by Marie Tuhart
Cameron fingers trail through her hair as she began talking. His touch soothed her, allowing her to talk.
“She always encouraged me to be myself and ignore what the family wanted.”
Cameron hid his surprise at her willingness to talk about her family, but he wasn’t going to stop her. She was running from something, and maybe he’d finally find out what it was. “How old were you when she died?
“Almost twenty-eight.” She wiggled in his lap. “I took care of her for four years before she passed.”
“What happened?” The pain in her voice pulled at his heart.
“She’d had some serious health issues. My parents wanted to put her in a home, but I refused to let them do it. So I stepped up to the plate and took on her care.”
“Are your parents still living?”
“Yep, and…” She stiffened. “Enough. I don’t want to talk about them.”
Cameron was careful to keep his frustration to himself, but he wanted to know more. Something about her parents upset her, and he suspected their reaction to kink was part of the issue. He wanted to help her, but he could only do that if she allowed it.
He said, “One day soon, you will tell me the story of your family, Kristen.”
She started to pull away.
Cameron put a hand across her lap, not holding her captive, but reminding her that this was a safe place. “I know this is a hard story for you to tell. That’s why I have waited for you to want to tell it.”
She started to shake her head, then ducked it instead.
Cameron sighed inwardly and pulled her tight, holding her and murmuring until she relaxed against him. He’d bet anything this was the reason Kristen balked at anything public. There was much more to this story, and he would find out.
But it was time to move on to another subject. A more pleasant one. “Tell me a fantasy?”
“What?”
He pressed his hand against her head when she would have lifted it, keeping her cheek against his chest. “I want to know what your sexual fantasies are.”
She wiggled in his lap. “Why?”
“So I can make one come true.”
Her laughter brushed against his skin, and his muscles unclenched. She was learning to trust him.
“Well, I do have this one. It’s a kidnap fantasy.”
He listened to her describe her fantasy until her voice drifted off, and she fell asleep in his arms.
“One day,” he murmured. “One day soon.”
Chapter Fourteen
Kristen yawned as she put the muffins into the oven. It was six fifteen in the morning, and Cameron would be there soon. Her heart jumped at seeing him this morning.
Cameron. He’d been in his element yesterday while teaching at the club. Now she understood why the kids always commented that he was one of the best professors. She had been fascinated with how he made even the rules of the club come alive. He had answered questions, telling everyone it didn’t matter what the question was, there was no right or wrong. They were there to learn and become a part of the community. And Kristin was already starting to feel like part of the community.
Then Jack had come in and introduced several of the other workers at the club. She couldn’t wait until next week’s class. A knock on the front door brought her out of her musings.
She hurried out of the kitchen to see Cameron standing outside. With a grin, she crossed the room and let him in. “Good morning.”
He swept her into his arms and covered her lips with his. Her arms went around his neck, and her lips parted to his questing tongue. He tasted like mint, and she liked it. His hands slid down her back and cupped her ass, pulling her tight against him. Lord, she loved being in his arms. He made her feel safe and protected.
She tore her mouth away. “Cameron.” She wiggled in his embrace. They were in plain sight of anyone walking by.
“Now, it’s a good morning.” He smiled at her, his eyes twinkling mischievously.
“You’re in a good mood.” She squirmed out of his arms and made her way behind the counter to make his coffee.
“Yes. My dad stopped by this morning.”
“He was up very early.”
“Yep. He reminded me about the Grant Highland Games.”
Kristen’s gaze went to the calendar she had on the wall. “Damn, I totally forgot about it.” The Highland Games were a great community event. People came from all over to participate in the games, but there were also lots of vendors. The first year, she had set up a small tent and had sold only cookies, but now, she had a bigger tent and sold a full range of breakfast foods, coffee, tea, water, desserts, cookies and other sweets. It was a big money-maker for her.
“It’s in a month, and I’m looking forward to it, especially since we’re together.”
“Why does that sound…shall we say…naughty?” She slid the cup of coffee across the counter to him.
“Because I have plans.”
“That’s what I’m afraid of.” She let out a laugh. “Scones are warming; let me go get you one.” Kristen slipped into the kitchen. She took two scones and put them on a plate, then returned to Cameron, who was sitting at his table by the window.
“Here you go.” She set the plate down in front of him.
“Sit for a moment.”
No one was in the café yet, so it was okay. Tim would be here at seven to help out. She sank in the chair across from him. “What’s up?”
“I know you always have a dessert tent at the games, but I’d like us to spend some time together, so I can show you around.”
“It’s one of my biggest selling events.” She mentally calculated how much baking she would have to do leading up to the games. It was only one weekend, but a heck of busy weekend. Tim could handle the café on Saturday. Her time with Cameron would be restricted the week before the games, and she wasn’t happy with that, but her business came first.
“I’m sure Skye would help.” Cameron sipped his coffee.
He’s trying to be helpful, Kristen told herself. “Yes, but she’s also very busy at the games.” This was getting complicated, but only if she let it. She wanted to spend time with Cameron. She could work things out with Skye and Tim.
