Facing Me (8 page)

Tied up? Har
har.  Oh, she’s hilarious.  Her smart ass sarcasm isn’t lost on me.
 My eyes meet Luke’s and I smile. “I’m out with someone.” I say, hoping
like hell Aiden hears about how I'm not crying into my ice cream anymore, even
if I know there's no spark between Luke and me.

“Like hell you
are!” She screams into the phone. “Camaron Allen, you belong with us.
 With Aiden.  If you were here you would see that.  What the
hell do you think you’re doing?”

My whole body
tenses at the mention of Aiden’s name.  The hurt and the brokenness
replaced by determination. “Do I, Daisy?” I bite out angrily. “It’s not like I
walked off and deserted him.  
He
told
me
to go.  I did
everything, and I mean every damn thing, he ever asked of me.  Where’d it
get me?  Fuckin’ broken, that’s where.  I’m not discussing this
again.  He.  Didn’t.  Want.  Me.” I manage to choke out
without shaking.  

I know Daisy
wants me with Aiden.  I want to be with Aiden more than I can describe
with words.  He’s my other half and I know deep in my heart that Luke, or
anyone else, will never replace him, but Aiden isn’t here.  I am trying to
force myself to move on and Daisy isn’t helping by making me remember how much
I miss what I can never get back.  

I grab Luke’s
hand, stomping up the sidewalk to my apartment.  Daisy sighs into the
phone. “I’m sorry, babe.  Really.  It’s just a shock I guess.
 Anyway, that’s not why I called you.” She stops, as if searching for the
right words to say.  Oh shit, I’ll bet this is good if Daisy is
speechless.

“Why did you
then?” I blow out a breath, regretting my harsh tone as soon as it’s out of my
mouth.  I unlock my door, letting Luke and me inside then shake my head.
“I’m sorry, shit.” I groan, feeling bad that the first real conversation I’ve
had with one of my best friends has been nothing but an argument. ”I didn’t
mean to be so bitchy.  Go ahead, tell me.”

“Shaft has been
picked up by Ironsound Records.  Since Tad is...gone, I don’t have a clue
what to do or how to negotiate.  Come to Nashville and help me, please?
 They’re doing a huge rock fest soon, that’s the guys’ first official gig
with them.  I already planned to fly you out with Luke and Chase for that
anyway.”

Kicking off my
heels, I sag onto the couch, “Daisy, I don’t think it’s such a great idea to
come there.  I just…” I stop.  It’s not that I don’t want to see her
or that I don’t want to help, because I do.  I just don’t know if I can
deal with the feelings that come along with seeing Aiden again.  I just
got a handle on them.  

Thoughts invade
my head of how happy they all must be right now.  How long they have
worked for this very thing.  Aiden must be so proud.  The band is his
baby.  His main goal has always been to get signed and make Shaft a
household name.  I can’t help the pride I feel for being even as small of
a part of that as I was.  Watching Aiden and the guys work out songs, then
perform them on stage was amazing.  The fact they are finally getting to
where I know they belong makes my heart swell.  The first people that ever
made me feel like part of a real family is celebrating and need my help, but I am
here instead of celebrating with them.  Part of me doesn’t feel like I
belong there anymore, the other part is still debating.

“Please Cam?
 I can’t get them signed without your help.  No Approval
Needed
has left the tour, Jackson too.  There was a
huge fight and so much of it falls on me.  Did you forget?  We
promised to protect them remember?  That’s our job, to back them up no
matter what.  I’m begging you, Cam; I’m under a lot of stress with all
this.  I don’t know what else to do.” She sniffles into the phone.

Well shit.
 Damn Daisy Cole and her pregnancy fueled guilt trip.
“You’re playin’
dirty as hell, you know?  Usin’ that pregnancy and my love for all of you
to get your way.” I crumble and grin for the first time since I answered the
phone. “Okay, bitch.  You win.  Send me the details on everything and
I’ll look it all over.  But, just so you know, if there's one hint that
Aiden doesn't want me there or that me being there hurts the band, I'm
gone."

