a fifty on the table and we got up to leave. Before making it to the door, a young boy who I thought was around twelve, approached us with his father. As they got closer, I realized I knew them, but hoped they didn't recognize me.

"Sorry to bother you, but do you have a minute?" he asked.

"Hi, Mr. Clark. Yes, we have a minute. What can I do for you? Is everything okay with your poodle?"

He nodded. "Actually, it's Mr. Giampietro we want to talk to. My son is a huge fan and he's hoping you would take a picture with him. He wants to show it off to all his buddies on the first day of school. Would you mind?" he asked.

Cameron grinned. "Not at all."

PJ went and stood beside Cameron, and I stepped aside. Mr. Clark snapped a few pictures with his cell phone, then PJ turned to Cameron and lifted his hands, making them into fists and Cameron did the same. They looked at each other fiercely while Mr. Clark snapped more pictures.

PJ said, "Thank you so much. My friends are never going to believe that I met you. But I have proof."

"You sure do," Cameron said.

Mr. Clark shook hands with Cameron and said, "Thank you. I don't think anything is ever going to top this. He wanted to go and see the fight live, but I told him we couldn't afford the tickets. This is even better."

Cameron said, "Give me your number and I'll have my manager reach out to you. Next time I'm in Boston, you two will have ringside seats."

PJ's eyes widened and he hugged Cameron quickly before pulling away. "Thank you. I can't believe it. We're going to see the next fight live."

Mr. Clark nodded. "Doctor Swoony, we are sorry that we interrupted your breakfast, but you both have just made our day."

"Made my entire life. Nothing is ever going to beat this," PJ said as the two of them went to find a table to eat.

When we got outside, I grabbed hold of Cameron's arm and said, "Want to tell me what that was all about?"

"Yeah. About that. I know you're not going to be happy when you hear this, but I'm a professional boxer. All these cuts and bruises are from a title match Friday night."

I shook my head. "Well. Did you win?"

He cocked a brow. "I thought you were going to be pissed and not want to see me again."

"Is that what you want?" I asked.

"Hell no. But you made it clear how you felt about fighting."

I sighed. "I did. And do you know that I thought you were unemployed, living with your brother, and I also was worried you were getting into fights with people? Not boxing. Don't know why that didn't enter my mind. Now it seems like a logical deduction. Explains a lot, actually. The fact you pushed me away until after the fight also makes sense. Can't be using all your energy on sex when you are in training. And now I understand why you counted calories. You need to make your weight category."

"How do you know all this stuff if you hate boxing?" he asked.

"I have a brother who loves it. If I'm correct, he was at the fight Friday night. He talks about all kinds of sports with me whether I want to hear about them or not. But you still haven't answered my question," I said.

"Which one was that?" he asked.

"Did you win? Or do I need to call my brother to find out?"

He chuckled. "I won. It was close, but I won."

"Well, congratulations Mr. Giampietro."

He pulled me into his arms. "Never Mr. Giampietro with you."

"Okay. How about...Cameron?"

"How about...babe? I'll even take honey, or sweetheart if you rather," he suggested.

Pet names for each other? "Isn't babe for people who are a...couple?" I asked.

"It is. Can you picture yourself dating a boxer?"

My heart pounded. "I can." Never thought I would be. "I don't think of you as a boxer. I just think of you as...you. I can't promise that I will ever be able to go and sit ring side, or even watch it on television, but I promise I will always be cheering you on."

"That's all I can ask for. And don't worry, this was the first time my parents ever came to one of my fights and I've been doing it for ten years."

My heart broke for him. "Are you serious? Your family hasn't gone to cheer you on?" I asked.

"No. It's not something they agreed with me doing. I won't say it didn't hurt in the beginning, but over time, I just got used to it."

"I'm sorry. I...I will do my best to be there for you. Not saying that my eyes will be open the entire time, but I will be there." It was a promise I needed to make. He needed me there even if he wasn't willing to admit it.

He pulled my hand to his lips and kissed it. "Don't worry. I don't have a fight for at least three months. You have plenty of time to change your mind."

"Cameron, I want you to know that you can count on me. I'll be there. And who knows, maybe your parents will show up at another match," I said, hopefully.

"If you invite them, I have a feeling they will show. My mother adores you. I stopped reading all her text messages after we all had brunch tonight. I swear if you said you didn't want to see me ever again, she'd still have you over for Thanksgiving instead of me," he laughed. "And in case you didn't catch that, I'm inviting you."

"Cameron, we've only known each other a little more than a week. What if you can't stand me by then?" I asked.

"Then I suggest you carry a 2x4 around and knock me in the head again."

I laughed. "I think there are laws against such practices."

"Then I guess we will just have to promise to make this work."

Still not sure what this was, but I liked it. "Okay. You have my promise. Now I think you had made a promise yourself."

"What was that?" he asked.

"That this was going to be the fastest trip to the airport ever. Maybe I should do the driving if we're ever going to get back to my place," I teased.

Cameron beeped at the person in front of us, and then pulled around them stepping on the gas. I held onto the roll bar and giggled.

"You wanted to get there quickly."

"Yes, but it will be much more fun if we also are in one piece.," I reminded him. "Besides, I am the boss. If needed, I can ask the vet on call to cover for me for a few hours tomorrow."

He eased up on the gas pedal and said, "Why didn't you say that in the first place? But I don't want you to alter your schedule. I'm in no hurry to head back to Florida."

"Good, because I'm in no hurry for you to leave." I looked at the speedometer and he was doing the speed limit. "But you can go a little faster," I prodded. "Or I might have to give into your offer for an inappropriate display of our affection."

"You have a reputation to uphold. One public display in Massachusetts is enough."

"I thought you said no one noticed," I reminded him.

"I said they probably didn't. But baby, not sure if you know this, but you're not quiet."

I slapped his arm and said, "Don't blame me, that's all on you."

"Complaining?" he asked.

I smiled. "Yes. That airport traffic sucks. I can't wait to be home and disturb my neighbors."

He increased his speed once again, and this time, I didn't stop him. I no longer was worried about where this was going. I knew that wherever it was, we were going together.