Athica Lane: The Carpino Series (19 page)

“Well hey,
you
,” I hear from the side and look over to see my brother-in-law, Lanny, standing in a pair of shorts similar to Cam’s, but he threw on a t-shirt.  He crosses his arms and tips his head looking me over, stating the obvious, “Your hair’s wet.”

“Oh, hey,” is all I say. 

Well, shit.  I try and take in the vandalism of my new car, but all I can think about is how everyone’s going to know about me being here with my hair wet and my car trashed.  Nothing is sacred in the Carpino family, and that includes the in-laws.

“And you’re wearing my neighbor’s shirt,” he goes on.

I bite my lip and pull Ariel in tighter.

“In the middle of the night,” he continues.

“Lanny…” I start, but I really have nothing else to say because he’s right on all accounts.

“And your car just got busted into,” he finishes.

“Sophia’s not coming, is she?” I ask, looking around the corner toward their house.

“I told her to stay with the kids,” he says.

“And I told you to stay in the house,” Cam clips, lowering his phone.

I frown and ask, “Who were you talking to?”

“The police,” he says.  Tipping his head toward my car, he looks pissed when he goes on, “We have to make a report so you can file your insurance.  And if this is connected to what happened earlier tonight, I’m gonna tear someone in two.”

“What happened earlier tonight?” Lanny asks.

“Nothing,” I say.

“Bekki,” Cam butts in.  “You wouldn’t believe the shit she pulled.  She left the kids by themselves.  There was a scuffle outside her apartment with some thugs that’re connected to her.  When Jordy couldn’t get hold of me, he called Paige.  She wandered into it.”

“No shit?” Lanny looks to me.

I shrug but Cam keeps going, “She got knocked around, Bekki’s in jail with one of the guys who created the scuffle and two others got away.”

“You okay?” Lanny frowns this time.

I open my mouth to answer, but Cam keeps on, “She’s got a couple bruises and a headache, but she’ll be okay.”

“I can speak for myself, thank you,” I glare.

“I told you to stay in the house,” he says.

I ignore Cam and say, “You can’t tell Sophia.  She’ll be all over me.”

“Looks like someone else has already been all over you,” he grins.

“Lanny!” I yell and hear Cam warn, “Hey.”

“You cannot tell her,” I repeat.

“You think I’m gonna suffer the wrath of my wife and not tell her something she’ll find out soon enough anyway?  No way,” he shakes his head.

“Please, Lanny,” I beg.

“I’ll do you a favor and leave out the part about your hair being wet.  That’s the best I can do,” he offers, as if he’s throwing me a bone.

“Cam,” I look over at him with big eyes.  “Talk to him.”

“What in the hell happened while we were in Hawaii?” Lanny asks, not giving Cam a chance to plead my case.

“Nothing,” I say at the same time Cam drawls, “It was an interesting week.”

Before anyone has a chance to say anything more, I see headlights turn the corner and for the second time today, police cruisers head my way.  This time they aren’t tearing down the street with lights and sirens, but they sure did manage to get here faster than earlier this evening when I needed them in a worse way.  Figures.

“Go home, man.  I’ve got this,” Cam says to Lanny.

Lanny lifts his head to Cam but comes to me.  He leans down and gives me a brotherly kiss on the top of my head, “Glad you’re okay.  I won’t let Sophia call you until tomorrow.”

I sigh and start to dread tomorrow before it gets here because there are no secrets in my family.  Tomorrow could suck worse than today.  Not that today sucked, I think I would categorize today as the best, yet the scariest.  One for the record books.

Lanny starts his way across the yard as the police pull up and Cam comes to me, demanding, “Get dressed.”

“I’m fine,” I say, shifting Ariel who’s getting wiggly in my arms.

“Baby,” he says, squeezing my bottom over his t-shirt.  “I’ve just had you for the first time and nobody’s been there but me.  I’m not crazy about you being half dressed in front of a bunch of police officers.  Go put on some clothes.  Now.”

