“That’s Sam, Dillon, and on the end is Lewis,” Cameron says, pointing to each of his friends.
I smile at them then I glance at Sash, who is gazing at all three of them, a dreamy smile on her face. I giggle because it’s a wonder she hasn’t thrown herself onto the table to dance for them.
“We’re just waiting on Jacob,” Cam says. “He shouldn’t be too much—”
The doorbell cuts him off.
“There we are.” Cameron nods, standing up.
He disappears out of the room to let his friend in. I smile brightly at his friends and Sasha.
“Anyone for a drink?” I ask.
“I’ll help you,” Sash offers, nearly falling over her chair to follow me into the kitchen.
I laugh as she collapses over the counter and sighs.
“I don’t even know which one to go for,” she says, in a defeated voice. “Can I be honest and admit I think Cam is the sexiest?”
“Really?” I say, surprised. I sneak a look through the crack in the door at the group. Cameron isn’t back yet, but I’ve got a good view of his friends and they’re all pretty darn nice to look at. “What about Lewis?”
“Oh, he’s hot. They’re all hot, but Cameron is just…” She sighs. “No words.”
“I think the same thing every day.” I laugh. “But not in the same way you are.”
“You really don’t like him, do you?” she asks. She shakes her head, like she can’t comprehend the idea of anyone not liking him.
“It’s not that I don’t like him, it’s more like he likes himself a little too much,” I try to explain. “He’s such a tool. He’s arrogant. Cocky…I could go on for hours, pointing out all the things about him that irritate me,” I add.
“Don’t let me stop you.”
I gasp as Cameron strolls into the kitchen. He winks at me, then grabs two beers out of the fridge. I glare at Sasha, who is shamelessly laughing at the fact he just heard me say that.
“I’ll be out there, studying myself in the mirror,” he says on his way back out. “You know because I love myself so much.”
Sasha’s eyes widen as they meet mine.
“Don't even say it,” I groan.
I grab the drinks and stalk back out, but I stop in my tracks when I see the latest addition to the table. He looks up and laughs when he sees me. Cameron looks back-and-forth between his friend and me, his eyes narrowing in suspicion. Sasha nearly walks into me from behind.
“What’s wrong—oh God,” she says, giggling when she spots Cameron’s friend. “This just keeps getting better.”
“I’m missing something, aren’t I?” Cam asks, still looking from his friend, back to me. “Who wants to fill me in?”
His friend smirks at me and raises his eyebrows.
“Go ahead,” I say with a laugh. “You might as well tell him.”
“Remember I told you about the chick that I thought was going to get herself off, right there in front of me, but then she started dancing Gangnam Style?” Cam’s friend asks.
Cameron chuckles. “Yeah, why—”
He stops and turns to me, his eyebrow raised, an amused look in his eyes.
“That was you,” he realizes.
I shrug. “Yep.”
“Wow. I’m kind of impressed and oddly turned on right now,” he jokes. “Gangnam Style?” he adds with a laugh. “I’ve got to give it to you, Jacob here is pretty hard to fool. He also considers himself a bit of a ladies’ man,” Cam adds, which earns him a whack across the arm from Jacob.
“Gangnam style is just the beginning,” I say, winking at him. “You should see me when I'm in the mood for Phil Collins.”
Sasha and I both sit down. In my attempt not to sit next to Cameron, I find myself directly opposite him, which is almost worse. I focus on my cards, determined to show him how you really play poker, but my excitement for the game quickly fades, because I’m having shitty luck today. Every fucking hand I’m given is useless. Cameron winks at me as he deals. I narrow my eyes at him. If these aren’t good…
I sigh and immediately toss them into the center of the table.
Total shit.
“Bad night?” Cam chuckles.
“No, I’m just saving myself for later,” I reply. “Getting all the shit hands out of the way now.”
“Really?” his eyes twinkle. “I’m glad I’ll be around to see that, but I was referring to the game.”
“Trust me, there are no bad hands when I’m playing with myself,” I reply sweetly.
