Dreaming of a Hero (Heroes Series Book 2)

by Lyssa Layne

  “Mmm, morning, baby,” Camila greets me, kissing my cheek before heading to the kitchen.

  She moves around the kitchen without asking questions where anything is since she’s the one that set everything up. She starts the coffee brewing then takes a seat beside me on the couch. One arm wraps around my shoulder, while she nibbles on my neck and I think I might be sick.

  “I missed you in bed last night,” she purrs into my ear.

  As always, my body reacts to her kisses and all the blood rushes between my legs. I close my eyes, trying to concentrate on what I know and not what she’s doing. Her hands move to my shoulders and she begins rubbing them.

  “Your shoulders are so tense—”

  “Why didn’t you tell me you fucked Blake?” There I said it. I turn to see her reaction, or lack there of, as she falls back on the couch, not saying a word. I raise my eyebrows. “Why? I asked you more than once, why didn’t you just tell the truth?”

  Camila reaches out and takes my hand. “Evan, it was a long time ago, you were probably still in high school.”

  “So you’ve never slept with him since you’ve been working as a sports agent?”

  “Not recently, maybe when we first started, but it was before I knew better.”

  My jaw clamps tightly. “Then why not tell me?”

  Her thumb rubs over the back of my hand, calming me although I don’t want it to. “It doesn’t affect our relationship, Evan. There was no need to mention it.”

  “He’s my brother, Camila. I’d say sleeping with him does affect our relationship.”

  She sighs and pulls my hand to her lips. “Evan, please don’t make this into something it’s not.”

  “Do you love him?” I move my head so that I can watch her closely.

  Her jaw opens and closes twice before she speaks. “Not like you think. You know Blake and I are good friends.”

  I shake my head. “No, not like friends. Did you ever love him as more? Want him to be your boyfriend? Your lover?”

  She doesn’t say no right away, she hesitates and I have my answer. Yanking my hand out of her grasp, I rise and walk across the room. When I turn around, I point to the door. “Get out,” I order.

  Wearing one of my old t-shirts, she jumps up and runs to me. “Come on, Evan. It’s not like that, you’re the one I want now.”

  I scoff. “Yeah, now, but maybe you’ll drop Blake when his contract with you is up. Then you two can pick up where you left off. I’m not going to be your fuckin’ pawn, Camila. Get the fuck out of my place and out of my life.”

  “Evan—”

  “Now.”

  I walk into my bedroom, throw her clothes in her suitcase and toss the bag in the hallway. Slamming the door behind me, I lock the door so Camila Lemos won’t see the damage she’s done to me.

  Camila

  Dressed in skinny jeans, red heels, and a burnout white t-shirt, I pull my suitcase on it’s wheels behind me. I’m fighting the tears that are threatening to fall as I walk the streets of Chicago and wait for Molly to pick up her phone.

  “Hello?” a voice on the other end of the line says.

  “Molly! Hey, it’s Camila. Sorry to call so early, is Blake with you?”

  She pauses before answering. “We had a fight last night and he left. If I had to guess, he’s staying—”

  “At the Ritz,” we both say at the same time.

  “Thanks, Moll and I’m really sorry about the fight. I’m sure you two will patch it up soon.”

  She scoffs. “Yeah, we’ll see. Later, Cam.”

  I hang up and hail a cab, telling the driver to take me to the Ritz Carlton. Things make a little bit more sense now. Blake loves that woman more than life itself, but their relationship is a bit of a Romeo & Juliet story. Forbidden, star-crossed lovers with no hope of being together unless someone sacrifices. Anytime the two of them fight, Blake goes on a drinking binge and usually calls me trying to reminisce about our old relationship. He does this because he’s afraid he’s going to be alone forever when Molly tells him they’re done so he runs to me.

  The cabbie drops me off at the hotel and I don’t even ask for his room number. Instead, I take the elevator heading to the very top of the building and his usual room. When I arrive, I bang on his door, knowing he’s probably still passed out from the night before. Sure enough, he answers the door in a pair of boxers and a crazy mess of bedhead. Without saying a word, he lets me in and walks back to bed.

  I’m not in the mood to play nice. Picking up one of his tennis shoes, I hurl it at him. He jumps when I make contact and he throws back the sheets, sitting up and glaring at me. “What the hell, Cam? Leave me alone, I’m hungover and feel like shit.”