I roll my eyes before turning to march back to his bedroom to find my clothes.  But the minute I turn and he can’t see me, I have to bite my lip to keep from smiling. 

Yeah, giving up my V-Card was way better than I ever imagined.  And when you wait as long as me, you imagine a lot.  But handing it over to Cam makes me smile even bigger.

I wake up to a buzzing sound, but it’s more like vibrating.  I open my eyes, and for the second day, I wake up in Cam’s bed.  I’m on my side with my back to him, but I know he’s there because he’s got a hand resting on my waist just above my hip. 

My phone vibrates again on his nightstand, and as I reach over to grab it, he squeezes my waist pulling me back.  I manage to get my phone before being hauled into his big body where his goatee tickles my neck and it feels so good, I’m forced to ignore my phone.

It’s a little after eight and I smile because boot camp is at eight, but I’m still in Cam’s bed with Cam.  Two reasons to be happy this morning.

He rolls me to him and takes my phone, tossing it to the end of the bed.  Bringing his big hand up to cup the side of my head, he asks, “How’s your head?”

“Good.”

“Your shoulder and arm?” he goes on, sliding his hand down the side of my body.

“Really, I’m good,” I give him a small smile.

His hand continues and my breath hitches when he cups me between my legs but over my panties.  His sleepy eyes turn intense when he keeps on, “How’s this?”

I run my hand up his arm, “I’m
all
good, Cam.”

He dips his hand in my panties, “You think you can go again tonight?”

I warm from his touch, barely tender from last night, “I think so.”

“Good,” he kisses me softly.  “I want you on top, riding my cock.  That way if you’re sore, you can do what feels good for you and I get to watch.  But that’s after I eat you and make you come in my mouth.  I’ve got to get you primed for me.”

My eyes go big and I can’t help it when my face warms, “You know, you don’t have to be so descriptive.  Feel free to surprise me with your plans.”

His goatee smiles and I feel his chest shaking against me with silent laughter. 

“Seriously,” I give his arm a shove.  “I have a lot to do and now I’m going to be thinking about that all day, worrying if I’m going to do it right.”

He rolls completely on top of me and keeps smiling, “There’s no right or wrong.”

“Maybe not,” I say, exasperated.  “But I’m sure there’s good and bad.  Sexy and awkward.  Hot and lackluster.”

“Lackluster?” he keeps smiling.

“Yes,” I glare at him.  “You know I don’t know what I’m doing.”

His amused smile turns soft and he leans down to kiss me even softer. 

When he pulls away he says in a low voice, “You run so hot for me, there’s no way you could be lackluster if you tried.  But baby, when we’re together, I want you to do what feels good.  If something doesn’t feel good, you say so and we’ll find something that does.  If there’s something you want to try, we’ll try it.  If there’s something I try and you don’t like it, you need to tell me because I plan on trying a lot with you, but it’ll all be for you.  What I can promise is that after last night, there’s no way it can be wrong, bad or awkward.  And it definitely will not be lackluster.”

“Really?” I ask.

He frowns, “Were you not here last night?”

I frown back but don’t say anything because that doesn’t warrant an answer.

“You’ll see,” he goes on.  “I want you thinking about it but not worried about it.  Nothing to worry about when it can’t be anything but perfect.”

“Whatever,” I relent because I really want to stop talking about it.  But now I’m going to think about it all day, no matter what I have to do, so I change the subject.  “I need to get up and brush my teeth.  I’ve decided you’re not good for my dental hygiene.”

Last night, after the police filed a report on my car, Cam arranged a wrecker to take it away—since you can’t tow a car with four slashed tires.  That’s right, all four.  Cam didn’t see anything by the time he got outside.  Who knows who did it.  It’s more of a pain in the ass than anything.  It turns out I have rental insurance, so at least I won’t be out of a car while mine is being spruced up. 

It was late when we went to bed the first time, so it was really late after dealing with my car.  Cam pulled me into his arms where I fell fast asleep, completely forgetting to brush my teeth.

Again.

“What do you have to do today?” he asks, not getting off me.