Everyone laughs, but Cameron doesn’t take his eyes off mine.
“What about when other people are playing with you?” he asks.
I hide a smile, ignoring his question when my phone beeps, with another text from James. I’m glad for the distraction away from Cameron because I feel like one of us is five seconds away from doing something stupid and I’m not convinced it won’t be me.
James: How’s the floor wiping going?
Me: Don’t even ask.
James: Let me help. What are you holding?
Me: It’s my first decent hand. A pair of kings.
James: Nice. If you win you can take me out for dinner.
Me: Who said we were playing for money?
James: Who would play without it?
Me: Why not? It’s so much fun
James: I can think of much better ways to have fun….
Even with good hands, and help from James, I keep losing. I’m starting to think he’s is bad luck, because he’s definitely not helping. I sigh and sit back when Sasha, of all people, knocks me out of the game. She gives me an apologetic grin, which reads sorry, not sorry.
Me: I blame you for this.
James: I can’t believe you’re blaming me because you’re shit at poker.
Me: Hey, I could kick your ass.
James: I bet you said the same thing to your asshole stepbrother?
I frown and shove my phone back into my pocket.
“So, the rules are, the first person has to perform an act for the current stakes leader,” Cameron informs me. I glance at his big stack and shake my head.
“And how many games has this rule being implemented in?” I ask.
He shrugs. “It’s not important when it became a rule, just that it is one.”
“Then why wasn’t it a rule last week when you were the first one out?” Lewis asks. “Or the time before that when you were also out first? And, ironically, the time before that, when, wait for it, you were out first again.” Lewis chuckles and looks around the table. “Is anyone else sensing a pattern here?”
“Interesting,” I muse. I grin at Cameron, who shakes his head and laughs. “The truth is finally coming out,” I continue, turning to Lewis. “When Cameron here, invited me to play tonight, he insinuated that you would be happy not to be the first out for once.”
“Oh, really,” Lewis raises his eyebrows at his friend. “So that’s how you score the ladies, by putting me, your wheelchair-bound friend, down?” He shakes his head. “Is there no limit to how far you’ll go?”
“Oh, shut up. There was no scoring going on,” Cameron mutters.
I laugh, loving the fact that he’s embarrassed.
“So, you don’t find Darcy attractive, then?” Lewis asks.
He narrows his eyes at Cameron.
“I didn't say that,” Cameron replies, while looking at me.
My heart races.
“If you’re not going to say it, then I will,” Mack pipes up. He turns to me. “Darcy, my brother thinks you’re hot, and I’m pretty sure he wants to fuck you.” He pauses thoughtfully for a moment. “Or should that be our brother? Because after next week, he’ll technically be your—”
“Enough,” Cam cuts in, looking like he’s fighting a battle between looking annoyed and amused. He glares at Mack, who shrugs innocently.
“Well said, Mack,” Lewis chuckles. “This wedding will definitely make things interesting if you two hook up.” He narrows his eyes at Cam
and then at me. “If you haven’t hooked up already…”
“You’re quite the troublemaker,” I say to Lewis through narrowed eyes. “And here I thought you were the quiet and sensible one.”
“Quiet?” Cam shakes his head. “You obviously don’t know him very well. Just don’t get him started on his impersonations.”
“Why not? I do a pretty good X-rated impression of your daddy getting his dick sucked,” Lewis retorts, raising his eyebrows at Cam. “Wanna see?”
“Have you been hiding in his closet again?” Cameron asks with a grin. “And no. I don’t particularly want to see that.”
Mack shudders. “Really, Lewis? Underage kid sitting right here.”
Lewis laughs and then starts moaning in a high-pitched voice.
“Oh, God. Please stop.” I snort, covering my face with my hands. “I’ll pay you to stop.”
“That’s what she said,” Lewis cracks. “Oh yeah, right there, that’s the spot—"
“Lewis,” Cam begins, looking past him uneasily.