“Okay, I’ll take
it.” She squeals now that she’s gotten her way. “Thanks Cam.  You’re
flight leaves Thursday, early morning.  Everyone is glad you’re coming
back and grateful for your help, babe.  We all know what this means.”

“It doesn’t mean
anything yet.” I say, trying to remind her nothing has changed. “Besides, I
wouldn’t be so sure about
everyone
being happy about this.  See you
in a few days, babe.” I say ending the call.

Luke sits on the
couch, angling himself to face me. “So, where are we going?” He asks, after giving
me a minute to recover from the mind fuck of a phone call.

“Nashville.” I
mumble on a shaky breath. “Shaft is signing with Ironsound Records and Daisy
needs help with the business end, until they find a full time manager.”

“You’re good
with this?” He asks, reaching over to stroke my cheek with his thumb. Taking a
deep breath I nod shakily.

“Okay.” Luke
sighs. “You’ve got this Cammie.  Let’s go to Tennessee.” He shrugs. “Drink
us some moonshine, party with rock stars, and show everyone how far you've come.
 Plus, if you decide you want him back, it's your chance.” He says with a
grin.  My eyes widen in shock, making him laugh. "Cammie, listen.
 Just because we make good friends and had a hot make-out session doesn't
mean we are gettin' married.  There's no spark.  I know you feel the
same way; I'm just sayin' it first.  Either you go after Aiden, or you get
closure and move on.  You and me, though, we're cool; but I want someone
who aches for me as bad as you ache for Aiden.  We just don't fit that
way."   

I nod knowing
that he is saying what I've been thinking all night.  Chase and Luke have
been constantly bitching about me needing me to figure out what I really
want, which is why she threw one monstrous sized hissy fit when I wouldn’t
call Aiden back.  If closure is what I need, I’m sure watching Aiden with
an endless parade of random groupie pussy on his dick will undoubtedly give me
that.  Unless, he's as desperate for me as I am for him.  I let the
hope excite me for a minute but know I can't go in and grovel at his feet.
 I want Aiden to come to me and need me just as badly as I need him.

“Yep, let’s call
Chase then.  We leave Thursday morning.” Taking a deep breath, I get back
in my pre-phone call headspace.  I can do this.

Luke nods,
agreeing with me, “I’ll get Mitch and Steve to cover the shop; they can always
call me if they need me.  It’s all good Cammie.”

Sweetly kissing
me on the cheek in silent encouragement, Luke has me hoping that he is right as
I make another vow to myself.  Promising here and now that Aiden
Chesterfield may have my heart, but he will never break it again.  If he
doesn’t want me, I’m sure he will keep his distance.  That’s exactly what
I may end up needing him to do.  Having him close enough to affect me in
any way could ruin me again.  And as hard as it was this time to get where
I am, I can’t imagine going through that again.  You can only crack glass
so many times before it disintegrates completely.  Aiden Chesterfield is
not going to shatter me.  

I can’t let him
get close to me again just to hurt me.  He needs to see that I’m stronger,
that I am not the same woman he pushed away in Minnesota.  That time on
the tour bus with everyone was unforgettable.  I bonded with everyone and
they’ve become family.  It’s not about a job, it’s not about seeing Aiden,
it
is about family.  Daisy is right; above all
the bullshit and everything, we back each other up, always. 

Welcome To
The
Big Leagues

*Aiden*

Thumping my
fingers on the cherry wood table to the beat I’ve been working on, I try to get
my head together.  Today, we sign the final contracts with Abby and her
lawyer; the last step to officially link Shaft with Ironsound Records.  We
will be finishing off the dates left on the tour, while working on new music to
record.  

From what Daisy
says, the remaining venues were mostly fine with it just being us now that
Jackoff took his band and walked.  Between Daisy’s sweet talking and the
name Ironsound backing us; we managed to only lose one or two.  The thing that
pisses me off is Daisy and Henry hiring a business manager without consulting
me.  Whoever it is hasn’t been around for an interview, apparently Daisy
had to jump quickly to make it work; negotiations were done on the damn phone.
 Who does that?

