Ruining Mr. Perfect (The McCauley Brothers) (18 page)

Turning off the tile saw, James nodded. He’d been thinking hard about how best to finish today.

“You okay?” Mike rubbed his cheek and left a streak of dirt behind. “You’ve been less of a pain in the ass than usual.”

“A little respect?” James did his best not to laugh. God, Mike was such a prick. Just like him.

“Pain in the ass, Father?”

James punched his son in the arm. “Smart-ass. Lot of asses in our family, you realize that?”

“Every damn day.” Mike grinned.

“I’m going home. Well, back to Cam’s anyway. You notice how happy the boy is lately? I swear, he’s gone for Vanessa. A mean one, but a keeper, I’m thinking.”

Mike nodded. “Yeah. I like her though. She doesn’t let Colin get away with shit.”

“True.”

He returned to Cam’s, where he hurried to shower and dress in his nicer clothes. He was in the media room when Vanessa and the boy returned, both sweaty from the stupid gym.

He left the room and casually strolled into the living room. Cam was doing something with his hips that put James in mind of dry humping, but with his back to his father, Cam couldn’t see him.

Vanessa did, and her broad grin grew into unbridled laughter.

Cam turned around and turned three shades of red. “Oh, er, hey, Dad.”

James arched a brow. “Want me to give you two some alone time?”

Vanessa continued to laugh.

Cam sighed. “Oh God. No. I was showing her this move that some aerobics instructor… Never mind. Just… forget you saw that.” Cam walked away, muttering under his breath about a shower.

“Priceless. Thanks, James, I needed that.” Vanessa wiped her eyes.

“Good. Then maybe you’ll do me a favor.”

“I’m listening.”

She heard him out, argued with him a few times, but after listening to his idea, she nodded. “You didn’t get the key from me. I was already in trouble for talking out of turn before.”

“Swear. I see nothing.”

She glanced over his shoulder. “Keep a look out.”

He turned and looked for the boy while she fished Beth’s new key off Cam’s key ring.

“Now get this back tonight. I’ll leave the key ring on the table,” she whispered.

“He can’t hear you. He’s in the shower.” Hell, James could hear the water coming down.

“Your son hears everything. You take off. And again, you didn’t get that key from me.”

He grinned and lifted her in a bear hug.

“
Oof
.”

“God love you, girl. Now go distract my boy. I have my own woman to woo.”

He left her behind and drove quickly to Beth’s—
their
—home. He parked by the neighbor’s and looked around for her car. Not home. He checked the garage to be sure, and not seeing her coupe, let himself into the house.

A walk through showed everything just the same except… “Where the fuck is my favorite chair?”

***

Beth returned at eight after dinner with Abby and Brody. She’d broken down and told them what she’d learned from James today. Brody had lovingly called his Pop an idiot. Abby had agreed that Beth’s friends were assholes and people she was better off not talking to.

Talk about a rude awakening. At lunch today, Sheila and Jane had pretended it was all just a joke, yet she’d seen the malice in their stares, their petty jealousy. The nerve. She’d said her piece, tossed her water at Jane, and left them embarrassed and shocked in the restaurant. But what a high. Her day had only gotten better after thinking about all she’d learned. Then dinner with Brody and Abby, such a wonderful couple. They gave her hope for her own situation.

After letting herself in and feeling the need for a bubble bath, she neatly put her things away and moved to her bedroom. She lit a bunch of candles and prepared her bath. Once ready, she undressed, then stared at herself in the large bathroom mirror.

Her breasts had lost their perkiness twenty years ago. Her belly was still slender, her legs slim from her daily walks. But there was no getting around it. Beth was old.

Large hands wrapped around her middle, and she shrieked.

“Shh. It’s just me.”

She sagged into his arms before slapping him, what she could reach of him. “Damn it. You scared the hell out of me!”

James chuckled, and the warmth of his breath on her neck made her tingly.

“Sorry. I was hoping to see you do something naughty. But it looked like you only planned a bath.”

She turned scarlet, realizing he’d been watching her study herself. “I need my robe,” she mumbled.

“No, you don’t.” He stared at them in the mirror, his blue eyes bright next to hers. “You wanted honesty. Fine. I want you more now than I ever have. I’m an ass, I know. I made a lot of mistakes. But I’ll do whatever it takes to get you back.” He rubbed her belly. “I love you, Beth. I always have. And shit, but I miss making love to you. You’re beautiful, and I want you. How’s that for honesty?”

