27. Sloane

CHAPTER 27

SLOANE

W hen I get home, Cam’s Rover is in the driveway, but there’s no sign of my dad. He must still be at practice.

Despite my dad’s warning about Cam last night, fizzy excitement bubbles inside me and I know I have my answer.

I’m going to go for it. Take the risk with Cam and hope for the best. Sure, Ratface did me dirty. But Cam’s not him. He’s never been anything other than honest with me. I can’t live my life like my father, always guarding my heart and not letting anyone in because I’ve been burned before.

It’s not who I am, not who I want to be.

“Cam!” I run into the house, shouting his name.

“Hey.” He walks out from the hallway, duffel in hand. His dark hair’s damp from a shower and the crisp scent of his body wash floats through the air.

“Hey.” My excitement dulls and a wave of sadness rolls through me at the sight of him carrying his stuff. I know he’s not moving too far and getting his own space, but the moment still feels somber somehow.

Cam must read my expression because he drops his bag and grabs my hips, pulling me in close.

“Don’t be sad, Trouble. This is a good thing. For both of us.” He sweeps my hair from my eyes, running his thumb across my cheek.

“I know,” I whisper, my throat scratchy and tight.

“I’ll still be close. And you can come over anytime you want.”

“Thanks.”

Cam tips my chin up, brushing his lips with mine in a slow, soft kiss. “Want to come see the new place right now?”

Happiness sparks inside me and a smile spreads across my face. “Yes, I’d love to.”

“Come on, then. I’ll drive.” He grabs his duffel and takes my hand, and we head outside.

“Did you practice with the team this morning?”

“We had weight training. I went to the gym instead, then got the keys to the rental.” He jingles a keychain in the air, grinning. “I can’t wait for you to see it—I think you’re going to love it.”

Cam’s enthusiasm is contagious. “Me neither.”

Slamming my door shut, he hustles around and hops into the driver’s seat. The Rover purrs to life and we back down the driveway, Pearl Jam blaring through the speakers.

“Sorry.” He adjusts the volume and I steal a glance at him, appreciating the square line of his jaw, his broad shoulders, the way his T-shirt stretches across his solid chest. I don’t know how I got so lucky, but I should definitely send more embarrassing emails out into the world if this is what happens.

“What?” Cam’s eyes slide to mine for a second.

“Nothing. Just admiring the view.”

He grins, a dimple popping in his cheek as he takes one hand off the wheel and squeezes my upper thigh.

“My view’s pretty great, too.” I blush as his fingers caress my upper thigh, heat pooling low in my belly.

Why the hell was I sad about Cam getting his own place? This is everything I’ve been waiting for.

Ten minutes later, he takes the turn out toward the lake. The road gets rougher, the trees thicker as we move away from town.

“Thought we’d have more privacy out here by the lake. It’s a little longer drive, but I think it’s worth it.”

Cam makes another right and we bump down a long gravel driveway, finally pulling up to a modern two-story house with tons of windows. Mature trees surround the property and I catch a glimpse of the placid lake as he swings around the circular drive, parking in front of the steps.

“This is it.” He cuts the engine and hops out, coming around to open my door. I take his hand and we climb the porch steps.

Cam unlocks the frosted glass door and a chime beeps, indicating the alarm. He punches in a code from his phone and the alarm disables.

“Wow.” I stare out at the view, impressed. The space is huge, open and modern and airy. Floor-to-ceiling windows make up the entire back wall of the house overlooking the lake, a sprawling green lawn, and a dock. Directly to the left of the entryway is a staircase with a glass and wire handrail and all the furniture is sleek and white .

“I’m thinking no red wine here,” I joke, running my hand along the buttery white leather sofa cushion.

“You can have whatever you want, Trouble. Worst case, I pay the cleaning fees. Come on—I’ll give you a tour.”

He links his fingers with mine and leads me through the living room to the all-white kitchen. A huge marble island stands in the center of the room and state-of-the-art stainless-steel appliances line the wall, including the biggest refrigerator I’ve ever seen in my life. But the best part is the lake shimmering in the background.

“I love this, it’s gorgeous.” I spin around, arms wide, taking everything in.