“I need to get to my apartment to work on advertising for my blog, return some calls to new clients about events coming up next month and do laundry.  The way my phone is buzzing, I have a feeling I’m going to have to hide under a rock to avoid my family.  And if Brian doesn’t answer my calls today, I’ll be forced to find him and kick his ass for avoiding me.  What are you doing?” I ask.

He instantly frowns, “Why do you need to talk to him?”

“Because of what happened Sunday.  I need to work things out,” I explain.

“What’s there to work out?  He wants you and you don’t want him.  It’s finished,” he says.

“Nothing is finished.  He’s my friend and even though I don’t want him the way he wants me, I need to make it okay between us.  We’ve been friends too long for me to let it go.”

“I don’t like it,” he keeps frowning.

“I’m sorry you don’t like it, but I’m still going to talk to him.”

His jaw hardens and he looks up over my head at the headboard. 

“Cam?” I call for him.

He looks back and sighs, “I’ll take you to your apartment, you can get your stuff, bring it back here.  We’ll pick up your rental on the way back and you can work here while I figure out what’s happening with Bekki.  I’ve got to call my attorney about getting sole custody.  I need to be close to the kids today, keep an eye on them after what happened last night.”

“I can work at my apartment,” I say.

“You can also work here,” he insists.

I guess it doesn’t matter where I work, but he really likes to have his way.

“Who’s your attorney?” I change the subject.

“I use my parents’ attorney.  He’s in Texas.  It can slow things down but it’s worked okay in the past.”

“Do you want me to call my dad?” I offer.  “He specializes in Family Law.”

“No.  I don’t need to be asking favors from your family.  I’m not sure what they think about you with me anyway,” he says narrowing his eyes.

“He wouldn’t do it for you.  He’d do it for me,” I insist, because it’s true.  If I asked, my dad would do it in a heartbeat.

“No,” he reiterates.

“But, he could get it done fast and you need it done fast.  Who knows what Bekki will do.  She’ll probably get out on bail today if she’s not already,” I plea my case.

He smiles but repeats, “No,” then kisses me fast before rolling off me to get up.  “As much as I’d like to hang out in bed all day, the kids will be up soon if they’re not already.”

Pulling myself out of bed, I feel stiff all over.  I’ve decided to blame it on two days of boot camp.  My phone vibrates on the end of the bed again. Picking it up, I see I already have three voicemails and a handful of texts.  It’s mostly Sophia but she must have called in reinforcements.  They’re all butting in. 

I hit my voicemail button and put my phone to my ear while hauling on my jeans from yesterday.  Of course Sophia called first: “You spent the night with him? And Lanny said something happened with Cam’s ex and you had to wade in.  What the hell, Paige?  (No, no, Isabella, don’t touch that.)  Sorry, but call me.  I want to know what happened and Lanny told me about your car.  Mom and Dad are gonna have a fit, you know how they are about their cars.”

She’s right, my parents will have a fit about the car.  I’ve barely had it a few weeks.

The next message is from my mom:  “Sweetheart, this is your mother.  Sophia called this morning and told me what happened to your car.  Well, (sigh), your dad will be calling you about that to make sure you get it all sorted.  But, um…it happened at Cam Montgomery’s house?  And well…Soph said it happened in the middle of the night.  Is that right?  I guess that means you’re
seeing
him. 
Romantically
.  (sigh) I’ve always liked Cam. I mean, I guess I barely know him, which is fine.  But he’s, well, a bit older than you.  Do you think he’s a little too old – ”

Beep.

Surprise-surprise, the last message is from my mom again:  “I guess I ran out of time.  Expect a call from your dad and
call me
.”

Why does my family treat me like I’m a child?  I haven’t lived at home since I started college, I’ve always been gainfully employed (even if I did go from job to job there for a while) and now I manage a business that’s turned into two ventures.  I’m doing even better than I thought I would. 

Well, they can learn to mind their own business.  I have too much to do today.  Not to mention, I don’t need my dad sorting out my car issues.  Cam may have arranged the wrecker last night, but I can handle it myself.