The bell rang, signaling someone coming into the café. Kristen glanced up to see Tim. She looked up at the clock. It was six forty-five. Dang, time flew when she was with Cameron.
“Morning, boss,” Tim called before heading to the back.
Kristen nibbled on her lip. She wanted to see the games with Cameron, but she also had a business to run. “I’ll need to think about it.”
“Sweetheart.” His warm fingers curled around hers. “We have time.”
She nodded and pulled her hand away. “I’ve got work to do, and you have classes to teach.” She stood. Her mind whirled with all she had to do for the Highland Games. But also, she thought about being escorted around by Cameron and this time, saw the people staring. What would people think about her and Cameron? Why couldn’t she get over her past? It was her problem, always worrying what other people thought, and she needed to stop. Yeah, she had to stop, but it had been drummed into from the time she was little. Sometimes, it was difficult to overcome bad habits.
Cameron rose, but kept his gaze on her. Kristen shifted on her feet as he stared. She was hiding from him, but she didn’t know any other way. Hiding was a way to protect herself and her emotions.
He let out a breath. “Think about it. I’ll see you later.”
The frustration in his voice made her sad. He brushed a kiss over her lips before grabbing his bag and sauntering out the door.
Kristen sighed and picked up his empty plate and coffee cup. How was she going to make this work? Because she had to find a way. She wasn’t ready to give Cameron up. Not yet.
****
By the end of the week, Kristen was no closer to a decision about spending time with Cameron at the Highland Games, but the good news was that she had hired two more workers at the café
. With Tim’s class schedule taking up his time and the increase in business, she needed help.
The new hire, Maggie, was a sociology major in her senior year. The other hire, Jessica, was a business major but only taking two classes this semester.
The darkening night sky had Kristen locked the café door, turned the lights out and made her way upstairs to her apartment. Both Jessica and Maggie would start their training tomorrow. Skye would be here as well, so maybe things would go smoothly.
She took a quick shower then changed into a light skirt and blouse. Even though it almost the end of March, the weather had turned nice. Cameron would be there any second to pick her up for dinner.
After Monday, he hadn’t mentioned the Highland Games again, but it was in the back of her mind, mingling with thoughts about the club and the next class on Sunday.
Cameron had been busy this week with his classes, so they really hadn’t had any quality time together, and she missed him. That was a new sensation for her. She slipped on her shoes as a knock sounded at her door.
“Coming.” She strode to the door and checked to make sure it was Cameron before opening it.
Cameron stood there with a big grin on his face. “Oh, shall I find a way to have you coming all night?” he asked before sweeping her into his arms for a swift, hard kiss.
“Cameron,” she half-heartedly protested. Despite Cameron being busy, they’d texted and talked all week, and she was enjoying his sensual teasing.
He kissed her again; his kisses made her knees grow weak. As his tongue dueled with hers, her nipples tightened.
He lifted his head. “I made us reservations at Rossi’s.”
“Isn’t that the new, fancy Italian place?” She extracted herself from his arms and picked up her purse.
“Yep. I figured it would be a nice change of pace.” He guided her out of her apartment and waited while she locked the door, then he took her hand as they walked down the stairs.
After a short car drive through Grant, Cameron escorted her into Rossi’s. Rossi’s was very nicely decorated. The walls appeared to be covered in stone; the music was low and sensuous. And the lobby was full of people.
Cameron guided her to the hostess station. “Reservation under McMillan.”
“Ah yes, Mr. McMillan, I have your table ready for you.” The hostess picked up two menus. “If you’ll follow me.”
Cameron gestured for Kristen to go first. She glanced around as they were escorted to their table. It looked as if half of Grant was here tonight. Well, it was a new restaurant. Everyone wanted to try it out.
“Oh my,” she said under her breath as they were led out into a lush courtyard. Free-standing propane lamp heaters were spread throughout the area, keeping the coolness at bay.
The tables were spaced enough apart to give some privacy. The solid-wood tables gleamed, and the tan wicker chairs looked comfortable. Her shoes clicked against what looked like expensive Italian marble flooring, and it accented the table and chairs. A huge oak tree rose from the middle of the courtyard.
As the hostess led them to a table, Kristen felt it was like a “who’s who” night out. The mayor and his wife nodded to them as they walked by, and then Mrs. Johnson waved her fork at them as her husband continued to eat. And if she wasn’t mistaken, that was Skye with Malcolm McCray. So that’s why Skye was in a hurry to leave tonight.
Cameron waved to his sister before pulling out Kristen’s chair. She took her seat and tucked her purse between her thigh and the chair. She was surprised at how roomy the seats were.
“Your waiter will be here in a few minutes. Have a fantastic dinner,” the hostess said after setting the menus down.
Cameron had taken a seat to Kristen’s right, and he had a full view of the room. Kristen, had a partial view of the room, but it felt like everyone was starting at her. I know what you’ve been doing… She clenched her hands in her lap, trying not to let her discomfort show. It seemed like every time she and Cameron were together, she managed to ruin the mood.
“What has you frowning?” Cameron slid the menus aside and placed his hand palm up on the table.
“Was I?” She fought to clear her expression.