The smile on his face faded as his gaze grew more intense. She watched him watching her, and needs long denied rose to the surface. For the first time in a long time, the right man found her desirable.

“Can I interest you in a bubble bath?” She smiled.

His broad grin was her answer. “Now you know why I wanted it big enough for two when we built the place.”

“Is this where you say
I
told
you
so
?”

“Nope. Not tonight. Tonight is just for you.”

“Then prepare to deal with rose-scented bubbles.”

“Only for you. Always for you.”

Vanessa was starting to worry. It had been a week since returning from her surprisingly not horrible trip to her parents, and she hadn’t managed to shake this bug. She closed her eyes to stem her light-headedness and resolved not to skip lunch tomorrow.

Josh entered holding a folder. “Vanessa? You don’t look so good.”

She didn’t feel that well either. “Would you do me a favor?”

“Sure.” He quivered like an overeager puppy. “What do you need?”

She dug in her wallet and found a few bills. “Could you grab me a yogurt from the cafeteria downstairs?”

“How about a turkey club?”

Her favorite. “Oh, sure. That would work. I skipped lunch today.”

“Sure thing. Be right back.” He left, and she sipped some water and concentrated on work.

When Josh returned a few minutes later, she felt much better. “Thanks.”

“No problem.” He handed her a sandwich, yogurt, and a banana. “Potassium helps.”

“Good point.” Suddenly ravenous, she started eating, then stopped and swallowed a mouthful of turkey. “Josh?”

He was staring at her. “Can I talk to you, Vanessa?”

She nodded. He didn’t bother closing the door. They and the partners were the last ones left on this early Tuesday—and by early, she meant six o’clock. With the corporate tax crunch, they’d taken to working late nights and weekends as well.

“What’s up, Josh?” She didn’t think she’d ever had a better turkey sandwich in her life.

“It’s… I really appreciate that you got Gina and the others off my back.”

“No sweat. They shouldn’t have been bothering you in the first place.”

“Right.” He sat and then stood and started to pace. “Jeff has been a real help, but I think it’s your tutoring that’s made me so much better at work lately.”

“I had some time, and you can learn a lot through the Bellemy figures.” She’d brought him on her team and given him enough to instruct him while still keeping a firm grip on the company’s account. To her surprise, Josh had proven to have a real grasp for the job.

“I like working here. A lot.” He looked nervous. So cute, a tiny mouse scurrying around the hungry cat.

She smiled at her analogy, especially as she started on her yogurt. She’d definitely make sure to eat tomorrow. God, she felt
so
much better.

“I’m glad you like it. Have you noticed that the others are treating you with more respect?”

“Yeah. Even ‘Mr. Peterman.’” He smiled. Then the smile faded.

“Josh?” She finished her yogurt and licked her spoon. Hmm. Maybe she’d go get another. After the banana.

He didn’t answer, fixated on her mouth. She licked, hoping she hadn’t been sitting there with a gob of yogurt on her lips. Josh turned around and groaned.

She stood, worried. “You okay?” She rounded her desk and touched him on the shoulder.

To her shock, he whirled around and kissed her.

She froze under his mouth, wondering what she’d obviously missed.

When he tried to pull her closer and deepen the kiss, she shoved him away. “What the hell?”

“Vanessa, I really like you.”

She stared at him, nonplussed.

“You’re all I can think about. You’re so smart and funny.”

“Josh, I—”

“You’re so good at your job. Everyone respects you. I broke up with Angela. Not for you, I mean, we weren’t good together. She’s too clingy, like you said about some of your exes. It’s just, I can’t think about anything or anyone but you.”

He looked so earnest. She couldn’t crush him heartlessly. Could she? “We work together.”

“I know, but I’m not your direct subordinate. Besides, you’d never play favorites. You’re not like that.”

“I know I’m not like that.” Uncomfortable and wondering how to get out of the situation, she gauged his sincerity. “You’re twenty-one.”

“Two. Twenty-two.”

“I’m almost twenty-nine.” He stared at her mouth again, and now that she knew he wasn’t looking at stray food, she grimaced.

“Josh, I
like
you. As a coworker. I have a boyfriend.”
Do
I.

“But he can’t know you. Not like I do. I love everything about you.”

Oh, wow. How the hell did she get herself into this situation? “Josh, I’m flattered, but—”

He stepped back. “I know I sprung this on you. You need some time to think about us. I know this is sudden.”