I have texts from Leigh, Gabby and Charlotte.  Ignoring them all, I look for Brian’s name and start typing, asking if he can get away for coffee this morning.  Who knows if he’ll answer.

Making my way to the kitchen I hear little voices mingling with Cam’s. 

“Good morning,” I call as I walk into the kitchen to see Jordy and Cara eating cereal at the island. 

I get “Heys” from the kids, but it’s hard to concentrate on them when I look at their dad.  He’s leaning against the sink in nothing but his athletic shorts again with a cup of coffee in his hand.  His eyes are warm and I have to bite my lip to keep from smiling from the quiver I get from his look.  It’s all I can do not to run and throw myself at him in front of his kids. 

He grins and I force myself to look away.  I move to his coffee cups, knowing where most things are in his kitchen from cleaning it.  In fact, I learned half of his cabinets are bare.  Cam doesn’t seem to have a penchant for kitchen gadgets, that’s for sure.

“We get to stay home today,” Cara announces with a big smile. 

“That’s what I hear,” I smile back while doctoring up my coffee, thinking Cam needs real cream.  Coffee with milk ruins the experience. 

“How’s your head?” Jordy asks, his little boy face frowning.

I look to Cam quickly and his face goes tight with concern for his son.  I look at Jordy and say brightly, “You don’t need to worry about me, I’m as good as new.”  He nods, looking back to his cereal but I go on, “I’ll make you all dinner tonight.  What sounds good?”

“Chicken nuggets,” Cara says quickly.

“I like fish sticks,” Jordy adds.

I frown at both of them, “Pick something that doesn’t come from a packaged bag out of the freezer.”

They look at each other and I hear Cam grunt.  When I look over he’s biting back what looks to be a chuckle and I ask, “Do you only feed them processed foods?”

“They eat apples and bananas,” he grins.  “Sometimes carrots.”

I roll my eyes and look back to the kids who are making faces at the mention of carrots.

“How about this, I’ll make Rice Krispie chicken.  It’s like a big chicken nugget,” I look to Cam before finishing, “but homemade.”

“I don’t want salad,” Cara says, screwing up her face.

“What do you like that’s green?” I ask her.

“Nothing,” she says.

“I’ll make Double Broccoli,” I announce.  “You can try it.”

“No,” Jordy exclaims at the same time Cara whines, “Ew.”

“Darlin’,” Cam breaks in.  “None of us like broccoli.”

“Have you ever had Double Broccoli?” I ask.

“I don’t even know what that is, but my guess, it’s still broccoli but more of it.  So I’m assuming we really won’t like it,” he tips his head before lifting his mug to his lips.

“Everyone likes Double Broccoli,” I announce.  “That’s where it gets its name.  You have to make double because everyone likes it so much.  I’ll make sort-of-homemade macaroni and cheese, it has pepper jack in it.  But you have to promise to try my broccoli.”

“I like macaroni and cheese,” Jordy smiles for the first time.

“I do, too,” I grin.  “I promise you mine’s better than anything your dad has ever managed to make out of a box.”

“Cool,” Jordy grins.

I look at Cam and he’s smiling at his son.  I sigh and fall a little bit more as I stand in Cam’s kitchen on Athica Lane with him and his kids.

Cam breaks me out of my dadmire trance and says to me in a way he’s complaining, “I guess I’ll eat Double Broccoli if it means I get better than boxed mac-n-cheese.”

“You’ll see.  You’ll be begging for more,” I inform him arrogantly. 

His eyes are warm when he says in a way I don’t think he’s talking about broccoli, “I know I will.”

I have to lift my mug to my mouth to keep from smiling and I can’t help but fidget.  By the gleam in his eyes, I can tell Cam catches it and smiles as he announces to our group, “Everybody get ready.  We’re rolling out in fifteen minutes.”

*****

My phone rings again—it’s been ringing all morning.  But this time I can’t bring myself to send it to voicemail because it’s my dad and my dad’s different.  I’ll always answer a call from my dad.