There’s a built-in eating area with a table and banquette dotted with white and blue pillows. The island’s flanked by white-and-blue rattan barstools and everything in the room’s angled to take in the sweeping water views. A huge white fireplace covers the far right wall of the room, topped with a large flat-screen television, and there’s another white leather sofa.

Cam slides open the glass door that leads to the yard and I follow him onto the patio. A slight breeze off the water feathers my hair, the sounds of waves lapping at the dock carrying across the wide lawn.

“Just wow,” I whisper, my voice filled with awe. “This place must cost a fortune. It’s amazing.”

“I got a good deal. Promised I’d throw in a signed jersey for their kid, plus tickets and some other swag.”

“Nice.”

“You haven’t seen the best part yet.”

“No?”

“Uh-uh.” Cam scoops me up in his arms and carries me back inside, through the kitchen to the stairs .

“Oh no, don’t drop me,” I laugh as he climbs the stairs with me firmly in his arms.

“I’ve got you, Trouble. Don’t worry.” He smiles, locking his marine eyes on mine, and I melt for this man.

Cam’s got me.

I believe him, all the way to my core. He’s perfect for me. Everything about us is right.

Just because my dad had a bad experience with love doesn’t mean I will.

“This. This is the best part.” Cam sets me down, whirling me around to face yet more floor-to-ceiling windows.

And he’s right—this is the best view yet. From up here, we can see all the way across the lake, nothing but dark blue water and verdant trees. We have one-hundred percent privacy out here, a total oasis from the rest of the world.

“Amazing—” I sigh, leaning back against his muscular chest. He wraps his arms around my waist, pulling me in closer to him. His breath tickles my neck and a sense of peace engulfs me. “I love it here.”

“Good. I hoped you would.” He leans down and presses his lips to mine. Hot and possessive, warmth rushes through me, buzzy electricity humming below my skin.

I want this man. Now and forever.

The thought skitters through my mind and I’m on fire, every inch of me wanting more.

“Cam—”

He pulls away slightly, his brow wrinkled with concern. “Yeah?”

I lick my lips, my breath uneven and ragged. “I want you. ”

“Aww, Trouble.” He strokes my face, his pupils wide and dark. “I want you too.”

In one swift movement, he lifts my shirt over my head and spins me around to face him. His gaze rakes across my chest and I blush under his heated stare.

“Beautiful.” He strokes my breasts through the pink satin of my bra, nipples poking through the flimsy fabric. A soft moan vibrates low in my throat as wetness floods my panties.

“I’ve wanted to do this for a very long time,” he murmurs, easing the straps from my shoulders before reaching around and unhooking my bra. The lingerie falls to the ground, chill bumps rising on my skin. He palms my breasts before dipping his mouth down and sucking a rosy peak between his lips.

Swirling his tongue around the sharp point, he teases the other with his finger and thumb, making me flush hot with desire. My eyes drift closed as I give into the sensation of Cam’s mouth on my skin, hot pulses zinging straight to my core. His hand moves lower still, skimming down my torso until he unbuttons my shorts and eases the zipper down. I kick out of the denim until I’m only wearing panties.

“The view just got a whole lot better.” Cam grins, cupping my face. His lips capture mine, hot and needy. Then his tongue slips in and we dance. Tangling together, tasting each other, licking and sucking until I can barely catch my breath.

His hands smooth over my ass, squeezing the round globes, and I shimmy against him. He’s rock-hard against my stomach, telling me everything I need to know. I spread a hand on his chest, the thud of his heart hammering beneath my palm .

Snaking beneath his shirt, I tiptoe over the ridges of his abs, one by one.

“So sexy, Crawford—” I murmur into his mouth and he groans when I dip lower, grazing his hard length. “But it’s really not fair.”

“What’s not fair?”

“You’re still fully clothed.” I stick my lip out in an exaggerated pout.

“I can fix that.” He grins, pulling his T-shirt over his head in a blue blur and tossing it to the ground. His shorts follow, kicked to the side unceremoniously. Now he’s only in boxer briefs, his cock straining against the fabric.

“Keep going—” I shoot him a seductive smile, pointing my finger downward.