“It’s not that, it’s—”

“I don’t want you to think I’m harassing you or anything.” He gripped his hair. “I shouldn’t have kissed you, but I’ve been dreaming about it for months. God, Vanessa. You’re so hot. If you’d just give me a chance… Think about it.” He turned and left her open-mouthed, gaping at the empty doorway.

Had that really happened? Not sure what to think, she powered down her computer and grabbed her purse. On the way home, she stopped at the grocery store. She didn’t need to buy much, especially since she’d been spending more time with Cameron at his place.

As if on cue, he called. “Where are you?”

“Um, at the Met.”

“Hey, get me some tomatoes and I’ll pay you back.”

“Don’t worry about it. I can buy a few tomatoes without going into hock.” He paid for most of their food, so she made sure to do her fair share.

“Fine, big spender,” he teased. “I’m making a salad with our steak tonight. We’ll have wine too. A nice merlot to tease your palate.”

She heard his father growl in the background, “Go get a room if you want to tease your girlfriend.”

Vanessa grinned. “So he’s still not getting any, eh?”

“Stop.” Cameron groaned. “Don’t talk about my parents that way. Major taboo.”

She chuckled, tossing groceries in a basket while she shopped. Ever since James had borrowed Cam’s key, he’d been on cloud nine. Cameron had noticed his good mood, as well as his father spending time with his mother. But Beth must have called a halt on their truce, because it sounded as if James had returned to being a real bear.

“So is your dad joining us?”

“Nope. He’s got plans tonight.” Cameron’s grin came through his words. “Mom invited Dad for dinner…along with Maddie and Flynn.”

“Woman’s cock-blocking me,” James said.

“Dad, shut up,” Cameron yelled away from the phone before returning to her. “Oh, sorry. Hope you didn’t hear that. Hell, I wish
I
hadn’t heard it.”

She laughed, enjoying his embarrassment. “No problem. So maybe if your dad is gone, you and I can have our own party.”

“Now you’re talking.”

She wanted him in the worst way. All the time. She continued to talk with him on her phone and had almost checked out when she realized she hadn’t found her almond milk. After hanging up, she finished her shopping and nearly ran into John Willington. Talk about the perfect ending to her less-than-stellar day.

“Vanessa, you’re looking lovely, as usual.”

With him stood another man dressed in casual but pricey clothes. She recognized the label.

“John.” She nodded and gave him the courtesy he didn’t deserve. Mr. Small Dick. She bit back a grin.

“This is my cousin Ryan. Ryan, meet Vanessa. She’s a whiz with numbers and currently heading our accounts with McNulty, Peterman.”

“Oh, nice.” Ryan shook her head. “I’ve heard a lot about you, Vanessa.”

“I’m sure none of it’s good.” She gave John a look.

Not affected in the slightest—
the
ass
—he grinned.

Ryan shook his head. “Oh no. Trust me. It’s all good. The only woman to deny my cousin. That you’re so beautiful must make the loss that much worse, eh, dickhead?” he said pleasantly to John as he winked at Vanessa.

That killed John’s smile. “Don’t be an ass. I’ll meet you at the bread aisle.”

Ryan chuckled at his cousin’s abrupt departure. “I love him, but I don’t actually like him.”

“He is…unusual.”

“A nice word to describe him. I’d have gone with narcissistic, but okay.”

She laughed. Then a spell of dizziness hit her again, and she found herself in Ryan’s arms as he held her from falling on her face.

“Whoa. You okay?”

“I don’t know. That’s twice today that’s happened. Not sure why.”

“Used to happen all the time to my sister when she was pregnant. Not that I’m saying you are, because you’re thin and all.”

She blushed. “No. I’m not…pregnant.”

“Well, you should definitely get your blood sugar checked.” He released her. “You sure you’ll be okay? I can walk you out if you want.”

“No, I’m fine. Thanks. And um, don’t mention this to John. I don’t want him to think I’m sick and can’t handle his business. I skipped lunch today. I won’t do that again.”

“No worries. Yeah, not eating will do that to you. Good luck working with my cousin, Vanessa. It was nice to meet you.”

He left her, and she grabbed her groceries, feeling numb. She paid for them and took them to her car, feeling as if she’d entered a
Twilight Zone
episode.
I
can’t be pregnant. I’m on the Pill. Hell, I haven’t missed a
day in
five years.
Yet she’d been sick lately, hungry at odd times, and God, horny.