“Kristen.” Cameron’s voice went to that low, Dom tone she associated with the times they’d played. He tapped his fingers on the table before turning his palm up.
Her fingers trembled when she placed them over his. His skin was hot against her cold digits.
“What is it?” Now a frown marred his forehead.
“It’s fine.”
His fingers tightened on her hand. “It’s not. You’re trembling and cold. Should I have them move us inside?”
“No.” She glanced up at the clear, star filled sky. “It’s a beautiful night.” Her trembling had nothing to do with cold.
“Then tell me what’s wrong?”
She opened her mouth, but Cameron narrowed his eyes. She swallowed the words she was about to say. He wasn’t going to let her hide.
“It’s really nothing.” How could she explain?
Cameron scooted closer to her, sitting there silently until she looked at him. “Tell. Me. Now.”
A shiver snaked up her spine. Not in apprehension, but in excitement. When he used that tone, her bones all melted. She let out a sigh. “I feel like I’m on display.”
“Is that why you think I brought you here?”
“No,” she whispered. “It’s just…” She closed her eyes then opened them. “Everyone is here tonight, and it brings up old fears.”
The waiter walked up. “Good evening, I’m David, your waiter for this evening.”
Cameron turned his attention to the waiter, but tightened his grip on her hand when she would have pulled away. “Evening, David.”
“Would you like a wine list?”
Kristen looked at their waiter. He didn’t look old enough to serve alcohol. His shaggy but well-kept sandy-blond hair made her think of him as a surfer.
“No need. A bottle of 1996 Barolo,” Cameron said.
“Very good choice. Appetizer?”
“Yes, an order of the cheese and spinach puffs.”
Kristen stared at Cameron. Had he been here before?
“Have you decided on dinner?”
“Yes.” Cameron squeezed her hand. “I’ll have the shrimp scampi with linguini, and my lady here will have the shrimp risotto.”
“Soups or salad?”
“Minestrone soup and some water, please.”
“Very good, sir.” The waiter picked up the menus. “I’ll have the wine steward bring over your Barolo.”
Kristen waited until the waiter was out of ear shot. “What was that? You’ve never ordered for me without asking.”
“Tonight, you will allow me to take care of you.”
“Cameron.”
His fingers covered her lips. “For one night, Kristen. You’ve had a long week. We both have. Let me do this for you.”
Her heart stopped, partly in worry and fascination. His features were soft but his gaze intense. Was this a test? It could be, but she didn’t think so. This was his way of showing her he cared. She nodded, and his grip relaxed on her hand.
“Now tell me why you’re worried about everyone seeing you here tonight?” He kept his gaze on her.
“It, umm, relates back to the ex-fiancé.” She tugged her hand free, only to caress his wrist. “You’re nothing like him, but he would take me out to show me off.” Just like her parents had.
“I wouldn’t do that to you.”
“I know that here.” She touched her head. “But sometimes, the heart doesn’t realize it.” Her fingers drifted over his the skin of his hand, stroking, caressing. “My parents would always drag me out, too, to show off the perfect little family.” She winced at the bitterness in her voice.
“Tell me.” His attention was centered on her, and Kristen took a deep breath.
“They took me out anytime they wanted to project the aura of loving parents, to keep th
emselves in the limelight. They didn’t care what it did to me. If I had so much as a hair out of place or a wrinkle in my clothes, the ridicule would start.”
“Not exactly loving parents to chastise you in public.”
“Oh, it wasn’t always from them, but from everyone else.” She stomach clenched as the comments about her looks, her actions—anything was always public fodder.
“What?” He shook his head.
“Appearance was everything in that circle, and I was expected to conform. If I didn’t, everyone let me know about it.”
“Kristen, that was never my intention.”
Her fingers pressed against his lips. “I know it wasn’t. Everyone in Grant is nice. But that doesn’t mean they won’t judge me on my actions or lifestyle.” She let her fingers slide from his lips.
“No one should judge someone else. We’re all human.” He captured her hand and kissed her knuckles.
“Yeah, tell my parents that.”
Cameron didn’t know how to respond. The ex and her parents had wounded her deeper than Cameron had realized. He wouldn’t say what he wanted to—her parents were idiots—at least, not now. His parents were loving, caring, and thoughtful.
He stood up and moved behind her chair. With a quick adjustment, he maneuvered Kristen’s chair around and closer to his so she could see the room and know they weren’t being watched or judged. “There. That should help you put your fears aside to enjoy tonight?” He hoped she could, because he wanted to pamper her. “Besides, I’m going to make you forget there’s even anyone else here.”
The wine steward walked up. “Sir, your bottle of 1996 Barolo.”
Cameron nodded as the steward poured a small amount of the red wine in a glass and then handed it to him.
His gaze captured Kristen’s as he swirled the wine. He took a small sip then held the glass up to her lips. “Taste.” He tilted the glass up, and she sipped.
“Wow,” she said as he lowered the glass. “Full bodied and a hint of spice.”
“It’s perfect.” He handed the glass back to the waiter. Cameron waited until the wine was poured and for the steward to leave, then he picked up the glasses and handed her one. “May tonight be filled with laughter, fun, and naughtiness.”