The Thing About Trouble

by Juliana Stone

  But that hadn’t happened. He swore and rubbed the back of his neck, frustrated, pissed off, and feeling like an idiot because of it. Cam hadn’t closed the deal. Even worse—he hadn’t wanted to close the deal. He couldn’t remember, ever, not being interested in sex. Especially when the woman was cute, funny, had a great smile, and wanted to close the deal.

  What. The. Hell.

  Cam scowled and tugged his ball cap down. He’d actually used the kid as a reason to leave—which was a lame-ass move—but at the time, it was all he could come up with. He knew he didn’t want to have sex with Pia and had no intention of putting that on her. At the moment, the only woman he wanted to have sex with didn’t give two craps about him.

  “Can I get my face painted?” Tawny danced around in front of him, and he couldn’t help but smile. She had a way of making things better. Funny how a five-year-old could do that. She twirled once more, and he made a note to inquire about dance lessons or something. She seemed like a natural.

  They were at the park near the boardwalk with his brother Nash, Honey, and the baby. Sunday of the Labor Day long weekend was always busy. There was lots of stuff for kids to do, music, games, and pony rides. There was also Art in the Park, with a lot of vendors set up, as well as several businesses in town selling their wares. It was like a fall fair, and he’d been coming here since he was a kid.

  “Pretty please?” Tawny asked again.

  “I’ll take her,” Honey said with a smile and a wink. “You guys take Gabe, and we’ll find you in a bit.” She grabbed Tawny’s hand. “We’ll have some girl time.”

  Gabe was asleep in his stroller, so Cam was thinking he got the easy end of the stick. They’d taken exactly two steps when Nash looked at him.

  “You gonna tell me what the hell is wrong with you?”

  Cam kept his eyes straight ahead and grimaced. His brother had internal radar that the military would kill for.

  “I don’t want to get into it.”

  “This about Tawny?”

  He glanced at his brother. “No, why?”

  “Honey told me you had a meeting with Child Welfare.”

  “I did. Meeting was good.”

  “Then it’s gotta be a woman.”

  There was no sense in denying anything, so Cam remained silent.

  “Who is she?”

  “No one you know.”

  “Someone from town?”

  “No one you know.”

  They headed toward the boardwalk, and just as they got there, Nash stopped so fast, Cam nearly knocked him over. “Bluebell Barnes.” His brother grinned.

  “What?” Cam’s head snapped around so damn fast, he saw stars. Nash knew he nailed it, and Cam swore underneath his breath.

  “Jesus, Cam. I thought you were seeing Pia Zarcosa.”

  “I was.”

  “Honey said you guys went out last night.”

  “We did.”

  Nash started walking again and opened his mouth to say something, but Cam stopped him cold. “I told you I don’t want to get into it. I know she’s all wrong for me, and she’s nothing but trouble. I’ve got a kid to worry about now, and Tawny should be my focus. I get that. Hell, it’s all I’ve thought about since last night.”

  Nash opened his mouth again but barely managed to get one word out because Cam was on fire.

  “I know what you’re going to say, but she’s not the woman most people think she is. She can be, I’ve seen her in action, but it’s an act. She’s real good with Tawny, and she’s smart. And…” He stopped while he was ahead, because the hole he’d dug was deep.

  Nash cleared his throat and pointed. “I was going to say there’s Mom and Dad.”

  Shit. Cam glared at his brother before turning toward his parents. They were holding hands, walking along the boardwalk, and hadn’t spied them yet. Behind them was a young couple, and behind them he spied the man from last night.

  Instantly, his body reacted on some primitive level that made him want to bang his fists against his chest and issue a challenge. Cam studied him. He was tall and built, but so was Cam, and he could take him if he had to.

  “Do you know that guy behind Mom?”

  Nash followed his gaze and slowly shook his head. “Nope. Never seen him before.” The baby fussed, and Nash settled the soother between his lips, instantly sending Gabriel back into la-la land.

  “Why?” Nash asked.