No. Not possible. She refused to consider the prospect and drove to Cameron’s. As she rode the elevator to his floor, she gauged every breath and beat of her heart, listening for anything different. She rang the bell and let herself in at his shout.

“Put the stuff on the counter,” he called from inside the unit.

She shook off her worries, dismissing them as silly, and put the cold things away. Then she joined him in the bedroom.

She caught him buttoning up his shirt, his hair damp from a recent shower. The sight of his bare chest reminded her of what she’d been hungry for the better part of the day. It hadn’t been a turkey club.

Without pausing to say hello, she walked up and kissed him. Not a
hi, how was your day
kind of kiss, but an
I
want
your
body
now
meeting of the mouths. She tugged the back of his neck, drawing him in closer as she unbuttoned his shirt and pushed it off him. Then she deepened the kiss, rewarded by his moan, and unbuttoned his jeans. She reached between them and dug into his underwear to grip his swelling cock.

Cameron groaned and rocked into her hand before turning them around and backing her against the wall. He tugged at her jacket, and she had to let go of him to lose it and her blouse. In seconds he had her bra undone. Then his mouth was there, around her nipple. He bit down as he plumped her other breast, and she was perilously close to coming. The sudden arousal hit her hard, especially when he shoved his hand up her skirt and into her panties.

“You’re so wet,” he whispered as he slid a finger inside her. “So hot.” He licked her ear and whispered more naughty things he planned on doing to her.

Before she could take action, Cameron moved with purpose. He impatiently peeled off the rest of her clothing, then pushed his pants down to his thighs. When he rose, he lifted her up over his erection and eased into her body with a sigh and a plea.

Vanessa wanted it hard and fast, but Cameron, damn him, was taking his time as he thrust into her.

“Faster. Make me come,” she demanded and tried to ride him.

“My show. Slow down,” he rasped and gripped her hips hard as he continued to pump inside her.

Not having it, especially after the day she’d been cursed with, she pinched his nipples and kissed him soundly. She
owned
him, using her tongue to show him exactly what she wanted.

Lord love him, Cameron caught on quick. He growled into her mouth and pushed himself deeper. He fucked her harder, slamming into her with force while she continued to rake her fingers over his chest and nipples, sucking his tongue, teasing his lips, and squeezing her inner walls to stimulate him into doing what she wanted.

He ground against her, and she was nearly there…

“God, Cam. Fuck me.
So
good
,” she moaned.

He thrust again and slapped against her clit, and she shattered while he rode her furiously to his own orgasm.

They stayed locked while they recovered.

“So how was your day?” Cameron asked with a chuckle. “’Cause mine just got a hell of a lot better.”

“Mine too,” she said on a breath and moaned when he withdrew. She wanted him to stay inside her, filling her up and surrounding her with himself. His body, his come, his scent. Instead, the practical part of her found a towel and cleaned herself up. She accepted the sweats he handed her to wear, a pair she’d accidentally left behind a few days ago.

“Not that I mind, but what brought that on?” he asked as he donned his shirt and buttoned it up, righting his clothing.

Though he and Vanessa had a healthy sex life, they normally instigated it together. Their kisses went from tender to combustible in seconds. But tonight she’d been frustrated and scared and needy. So unlike her normal self.

“I was thinking about you in the elevator. You know, it
has
been two days since we last had sex.”

“I think we can call it making love now. We’re dating, after all.”

“So good of you to classify it for me.”

He took a bow. “You’re most welcome. Now, as soon as the blood comes back to my big head, I’ll finish the dinner I was going to make you.”

She laughed at him, feeling better, and followed him into the kitchen.

Until he asked her again about her day. “Oh God. It was a nightmare. I worked my ass off, got hit on by my twenty-two-year-old coworker, then ran into Mr. Small Dick at the grocery store.” She deliberately made no mention of her illness, sure she could handle her symptoms herself. She didn’t want to worry him simply because she had forgotten to eat once or twice.

Cameron froze. He shut the oven door and leaned over the kitchen sink to stare into her eyes across the countertop. “Say that again?”

She’d expected a burst of jealousy, but Cameron regarded her with curiosity. Nothing more. “You remember Josh? Peterman’s nephew and the kid I was kind of mentoring? Apparently he has a crush. It was so weird, because usually I’m attuned to that kind of thing.”