by Marie Force
“I expect I’ll know it when I see it.”
Charlotte rolled her eyes. “Whatever. I’m getting another drink. Anyone want anything?”
The others demurred, and Charlotte took off toward the bar as the music switched to “I Want to Hold Your Hand.”
“There’s our song, baby doll,” Lincoln said, tugging on his wife’s hand.
“Did you request that?” Molly asked.
“Duh,” their children said in concert.
“He always does,” Lucas said to Cameron, who found the whole thing adorable.
Their parents took to the dance floor, keeping a respectable distance from Hannah and Nolan, who had remained on the floor for another song.
Cameron was so caught up in the family and the various interactions that she startled when Will’s hands landed on her shoulders.
“There you are,” she said, smiling up at him. “I was about to send out a search party.”
He leaned down to speak directly to her. “It wasn’t an insignificant problem.” His lips brushed against her ear, setting every nerve ending in her body on fire. “Can we please get the hell out of here?”
Cameron wanted to stay and talk to Hannah after her dance with Nolan, but her needs—and Will’s—took precedence. She nodded and stood. “I just need one second and then we can go.”
“Make it a quick second.”
Mindful of Will watching her every move, Cameron went over to Hunter. “You should ask her to dance,” she said, taking a huge gamble that her opinion would be welcome with the least welcoming of the Abbotts.
“Excuse me?”
“You should ask her to dance.”
“Who?”
“Megan.”
Hunter shook his head, acting as if he hadn’t heard her correctly.
“Don’t act like you haven’t been staring at her all night. Ask her to dance.”
“She doesn’t want to dance with me,” he said with a bitter laugh. “She’s madly in love with my brother who seems to be madly in something with you.”
“And you’re madly in something with her. Ask her. You never know what might happen.”
“I know exactly what’ll happen. She’ll look at me as if I’m high and say no. That’s actually the better of two possible scenarios.”
“What’s the other?”
“She’ll laugh her ass off.”
“Hunter, that’s not true—”
“I appreciate your thoughtful interference, but you might want to stick to web development and butt out of my business.”
Cameron’s ears burned from embarrassment. “My apologies. I didn’t mean to overstep. I just thought you looked kind of miserable standing here all night looking at what you wanted, and I felt bad for you. I won’t make that mistake again.”
“Wait. Cameron . . .” He ran his fingers through his hair in a gesture she now recognized as frustration. “I’m sorry. I was out of line.”
“So was I. You’re right—it’s none of my business.”
“You’re not wrong . . . What you said about me being ‘in something’ with her. You’re not wrong.”
He seemed so defeated and miserable that Cameron’s heart went out to him. “My dad likes to say you can’t win the game if you don’t play the game.”
“Is that how he became a billionaire?” he asked with a small smile.
“One of several ways.”
“My brother is waiting for you, and he doesn’t look too happy that you’re over here talking to me.”
“Then I’d better go. I guess I’ll see you tomorrow at dinner.”
“See you then.”
“Ask her,” she said, giving him a little push and a smile as she left him.
After she and Will said their good-byes to the others, they headed for the door, his hand on the small of her back. The proprietary gesture made her giddy with anticipation of the night ahead. She wondered if his entire family had watched them leave.
“What was that about with Hunter?” Will asked as he helped her into the truck.
“I was butting in where I don’t belong.”
He gave her a quizzical look and closed the door. When he was settled in the driver’s seat, he turned on the engine and gave it a minute to warm up. “How do you mean?”
“I suggested he might want to ask Megan to dance. He’s been staring at her all night.”
“I just don’t see that combination at all.”
“Maybe you don’t, but I think he does. Or he’d like to anyway. He admitted as much to me just now.”
“Seriously? I see the guy every day of my life and I don’t know that? You’re here three days and you’ve got that figured out and you convinced Hannah to come to the dance?”
“Not to mention the spell I’ve cast over you,” she said with a cheeky grin.
He reached for her hand. “Not to mention.”
Cameron curled her fingers around his. “I really like your family. I felt kind of like a stalker in the middle of them tonight.”
“How so?”
“I’m so fascinated by the sibling bickering, the interaction. And your mom was just awesome. I loved her.”
“She liked you, too.”
“How could you tell?”
“She told me so.”
Cameron felt like she’d passed a huge test by gaining Molly Abbott’s approval. “You’re really, really lucky, Will. So lucky.”
“I’ve always known that, but you’ve helped me see it more clearly the last few days. Sometimes they drive me crazy, but I wouldn’t trade them for anything.”
They rode the rest of the way to his house in silence, but Cameron was almost painfully aware of him and what was about to happen between them. Her skin felt tingly and warm, her nipples tightened, and between her legs, a steady thrum of desire let her know the time for thinking was done.
Regardless of what might happen afterward, she wanted this night with him. She wanted him.
“What’s going on over there?” he asked as he took the turn into his driveway.
“Nothing much.” More like too much to articulate simply.
“Want to know what’s on my mind?”