  “Good because you totally screwed me over with your brother. What the hell were you thinking?”

  Blake blinks his eyes while I stand with my hands on my hips. Finally, he lies back on the pillow. “I just told him the truth, he deserved to know.”

  “Maybe he did, but not from you.”

  Blake shrugs. “Too bad. Besides, you’re out of his league, Camila. You two will never last.”

  Rage like I’ve never felt before floods my body and my blood pressure spikes. “It’s not your decision, Blake, but you’re right, we won’t last because you ruined it.”

  I spin on my heel and walk back across the room. Blake scrambles out of bed, stepping in front of me and blocking my exit. “Come on, Cam. Evan will get over it, you two will be fine.”

  The tears I’d been holding in are let loose and my shoulders shake as they do. “You’re wrong, Blake. You pulled him away from me and now I’m alone, all alone… again.”

  Quickly, I step around him, running to the lobby and jumping in a car, debating between going back to Evan’s or the airport. In less than an hour, I’ve severed both my relationships with the Purser brothers and I’m more alone than ever.

  CHAPTER 22

  Evan

  “Honey, can you bring me a Diet Coke?”

  Her voice is like nails on a chalkboard and it takes everything in me to not dump the soda over her head. Instead, I hand the can to her and give the bubbly blonde her drink.

  “Oh, sug, can you open it for me? I don’t want to ruin my manicure.”

  Gritting my teeth, I nod. “Of course, Jamie.”

  I pop the tab and hand it to her one more time. She kisses my cheek and mumbles thanks. She’s watching some Real Housewives marathon so I sneak into the bedroom and close the door. I reach in the nightstand and pull out the framed picture of Camila and me.

  The morning she left, I decided to visit Navy Pier where I met Jamie. Her fake double Ds drew me in and after she blew me on the ferris wheel, I decided to invite her back to my place…and she hasn’t left since. That was a month ago.

  Staring at the picture, the ache in my heart that’s taken up residence gets stronger. Jamie is pretty much the opposite of everything Camila. She’s needy, clingy, and the sex isn’t even that great, but I need a distraction. I refuse to get sucked into the game Camila and Blake enjoy playing. I’ve written them both off and plan on keeping it that way. Jamie’s cackle floats in from the other room and my stomach curdles.

  It only takes a few minutes, but for the second time since I’ve lived in this apartment, I pack up my girlfriend’s shit and carry it to the living room.

  “Sweetie?” I call in a mocking tone.

  “Yeah, sug?” Jamie answers, not even looking at me.

  “It’s time for you to leave.”

  She mutes her show and stands up to face me. “What do you mean?”

  “I mean get the fuck out.”

  Immediately, big, fat crocodile tears appear and she gives a whole spiel about why we’re meant to be together. Luckily, it’s only a few steps to the front door. I open it for her, placing her suitcase in the hallway.

  “You’re fun, but I’m not looking for anything serious.”

  The tears disappear, Jamie sticks up her middle finger, and screams, �
�Fuck you!” as I shut the door in her face. Finally, peace and quiet.

  Walking back to my room, the picture of Camila catches my eye and I sigh. Jamie might be gone, but thoughts of Camila will never cease in my mind.

  Camila

  I can hear Colie and Mia whispering behind me, but I don’t turn around. I lift my wine glass in their direction. “I can hear you two so stop whispering and bring more Twinkies.”

  A very pregnant Colie drops onto the couch beside me while Mia refills my wine glass and sets an unopened box of Twinkies in front of me.

  Mia pats my leg. “We’re worried about you, Cam. You haven’t been yourself since…”

  “Since Evan found out I slept with his brother and wrote me off causing me to lose both my lover and my best friend?”

  Colie lifts her shoulders up and down. “Well…yeah.”

  Tearing the wrapper off a Twinkie, I laugh and take a bite before washing it down with wine. “Well, I haven’t been myself, because it really sucks.” I wipe the tear trying to get out of my eye and whisper, “I miss Evan.”

  “Have you called him? Did you tell him that?” Colie interrogates.

  I shake my head. “It’s no use. I tried calling, even went back to his apartment after I talked to Blake, but he won’t answer or see me.”

  Mia slides her arm around my shoulder. “It’s okay, Camila. I’m sure he feels the same way, just give it time and he’ll come around.”