  “No reason.” The man was alone. He looked as if he was searching for something, or someone, and then turned around and headed the other way. It was at about this point their parents spotted them and walked over. They’d only gotten back from their vacation the night before, and Cam was surprised to see them out.

  His mom smiled up at them, her face full of warmth and love and something else he couldn’t quite put his finger on. His dad looked the same as always, a handsome older version of his sons, but there was a worn-out edge to him, and Cam was guessing he’d have rather stayed at home with his feet propped up in front of the TV than stroll along a boardwalk full of screaming kids.

  “What a nice surprise,” Lisa said softly before looking down and tucking in the baby. “Gabriel has grown.” She stepped back. “Where’s Tawny?”

  “With Honey. She took her to get her face painted.”

  He saw the concern in his mother’s eyes and the questions she wanted to ask but didn’t, in case he took offense. He gave her a hug.

  “Things are good, Mom. She’s settled in and has Mrs. Eddy wrapped around her little finger.”

  “Does she?” Lisa Booker looked relieved. “That’s good to know. I’m glad you’re making things work.”

  “You finish up that big project?” His father’s voice was a little rough, as if his throat was dry. “Out at the Barnes place?”

  “I did. We came in under budget and a few days early.”

  His dad smiled and nodded. “Good. That’s real good, son. I’m proud of you, Cameron, and you too, Nashville.” His voice shook a bit, and Cam glanced at Nash. Their father was usually the gruff type. This wasn’t him.

  “We just popped out for some fresh air, but I think we’re going to head home. The last leg of the trip was a long one, and your father and I are still a little tired.” Lisa Booker threaded her arm through her husband’s. “Don’t forget Wednesday-night dinner. I expect both you boys there.”

  Cam watched his parents walk away and frowned. “Did something feel off to you?”

  Nash slowly nodded. “Yeah.”

  The sun was shining, and a warm breeze spilled across the boardwalk, pushing leaves and sand, but Cam shivered and, still cranky and restless, turned in a full circle.

  “You’ve got to be kidding me,” he muttered, eyes narrowed as he looked across the park.

  “Isn’t that Blue Barnes with Honey?” Nash asked.

  “Sure is.”

  “Honey doesn’t know Blue.”

  “Nope. But Tawny does.”

  “You don’t say,” Nash replied. “Things are starting to make sense now.”

  Cam wasn’t listening to his brother. The man from the night before was with them, his body language casual, and yet the sight of him had those invisible fists banging against his chest in a rhythm older than time. It was loud and aggressive and animalistic. It was ownership and testosterone and a whole bunch of other stuff mixed together.

  It made Cam crazy.

  Nash and Cam waited for them, Honey chatting animatedly with Blue and the stranger, while Tawny skipped along beside them, her face colorful, her smile wide. When she saw Cam, she ran toward him, nearly knocking him over with her enthusiasm.

  “Cam, I found Blue, and I wanted to show her the baby.” Tawny pushed back. “Honey said it was okay.”

  Cam met Blue’s gaze just as Tawny pulled her close to the stroller, finger to her mouth, shushing everyone. “He’s asleep,” she whispered, peering at him. “This is the baby I tolded you about.” Tawny looked up at Blue. “He doesn’t smell right now.”
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br />   “Give him another hour or so,” Nash said with a chuckle. His brother offered a hand. “Nash, Cam’s brother.”

  “Hi, I’m Blue, and this is Cash.”

  Cam shoved his hands into his pockets because the urge to slam his fist into the other guy’s face was nearing epic proportions. It was stupid and juvenile and made no sense. He nodded but didn’t say a word.

  “Can we get french fries?” Tawny smiled up at him sweetly. She’d picked out one of her new outfits for the day, an orange dress with purple polka dots, matching purple sandals, and a small purple bag strung across her shoulder. He’d spent extra time on her hair this morning, and she sported two French braids that had taken him nearly an hour to perfect. Her little heart-shaped face was earnest, and he nodded.

  “Whatever you want, kiddo.” How could he say no?