“Where’s Henry
and why is this taking so damn long?” Hunter bitches, spinning in the black
leather rolling chair in Abby’s office.

“You aren’t a
five year old Cunter, please behave for once.” Daisy pleads, looking up from
the papers. “Henry had to pick up the new business manager.  I need help
and she will make sure everything is square.”

Hunter stops
spinning, rubbing his hands together.  A grin spreads wickedly across his
face. “She, huh?  I like this idea?  Is she hot?  Come on Daisy,
don’t hold out on me.  If you won’t tickle my pickle, someone has to.
 The least you could do is give him a kiss.” He says cupping his crotch.
“With tongue, lots of tongue, baby.”

“Cunter, if you
try to show my wife your dick, it will be up to Aiden to carry on the
Chesterfield name because I’ll neuter your ass with my guitar strings.” Gray
growls, pinning him with a stare that even makes me wince.  Hunter shrugs
and blows Gray a kiss.

“You’ll get
nowhere with her, trust me.  You’re not her type anyway Hunter.” Daisy
snorts, making me wonder if she hired a butch lesbian or a disgruntled gym
teacher.

“Are you sure
she won’t burn us Daisy?” I ask nervously.  I hate losing control of
things.  My hands thump against the table, faster and faster.  The
beat consumes me until she reaches across the table, covering my hands with
hers.

“Yes, Aiden, I’m
very sure of what she is capable of doing for us.” She assures me; I feel even
more uneasy, if that’s even possible.  Something about this whole deal
isn’t settling right in my gut.  The fear and uncertainty of not knowing
who will be calling the shots for Shaft has me rattled.  

The door opens,
Henry’s huge body taking up the doorway. “This one’s it.” He shouts and my
hearts stops when he steps back, allowing Camaron to enter the room first.  
What
the fuck is going on?
 My mind is spinning in circles with every click
of her heels along the tile floor.  She moves past me around the table and
Daisy jumps up to hug her.

“Cam!” Daisy’s
whole face lights up when she reaches her. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

“Well, I’ll be
damned.  Cam’s our new manager, how about that.” Hunter says, nearly
choking on his laugh.  Glaring at him, I make sure he knows how close I am
to helping Gray out with those guitar strings later.  

“Yep.” Cam says proudly
looking to meet Hunter’s eyes. “Until proper management can be found, I’m here
to help Daisy negotiate a fair deal and make sure you guys don’t give her a
hard time.” I watch her blue sundress swish around her thighs as she walks over
and hugs an ecstatically amused Hunter.  My brother’s hands wrap around
her as she kisses his cheek.  My hands ball into fists while my brother
touches my woman.  
Damn it, Cam isn’t your woman anymore.
“I’ve
missed you guys.” She says sweetly.  The sound of her voice, right here,
in this room, makes my dick jump for the first time in days.  After
listening to her voicemail, nothing compares to hearing her voice mere feet
from me.  Just knowing I could touch her excites me, even if she looks
like she may rip my balls off and feed them to me if I try.  

Even with that
thought, my fingers itch to touch her.  I remember the feel of her soft
skin like no time has gone by.  My body desperately wants to hold what
belongs in my hands.  In my bed.  Her long blonde hair has been cut
to her shoulders in layers, defining her beautiful face.  Those eyes that
were always guarded and careful, are now bright and different somehow.
 This is not the Cam I kissed that last time in Minnesota.  I almost
feel like I am seeing her for the first time.  

Holding her head
high, she hugs Gray then sits back beside Daisy to look over the paperwork.
 She didn’t even so much as look at me.  I sink deeper into my chair,
sulking like a damn child in time-out all because she didn’t hug me too.  
What
the hell is wrong with me?
 Camaron thinks that after everything she
can just walk in here like nothing happened between us?  Did I mean that
little to her that whole fucking time?  Everyone said she was a mess, but
here she is, a fucking empress commanding my dick to leap off of me just to
dive into her and never leave.  I never saw Cam in her business mode.
 I knew that she had a business degree, but I never dreamed that Daisy
would get her to come back.  