“Oh God, Darcy’s mom, you know just how to satisfy—"
“Lewis, is it?”
Lewis’ eyes widen while the rest of us struggle not to laugh. Mom stands in the doorway, frowning at Lewis who looks too horrified to turn around. He curses to himself, and then slowly turns around, a fake smile plastered on his lips.
“Hi. Darcy’s mom?” he guesses. She nods. “I didn’t mean to—”
“You didn’t mean to what?” she asks.
I groan, feeling sorry for Lewis because Mom is totally messing with him right now. I know she’s messing with the poor guy.
“You didn’t mean to offend me, or mock one of the most respected judges in the country?” Mom clarifies.
Lewis lowers his gaze and mumbles an apology. Mom nods, satisfied. I see the glint in her eyes, and I know there’s more coming.
“Oh, and Lewis?”
He looks up.
She smirks at him. “His voice goes so much higher than that.”
She walks off and Lewis leans back in his chair. He breathes out.
“Fuck,” he hisses. “I’m gonna quit while I’m behind, I think. Thanks for the game, but I should be getting home.”
Cameron's other friends stand up too, along with Sasha.
“I think I better get going too,” Sasha says. “Work tomorrow.”
I roll my eyes, because I’m sure it’s got nothing to do with all the guys leaving.
She flashes a wide smile at Lewis. “Hey, you couldn’t by chance give me a ride home, could you?” she asks him. “I didn't bring my car and the wait for a cab is nearly an hour.”
I snort. “Really?” I say. “Because I could’ve sworn that white piece of shit out the front of the house is yours.”
She gives me a cold stare, while I laugh at her.
“When I said I didn’t drive, I meant it broke down when I got here,” she snaps, clenching her teeth together.
Lewis shrugs, unfazed. “Sure. I’d love to give you a ride home.” He wheels back from the table. “You wanna sit in my lap, or…” He chuckles at her expression. “I’m kidding.”
“Thanks.” She smiles sweetly at him, but then narrows her eyes at me, before following him out. Cameron closes the door and shakes his head.
“Told you it can get interesting,” Cameron says, winking at me. “Though I’m not sure your friend and Lewis are a good idea.”
“No, but I’m not going to stop them,” I say. “I can’t even get my own love life right so I’m not really in the position to be telling other people what to do.” He raises his eyebrows at my overshare. I look around, desperate for a change of subject.
“I’ll help you tidy up,” I say.
I walk back down to the dining room, grabbing a bag and then I start cleaning up. I glance at him every few minutes, still trying to work out why I feel so nervous around him. I can handle myself in front of anyone—except Cameron, and I’m not sure why.
“Did you enjoy yourself?” he asks.
I nod. “A lot.” More than I should have. “Thanks for asking me.”
“You’re welcome. You put up a decent fight, but you were never going to beat me.”
“From what I heard, everyone else usually does,” I tease. I shake my head. “I swear I’m usually better than I was tonight. Near the end, I had some really good hands, so I’m not sure how you kept beating me,” I add with a frown.
“Maybe you were distracted by our obvious chemistry?” he suggests.
I laugh. “I’m pretty sure any chemistry you’re feeling is just how much you irritate me.”
“Well, for what it’s worth, that win meant nothing,” he says with a shrug. “Money is nice and all, but I was really hoping for something else,” he murmurs. He sticks his hand in his pocket and pulls out his wallet. “Will a hundred get me some Gangnam Style?
Well, if he’s willing to pay for it…
I saunter over to him until I’m close enough to touch him, then I look into his eyes and bite my lip. He stares down at me, his expression is intense.
“Make it two hundred and you’ve got yourself a deal,” I say, lifting my eyebrows.
“You’re serious?” he murmurs after a moment.
I nod. “Deadly.”
He rummages through his wallet, then hands over two hundred dollars.
“There.”
I nod. “Okay, give me a moment to prepare.”
I pull out my phone, quickly find what I’m looking for then I pick up the TV remote and turn it on. He looks at me, confused when I hit play.
“Night, Cam.”