  “We’ve got a tent set up down there.” Nash pointed toward the water. “The Coach House is serving up wings, fries, and burgers.” He winked. “I might be able to find us a couple of cold beers.” He turned to Blue. “You and Cash are more than welcome to join us.”

  “Sounds good to me,” Cash replied. “We were just looking for a place to grab some food.”

  “Oh, we don’t want to intrude,” Blue said, taking a step back.

  “Don’t be silly,” Honey replied. “And to be honest, Tawny and I could use another female in the mix, right, pumpkin?”

  Tawny had no idea what the adults were discussing, but she nodded excitedly and tugged on Cam’s arm, giving him no choice but to head toward the food tent. By the time they got there, Tawny was jumping up down as if a battery pack had exploded inside her.

  “How much chocolate have you had today?” he asked, steering the young girl to the back of the tent. The fryers were going full force, and the air was heavy with the smell of grease.

  “I had smarties.”

  “That’s it?”

  “And a donut.”

  “And you still want fries?”

  “Yes, please.” He couldn’t fault her manners, and he sure as hell couldn’t say no. He just hoped her belly didn’t rebel later and keep them up all night. Cam was aware that Blue was just behind them, but the guy had disappeared. They grabbed a table, and Honey sat down with the baby. Tawny slid onto a seat beside them, happy to make funny faces that made Gabriel squeal.

  Nash left to find Tiny, the guy he’d put in charge for the day, which left Cam to grab the orders.

  “I’ll help.”

  He turned at the sound of Blue’s voice. “I’m fine on my own.”

  “It’s a lot to carry.”

  He shrugged and walked over to the fry table, ordering up several extra-large as well as a couple of burgers and onion rings.

  “Where’s your friend?” He asked the question even though he’d told himself to shut the hell up. It wasn’t any of his business, and he didn’t care.

  “Cash?” She shrugged. “He had to take a call.”

  “Where’s he from?” He didn’t give two shits where the guy was from, but they had about five minutes to wait on the fries, so he thought he’d keep the conversation going.

  “Arizona.”

  Arizona. Something tickled along the edge of his mind, and he remembered Edward Barnes ripping into Blue, mentioning something about Arizona and trouble.

  “Arizona is a long way from Crystal Lake.”

  “It is.” She said the words slowly and then looked up at him, eyes guarded. “Did you have a good time last night?”

  “Last night?” For that one moment, he forgot about the last twenty-four hours, because all he saw was her mouth, those incredible eyes, and the pulse at the base of her neck.

  She licked her bottom lip and averted her eyes. “I saw you with a woman at The Brig last night, and I just…” She made a small sound of disgust and tripped over her words. “It’s none of my business. Just forget I said anything.”

  “I did. Dinner was great. How was yours?”

  She looked back up at him, and when their eyes connected, he felt a shock run straight through him. The air sizzled with an energy that fired up every cell in his body.

  “I saw you there,” he said, watching her carefully. “With denim and leather.”

  A heartbeat passed. “I had the salmon,” she replied softly. Another heartbeat passed. “It was excellent, thanks for asking.”

  He was hot. Fuck, it was hot.

  “What about you?” she asked lightly. “Did you have dessert?”

  “No dessert.” They weren’t talking about food anymore.

  “From what I’ve heard, you’re a dessert kind of guy.”

  “I’ve got a sweet tooth. Can’t deny that. But dessert wasn’t on the menu last night. It was offered to me, but I passed on it.”

  “That’s surprising.” Her eyebrows shot up. “From what I hear.”

  “I guess it is.” This had to be the weirdest conversation he’d had in a long, long time. And yet Cam couldn’t let it go. “Who’s the guy you’re with?”

  She held his gaze, and that pulse at the base of her neck took off. “Denim and leather?”

  “That’s the one.”

  “He’s my brother.”

  “That guy is your brother.”

  She nodded, her chest rising and falling beneath her top. “He’s visiting for a few days or a few weeks. I’m not sure. He just showed up yester—”

  Cam grabbed her hand and led her away from the fry table and out the back of the tent. He kept going until he found himself between two of the large food trucks, and then he turned around and slowly backed Blue up against one of them until she had nowhere to go.