“Hi Cam, you
look good.” I blurt before I can think a clear thought.   Her gaze
drifts up from the papers, across the wood of the table, slowly, until she
meets my eyes.  Those clear blue depths that mesmerized me from day one,
in that fucking shit bar in New Orleans, staring back at me,
making
me weak.  

She smiles
brighter than I’ve ever seen, “Why, thank you, Aiden.” She replies and points
back to the paper. “Daisy, this point here will be the only possible problem.
 Abby doesn’t tolerate bad publicity.” Looking at Hunter, she rolls her
eyes. “Which means, Cunter, you’ll have to be a good boy.”

“Hunter knows
what this means for us.  We’re all invested in the end result here.” I
toss at her, a little more harshly than I intended.

She nods,
“Fine.” Turning to Henry, she smiles. “Big Man, if you would please go tell
Abby and her lawyer that we’re ready to get this signed.  I’ve got to get
back to my hotel before I’m left to fend for my own dinner.” She laughs, making
my heart leap in my chest at the sound.  Hang the hell on a minute?
 Who is waiting for her?  

I sit through
the longest fucking signing of papers in history, trying to keep up with what
Abby and everyone says, but I can’t.  My mind is stuck on Cam.  She
isn’t even ten feet from me, making jokes with Abby, all while commanding the
entire room of people.  Asking all the right questions and making amazing
points that I am pissed at myself for not thinking of.  Not a single word
comes out of my mouth, I simply stare at her.  Obsessing about every move
of her hands while she talks, or the way her lips curl around a word as she
speaks.

“Okay, now if
you don’t have any questions, we’re done here.” The woman, who Abby introduced
as her lawyer, says. I’m focused on Cam right now so I couldn’t tell you if
that chick was even wearing clothes, let alone what her name is.  My main
thought is to press Cam against the wall and bury myself in her, to quench the
fire blazing in my gut.    

“No, we’re good
with everything.  Thank you, Payton.” Cam says standing with her.

Abby turns to us
and smiles, “Welcome to Ironsound. Now, go make some music!” She laughs.
 “You’ve got some time before the ‘
Rock
For A
Cure Festival.’
 We’ll get you in the studio if you’ve got some stuff
ready now.” Abby offers, snapping me from my trance long enough to nod and tell
her I’ve been working on a few that are good to go. “Good.  I’ll call you
with the details later, ladies.” She replies then leaves the room.

The room is
thick with tension; the classic will they, won’t they.  Except, this isn’t
a fucking
‘Lifetime Movie Monday’ is it
?  There will be no jumping
into my arms the moment everything is forgiven.  Shit, we can’t even look
each other in the eye, without all the air getting sucked out of the room and
everyone watching us like a couple of caged animals.  Real life doesn’t work
that way.  Everyone looks back and forth, between us. Whether they expect
us to make up or throw shit, I have no clue.  Cam doesn’t look worse for
the wear, that’s for damn sure.  Nothing like the hell I went through;
guess Daisy was wrong.  Hell, as great as she looks, she is probably glad
to be rid of my worthless ass.  She will thank me for telling her to move
on.  

Her gaze meets
mine.  Instantly, I’m frozen.  Pinned by her stare, I am helpless
while she analyzes me. “Can I have a minute with Aiden?” She says, calmly,
without taking her eyes off me.

Everyone in the
room scatters without a word, the door slamming behind them all with a
resounding thud.  All the words I want to say to her are lodged in my
throat.  I’m speechless.  Me!  The one who commands everything,
is unable to say a single word as Camaron closes the distance between us.
 My mind runs through possibilities of what to say, what to do.
 Nervous as hell, my fingers thump against my thighs in perfect 6/8 beat
when she stops in front of me.  