Without hesitation, he yanks the briefs off and his long, steely cock springs out. I suck in a sharp breath as he fists himself, pumping. The veins in his forearms pop and I’m mildly concerned he’s not going to fit.

“Better?” Cam asks, inching toward me.

I swallow. “Yes.”

“One more thing—” He grips my hip, pulling me up against him. “It’s only fair if we lose these.”

With one finger, Cam slides my panties down my thighs. They pool at my feet and he ducks down, flinging them away before wrapping his arms around me and bringing me in close.

“Now we’re even.”

Dropping his lips to mine, he kisses me long and hard and deep. Like I’m the only person in the entire world and nothing else matters outside of this room.

I fall into that kiss—into him—harder than I’ve ever fallen for anything in my entire life. Swept away in a wave of desire, our entire history rising up and cresting .

Cam’s the one.

I was an idiot to think anyone could take his place. Ever.

He’s it for me. Always has been. Always will be.

“Fuck me, Cam.” I whisper the words, and he stops, staring down at me with serious eyes.

Without another word, he grabs my ass and lifts me up in one fluid motion, as if I weigh nothing. I wrap my legs around his hips and he carries us over to the massive bed, the only furniture in the room outside of a television in the corner.

Lowering me gently down onto the bed, he smooths my hair from my face before touching his lips to mine. Igniting the spark that tells me everything I need to know without saying a word.

I’m his and he’s mine.

We kiss for a long time, our hands moving over each other’s bodies, exploring the dips and planes, the curves and edges. His hard, mine softer, a perfect pairing. With a flattened palm, he glides up and down my thighs and I quiver for him, already on the verge of ecstasy. We have so much time, and we take it, enjoying all the sensations.

Needy.

Hungry.

Greedy.

His fingers trail through my wetness, a moan falling from my lips.

“So wet and ready—” His voice is deep and raspy as I stroke up and down his thick cock, the skin velvety-soft. He pulsates in my hand, pre-cum leaking from the crown.

“Hang on—” Cam springs off the bed and jogs into the en suite bathroom. I hear drawers opening and closing as he rummages around, then he’s back, condom in hand .

“Voila,” he says, ripping the packet open and rolling the condom on.

“You came prepared, huh?”

“Figured we’ve been waiting long enough. No need to prolong it. Besides—” He climbs back onto the bed beside me, stroking my face. “I want to feel you. Bury my cock deep inside you and give you everything I have.”

“I want that, too.” I wrap my arms around his neck, pulling him in closer to me. “Very much so.”

Gliding my knuckles over the stubble on his jaw, I gaze up at him through lowered lashes and spread my legs, beckoning him in. I need him inside me, filling me.

His breath hitches as he glides his hand from my shoulders, down my torso, past my hip to the apex of my thighs. Locking eyes with him, I lick my lips, every inch of my body on fire as he strokes between my legs. He dips a finger in, then another, holding them still and warming up my body. Then he begins to move slowly, in and out. Scissoring and stretching and it feels so freaking good. My skin tingles, heat unfurling low in my belly as his thumb grazes my clit.

“Oh—” I moan, my eyes fluttering closed as he applies more pressure.

“Sloane, I’m going to fuck you with my hand and make you come. Okay, baby? Get you good and ready to take my cock.”

I nod, panting, as his thick fingers piston in and out, in and out. Waves of pleasure roll over me as I crash over the edge, shuddering around his hand.

“Fuck. You’re so responsive.” Cam tickles my skin with his fingertips and I shudder.

“That was nice.”

“Nice?” One dark brow raises and he frowns. “Baby girl, nice is the last adjective you’ll be using by the time we’re done here.”

I giggle as he straddles me, caging me in with his massive body. Heat shimmers between us, bright sunlight streaming through the windows casting Cam in a golden glow. He’s beautiful, every line of his body sculpted and honed, the deep V of his hips even more pronounced at this angle.

Winding my legs around him, I dig my heels into his tight ass, bringing him closer to me. His scent fills my nose and I kiss his perfect lips, claiming him.

“Sloane, are you ready?” Cam’s voice is deep and husky.

“God, yes. I’m yours. Fuck me.”