  He pushed her hair off her shoulders, exposing all that long, creamy skin, and, before she could say anything, lowered his head and nuzzled her neck. He felt her pulse against his mouth, and smiled because it was jumping all over the place.

  “What are you doing?” Blue’s hands crept up to his chest, but she didn’t push him away. Cam’s heart quickened, along with his dick. He’d barely touched her and already he was hard.

  “My sweet tooth just kicked in.” His mouth blazed a trail up her neck and along her jaw until he paused near her ear and whispered, “I’m want dessert.”

  He wanted to kiss her so badly, his insides shook. But Cam wasn’t the kind of guy to take without permission, and no way was he pressing forward until she said so. He knew she wanted him. They were way past that. But he also knew there were things at play he didn’t understand, and that wanting didn’t mean surrender. Then there was the other stuff. This here woman was different. She had baggage, and a lot of it. She was probably trouble, no doubt about that. But she also lit a fire in him that he’d never felt before. But Cam had a feeling any trouble headed his way was gonna be worth it. Blue moved against him, and he didn’t bother hiding the groan that fell from his lips.

  She was gonna be more than worth it.

  “It’s been a long time since I’ve had dessert.” Blue breathed the words and reached for him. That was all it took. Cam was about to fall down a big old rabbit hole, and he didn’t give a flying crap. All he could think about was the woman in his arms. The warmth of her body. The softness of her curves.

  And satisfying that damn sweet tooth.

  The festival receded, as did the noise and the people. They were alone in a cocoon of their own making, and he slid his hands up her scalp and dipped his head, claiming her mouth in one swift move.

  She was soft and pliant. She tasted like mint and felt so damn right in his arms, he could barely stand it. When she opened her mouth and met his tongue with her own, he didn’t bother to hide his groan. He moved closer. So damn close. And one hand found its way to her ass, cupping her against him as he kissed her like no one’s business. She had to know how worked up he was. There was no hiding the hardness between his legs.

  The kiss was warmth and touch, aggression and tenderness. And when he finally pulled away, he had to take a moment, because the look of her mouth bruised from his
was one he’d remember to the end of his days. Those damn invisible fists were pumping again, and if he were an animal, he’d be roaring his possession.

  He stared at her for a long time, not wanting to let go, then gave her one last lingering kiss for the road. “We’ve got a problem.”

  “We do?” She barely breathed the words.

  “We do.” He ran his fingers across her bare shoulders. Thank heaven for halter tops. They really were God’s gift. “We have to head back now, or they’ll be questions and overcooked burgers and, well, we can’t have that.” He paused as the air around them quieted. “Come to my place tonight, Blue.”

  He watched her closely, aware she’d pulled back and that maybe there was a bit of panic in her eyes.

  “I have to go.”

  “You want me.” Cam wasn’t being a dick or anything, he was being truthful. “And I sure as hell want you.” He dropped one last kiss onto her soft, moist mouth and felt her tremble in his arms. She moved away from him and took several steps before his words stopped her in her tracks.

  “You know where I live, Blue. Come around eight.”

  She was so still, with her head cocked to the side, like a fawn in the meadow, listening for danger. “Just to be clear, you weren’t with that woman last night.”

  “No. She’s not the one I want.”

  Without another word, she disappeared around the corner, leaving Cam with an aching cock, a muddled mind, and a need he’d never felt before in his life. He checked his watch and winced.

  It was gonna be a long day.

  12

  Blue was in trouble, no way around it. Trouble with a capital T. What the hell had she been thinking letting Cam Booker kiss her like that?

  She had a plan. A blueprint for the rest of her life, and it didn’t include someone like Cam Booker because Cam Booker was too damn complicated. Things with him would never be easy or tame. The guy had too much of an edge, and she’d grown up in a household that worshipped at the altar of that shit, and Blue swore she’d never live it again. The day she walked out of her mother’s house was the first day she’d felt free.