“Um, sure,” she said on a nervous laugh. “I think . . .”
“I can’t wait to be alone with you for an entire night. I can’t wait to hold you and kiss you and make love with you.”
Cameron blew out an unsteady deep breath. “You don’t mince words.”
“Is that okay?”
“It’s the most amazing thing anyone has ever said to me.”
He squeezed her hand before he released it to turn off the truck. “Wait for me.”
While he walked around to the passenger side, Cameron fanned her face, thankful for the cool air. He opened the door and leaned in, his lips very close to hers. “Now about this ninety-day rule of yours. I’d like to apply for a waiver.”
Cameron dissolved into laughter. “Granted under the special-exception subclause.”
“I love the special-exception subclause. Ready?”
Cameron looked at that hand for a long moment before she glanced at his face. “Are you scared of how fast this is happening?”
“Absolutely terrified.”
Reassured, she smiled and took his hand to get out of the truck. The snow crunched under their feet as they walked toward the cabin.
CHAPTER 14
I’m so far over my head, I have to look up to see bottom.
—The gospel according to Elmer Stillman
Will put his arm around her and kept her close until they reached the door. Inside, the dogs provided a welcome distraction of sloppy kisses and excited barking before Will let them out. While they were outside, Will refilled their food and water bowls. Then he came over to stoke up the fire.
“Want a drink?”
“Sure. What’re you having?”
“How does red wine sound?”
“Perfect.” She was relieved that they’d be taking things slowly rather than
jumping each other the second they walked in the door—not that she would’ve objected to that, but this was better. Forcing herself to relax and stop overthinking everything, she kicked off her boots and curled her feet under her. The fire was hypnotic, and it chased the cold from her bones.
Will let the dogs in and brought two glasses of wine to the sofa. He sat to remove his boots and propped his long legs on the coffee table. “Come on over here.”
Cameron snuggled under his outstretched arm, enjoying being close to him while drinking her wine and watching the fire.
“I like having you here,” he said, his lips skimming over her forehead.
“I like being here.”
“Do you really? It’s a lot less than you’re used to.”
“That’s not necessarily true.”
His free hand slid through her hair, making her scalp tingle. “What do you mean?”
“It’s true that my life in the city is different, but different isn’t always better. I’ve never lived anywhere other than the city. After only a few days here, I can see the appeal of your simpler life.”
“I liked seeing you with my family tonight. You fit right in like we’ve known you for years rather than days.”
“I hope they don’t think I’m a weirdo because I’m so fascinated by them. Like Hunter and Hannah . . . When Nolan asked her to dance, the first thing she did was look to Hunter for guidance. He didn’t say a word, but he urged her to say yes. I can’t imagine having that kind of connection with someone.”
“You don’t miss much do you, Cameron Murphy?”
“I told you, I’m captivated by the Abbotts. I’m also an avid people watcher. That’s one of my favorite aspects of city life. No shortage of subjects.” She rested her head against his arm and looked up at him. “Do you think I’m a weirdo because I’m so obsessed with your family?”
“Nah, I think it’s sweet. We’ve had totally opposite lives in many ways. You were an only child. I was one of ten. You grew up in the city. I grew up in the mountains. You’re tied to your cell phone. I don’t own one. I guess it stands to reason we’re each intrigued by the things that make us different.”
“When you make a list like that, it makes me wonder what we’re doing here together.”
He took her wineglass and put it next to his on the table. With his hand on her face, he compelled her to look at him. “Are you really still wondering what we’re doing?”
She shook her head. “Even though you might turn out to be the biggest mistake I ever made—and I mean that as a compliment, strange as it may sound—that doesn’t seem to matter.”
“I won’t be the biggest mistake you ever made. I promise. I’ll be the best mistake you ever made.”
Smiling at his sweet words, Cameron decided to have faith. She decided to trust him when he told her she’d be safe with him. Reaching for him, she brought him with her when she reclined on the sofa.
He stretched out on top of her, gazing down at her with those beautiful golden eyes that were full of affection and desire and admiration—all of it directed at her. It was almost too much to take in. “Is this okay?”
“Mmm,” she said, loving the feel of his body pressed against hers. “So okay.”
He bent his head to kiss her neck. “How about this?”
“Also okay.”
She felt his lips curve against her sensitive skin. “You smell so good. That was the first thing about you that turned me on, you know that?”
“Really?”
“That first night, after I left you at the inn, I got back in my truck, and it smelled like you. I was all wound up about my dad bringing you here, but even so, I couldn’t get enough of that scent.” He took tiny nibbles of her neck, not hard enough to leave marks, but more than enough to set her on fire. “I still can’t get enough of it.”
She ran her hands over his back to the hem of his shirt. “Can we take this off?”
He propped himself up on one arm and had the dress shirt up and over his head in a split second.
She tugged on the T-shirt he wore underneath. “And this?”
That, too, disappeared in a matter of seconds, revealing the truly magnificent chest she’d thought about far too often since the night before.
Cameron licked lips that had gone dry. She looked up to find him fixated on her mouth.