I start walking out of the room just as the video clip begins to play on the television.
“Two hundred dollars and you’re giving me the video clip?” he growls.
I grin at him. “I told you. I’m a shark when it comes to gambling.”
I give him a wink just before disappearing around the corner.
Chapter Seven
Cameron
It’s Wednesday night. I’m supposed to be at Dad’s for this family dinner, but since it’s still early after my session at the gym, I head to my apartment to have a shower and check out the repair work in the kitchen. I actually got a text from the maintenance guy last night, telling me that he was finished, but things were progressing so well with Darcy, I decided to stay another night.
Whatever this thing is with her, I’m enjoying it. I’ve gotten to know her a lot better these last few days. Sure, she thinks I’m some dude named James, but I’m trying not to think about how she’s going to react to that. If I think too hard about it, then I’ll have to admit she’s starting to grow on me.
I let myself inside my apartment, the smell of fresh paint overpowering me. I toss my keys down on the counter and my bag on the floor, then I examine the repairs. I’m impressed because it actually looks better than it did before. I have a quick shower, then I’m out the door, heading back over to Dad’s house for dinner. I flinch because I really need to get used to thinking of it as Paula’s house too. It’s not just his place anymore.
* * *
I sit across from Darcy, smirking as I watch her strategically position her phone under the table. She’s replying to the texts I’m sending her but trying not to look like it. It’s fucking hilarious to watch, especially when I start baiting her into talking about me. All I have to do is drop the seed and I know she’ll start digging the hole. I get to find out how she really feels about me, though I’m pretty sure I already know the answer to that.
Me: So, how’s your family thing going?
Darcy: Boring as hell.
I rub my jaw and examine the newspaper which I have laid out in front of me. It’s the perfect disguise from what I’m really doing under the table—if that doesn’t sound creepy, then I’m not sure what does. I sneak a look at Darcy, as she studies her phone.
Me: So then, make your night interesting. Do something crazy.
Darcy: Like what?
Me: Something out of character, that nobody will know you’re doing. Where are you sitting? At a table?
Darcy: Yes. I’m at the dinner table.
Me: What’s something you can do that would shock people?
Darcy: I can start talking Klingon? Yep, I’m that cool.
I cough to stifle a laugh, which gets everyone’s attention when I start spluttering.
“Sorry,” I mutter. “Soda went down the wrong way.” I reach for my soda and take a sip, just for good measure and ignore the sideways glare Darcy is giving me.
I skillfully slide my phone back into my pocket, and then I sit back in my chair so I can study her. I bite back a grin, because she’s got this cheeky little smirk going on as her eyes dart around the room. I don’t care if she sees me watching her now that I’m done texting her for the moment. In fact, I want her to see me, just to freak her out a little more. I get bored when she doesn’t notice so I turn my attention to Mack, who is texting one of his friends. Every few seconds he chuckles to himself and glances at Darcy.
God, I don’t even want to know what’s going on in his head.
What a great family dinner.
The two of them are glued to their phones and Dad couldn’t even make it home in time. It kind of defeats the whole purpose of eating as a family, if you ask me. I laugh when I think about all the shit Dad gave me for not being sure I could make it.
I scowl at the table, because just like that, my mood has gone sour. I study Darcy for a second. She’s staring off into nothingness, a strange expression on her face. I frown as I stare at her face. She bites her lip and closes her eyes. She looks like she’s having a stroke. I’m just about to ask her if she’s okay, when something cold and wet hits the side of my face.
What the fuck?
Mack’s wide eyes lock on mine. Darcy struggles not to laugh as I slowly reach up and wipe the side of my face. I bring my fingers down in front of me to examine the substance.
“Sour cream?” I ask. I stare at Mack like he’s crazy. “You threw sour cream at my face?”
“Yep,” Mack says confidently. “You looked like you needed something refreshing.”
He leans forward and scoops up a handful of salsa, hurling it across the table, right at my face.
PAYBACK’S A BITCH Page 8