Cam’s eyes move
down my body, inch by inch, stopping at my rapidly moving fingers.  A
wicked grin spreads across her face, eyes snapping back up to meet mine. “Does
my being here make you nervous?” She asks, even though, fuck me, she already
knows the answer. “Why?  Aiden, you know I won’t bite.” The temptress
says, fucking winking at me. “If I make you so uncomfortable…” Cam starts,
leaning into me so that her lips are inches from mine. “...then just tell me to
leave.”

It would take
nothing to wrap my arms around her and show her just what I’m feeling: fuck her
right there on that table.  That’s.  What.  I.  Want.
 Instead, I shake my head, “No.  I’m glad you’re here, Cam.
 Everyone’s missed you.” I answer shakily, making her giggle.  

The woman
standing before me is stronger.  I can’t help wondering how she got to
this place, and regret fills me that I wasn’t there to see it.  By pushing
her away, I had hoped it would help her find her way back to me.  All I
wanted was for Cam to see herself and all that she deserved.  In doing
that, I may have lost her.  Just by looking at her, I see love all over
her face.    

Baby, have you
replaced me already?  

Just the thought
of it grips me by the balls, making me wish I could go back to Minnesota and
tell that stupid fucker not to say those words.  Nothing has been right
since she left me.  I have no doubt that, unless I can get her back, I may
never be right again.

Her eyes widen,
just barely. “Did they?” I nod, her chest rising and falling rapidly.
"I've missed
everyone
too." She replies; then walks out of the
room.  

I slam my hands
on the table with a violent BANG.  Grabbing my shit, I walk out the door,
heading straight for Daisy. “We gotta talk.  Now.” I bite out, yanking her
arm.  Gray’s eyes snap to mine, letting me know that I better watch my
ass. “You have some explaining to do.  Then you can tell me who the fuck
that is because it sure isn’t the same woman I’ve had haunting me all this
time.” Henry hits the button on the elevator at the end of the hall to take Cam
downstairs. “I want this Cam even more.” I grin, my eyes lock on her until the
elevator closes.  When I meet Daisy’s eyes, she is smiling.

“Welcome back,
Aiden, I’ve missed you too.” She says, kissing my cheek. “You’ve been fucked up
in that head of yours way too long.  Glad to see you’ve finally got you’re
shit figured out.”

You have no idea
Daisy; now, if only Cam would see it and give me another shot.

After talking
everything out with Daisy, she assures me that she has a plan. 
Yeah…heard
that one before. 
Unfortunately, I have nothing better in mind. 
For the first time in my life, I’m willing to let Daisy have control of this
situation. 
Surprising isn’t it?
  Here I am, slumped into a
booth at a fucking nightclub, nursing my beer, while my woman is dancing with
Chase’s fucking brother. “Who the hell invited this fuckin’ cum-twat?” I ask
Gray, irritably.

“Daisy invited
Chase and Camaron for you two pricks.  The guy, Luke, did my ink in
Vegas.  He’s alright.” Gray shrugs, his eyes never leave Daisy who is
dancing with Chase. 
Sure, he’s alright Gray.  He isn’t trying to
fucking steal the woman who holds your heart.

Hunter slams his
glass on the table, “Well, if Tiger Lily isn’t puttin’ out, I’m goin’ to go see
about a pussy.” He says, when his eye catches something on the far side of the
room. “Time to bury my buzzard.”

I roll my eyes,
while my brother struts across the room toward a cluster of people at a corner
table. “One of these days, his buzzard is gonna get him in a shit load of trouble.”
I mumble; Gray nods in agreement.  My eyes lock on Cam dancing; her hips
moving in time with the cum-twat while he looks around the bar.  His arms
possessively wrapped around her waist, though, he watches other chicks dance
around them.  Literally flirting with bitches when they dance around them;
all while dancing with Cam.  My Cam.

My blood is damn
near boiling when he leans into her ear, whispering something.  Cam nods
and watches the joker walk over and begin dancing with some redhead that has
nothing on Cam.  This dude is absolutely brainless.  Who would leave
Cam’s side for some second rate whore?  This bitch has no shame either;
grinding all over his junk, Cam laughs and walks down the hall to the bathroom.