And then he stood and held out a hand to her. “Let’s take this somewhere more comfortable.”
She took his hand and let him help her up. “Just for the record, I was pretty comfortable there.”
“I can do better,” he said with the smile that undid her. He led her into his bedroom, holding up a hand to stop the dogs, who had followed them. “Go to sleep, boys.”
Resigned, they returned to their beds by the fire, and Will closed the bedroom door.
She watched, rapt as he turned down the covers and lit three candles on the bedside table before extinguishing the light. That he had prepared for this thoroughly charmed her. And when he turned to her, the raw need she saw in his eyes completely disarmed her.
Even knowing that she was giving him the power to break her heart, she couldn’t resist him when he looked at her that way.
He undressed her slowly, reverently, taking his own sweet time.
Cameron tried to quell the trembling that began in her legs. By the time she was down to the sexy black bra and thong she’d worn with him in mind, she could barely remain standing.
“Beautiful,” he whispered, his arm around her waist and his other hand grasping her hair. “Sexy as all hell, funny, thoughtful, sweet, kind . . . all in one package. How did I get so lucky to find you?”
His softly spoken words had choked her up. No one had ever said such things to her. “I believe you’ll have to thank Fred for that.”
“Remind me to thank him the next time we see him.” With his hands now on her face, he kissed her softly.
She loved how he held her face when he kissed her. It made her feel so cherished. She also loved the way he kept his eyes open as his lips moved over hers. She loved the groan that came from deep inside him when she slid her tongue over his lower lip. And she absolutely loved, loved, loved that he cupped her bottom and lifted her into his embrace before lowering her to his bed.
As he came down on top of her the kiss became urgent and frantic and so hot. The friction of his erection and the rub of his pants against her tender flesh had her on the verge of explosive release and they’d barely started.
He shifted his attention from her mouth to her neck and then moved down to nuzzle her breasts, which were achy and tight with need. Through the silky fabric of her bra, he licked and tugged at her nipples.
Cameron had such a tight hold on his hair that she was certain she had to be hurting him. “Will . . . God.” She arched her back, trying to get closer to him as he released the front clasp of her bra, baring her breasts to his hungry stare.
The heat of his mouth on her sensitive skin was almost more than she could take as he drew her left nipple into his mouth, running his tongue back and forth over the tip. “So sweet,” he whispered as he shifted his attention to her other breast. By the time he moved lower, kissing and teasing and nibbling gently, Cameron was more than ready to move things along.
“Will . . .”
“Hmm?” His lips vibrated against her hip bone. Who knew that hip bones were sexy?
“I want you. Now.”
“Not yet.”
Her hands fell to her sides on the bed, surrendering to him as he moved even farther down, until he was kneeling on the floor.
“Come closer to the edge,” he whispered, his voice sexy and gruff.
“You don’t have to—”
“I want to. You have no idea how badly I want to taste you.”
Her heart beat so hard she wondered if it would burst as she let him arrange her the way he wanted her, with her bottom at the edge of the mattress and her legs open to him. Gazing up at the wood-beam ceiling, she found a focal po
int to keep her grounded. She had a feeling she was going to need it.
He nuzzled her through the silky scrap of underwear that covered her, teasing and arousing her with his fingers and tongue.
Cameron fisted the down comforter under her, holding on for dear life when he moved her underwear aside and ran his tongue over the place that throbbed for him. She came instantly, crying out from the nearly painful pleasure that rocketed through her. As she descended from the incredible high, she was aware of him removing her panties and stroking her with his fingers, triggering a second wave that brought tears to her eyes.
He moved quickly to remove his pants, revealing green plaid boxer shorts that barely contained his straining erection.
She wanted to see him and feel him and give him the same pleasure he’d given her, so she sat up and put her arms around his waist, rubbing her nose back and forth over his belly.
He gasped and his fingers dug into her shoulders. “Cam, honey, let me—”
“No, let me.” Her hands moved up his back, coasting over well-defined muscles, before coming back down to squeeze his backside.
His sharp inhale let her know that he liked what she was doing, so she did it again, this time tucking her hands inside his underwear. Impatiently, he pushed the boxers down over his hips, freeing an erection that stretched up toward his navel.
She wrapped her hand around him, learning his considerable length and width.
“Cameron . . .” The warning in his tone wasn’t lost on her, but it didn’t stop her from stroking him or bending her head to run her tongue over the wide crown. He shuddered and groaned and gripped her hair so tightly it should’ve hurt, but the bite of pain only added to the erotically charged moment.
She took him into her mouth in slow increments while continuing to stroke him. The thought of his long, thick penis inside her sent desire flooding through her, making her squirm with need, as if she hadn’t been recently satisfied.
“Baby, that’s so good.” His fingers were buried in her hair, guiding her as she took him deeper, using her tongue to heighten his arousal. He got even harder before he abruptly withdrew from her mouth. “Condom. Now.” Fumbling around in his bedside table he found a condom and had it on before she could offer to help.