  I scroll through my phone until I find the pictures I’ve stared at for the past two weeks. “I’m not so sure about that. Apparently, he’s already moved on.” I show them the pictures of Evan and some busty blonde. I expected him to fall back into his old habits, but not this. Not to start a relationship, to sleep with a woman more than once.

  The tears fall down my cheeks and my heart hurts. Mia squeezes my shoulders while Colie comments, “She looks like a bimbo! You have nothing to worry about, Camila, he’ll be back.”

  I wipe the tears from my face and shake my head. “I don’t know, maybe I just need to move on from the Purser brothers. Ugh!” I stand up, shaking my head. “I hate being such a sap over a man. This isn’t me, this—”

  “Means you’re in love,” Mia finishes for me.

  Colie and I both look at her like she’s got a third eye. Laughing, I brush off her comment. “It means I need to get my head back in the game and focus on my job.” Yes, my job kept the men away all these years and it’s time I jump back into it. Forget Evan and Blake Purser and focus on my career. Now, if only I can push Evan out of my mind...

  CHAPTER 23

  Evan

  I tug at the tie around my neck, it feeling more like a noose than an accessory. I’m wearing a monkey suit because my new agent, Kip Deevers, insists it’s for a good cause. He’s right, the gala tonight is to raise money for cancer, but I hate being outside of my comfort zone which includes wearing a suit and tie and pretending to like everyone around me.

  A string quartet plays on the stage underneath the twinkling Christmas lights. Ungodly amounts of tulle and satin garnish the tables and I wouldn’t be surprised if a bride and groom walked in at any moment. It was a thousand bucks a pop for a seat at tonight’s dinner, imagine how much would actually go to charity if it wasn’t wasted on these elaborate decorations. The Christmas lights reflect in the attendance gift, a crystal cancer ribbon ornament. I roll my eyes, only imagining what that alone cost.

  Leaning back in my assigned seat, I loosen my tie and begin to people watch. The only guests seated are senior citizens and pregnant women. At the bar are the single men checking their phones, ready to get out of here, because the chances of picking up a single woman here is slim to none. I let my eyes drift and scan the rest of the room. My eyes stop in front of the stage when I see her.

  From my view, her long dark hair falls in waves down her back. Her tan skin contrasts against the burnt orange dress that is molded to her tight body. Even from almost a hundred feet away, I almost need to wear sunglasses to block the sparkle from the diamonds she adorns. Just the sight of her and my palms are sweaty and I’m more nervous than before a game.

  Camila and I have been apart almost as long as we were together. Part of me wants to say, fuck it, who cares she slept with Blake and lied about it. I miss her—her laugh, her confidence, her attitude. I just miss her. But then the other part of me reminds myself that she did just that, she lied to me. She slept with my brother. How do I know I’m not just a token in her scheme to get Blake back?

  I take a few minutes to observe her in her element. Standing beside the number one NFL draft pick, a rookie from Oklahoma, Camila commands the attention from every man standing in their circle. The group of men laugh as she tells a joke and I feel myself smiling along with them even across the room. Screw it, I’m not going to sit here and watch this all night.

  Rising out of my chair, I stride across the room, making my way to Camila. Once I reach her, I simply take her by the elbow and walk her out to the dance floor. I don’t take the time to apologize as I do this and Camila is too stunned to say anything either. Pulling her against me, I link our hands together and put my other on her waist. We sway to the tunes of the violin and other instruments, Camila’s face still in shock.

  “Wh-wh…Evan,” she says, finally closing her mouth.

  I grin that for once in her life she’s speechless. “Camila,” I say back curtly, getting a laugh out of her.

  She moves her hands around my neck, hugging me and we continue dancing in that position. “How’ve you been?”

  I shrug, staring into her chocolate eyes. “I’ve been better. You?”

  She looks away and glances around the room. “I’ve picked up a few new clients.”

  “Then I guess your loss on me wasn’t too bad,” I reply, the bitterness clearly evident in my tone.

  Her jaw stiffens, but she doesn’t respond to my comment. We dance quietly and her tantalizing scent drives me wild. Her head rests on my shoulder and I let one hand caress her bare back. My mind’s made up, I’m going to forgive her. Beg for her to come back to me, but then again, I already knew that when I got out of my seat.

  “Camila—” I begin and then stop. Walking toward us in a burnt orange tie that matches her dress, is the old geezer Gregg Turner. I lean back, looking down at Camila and shaking my head. “Are you fucking kidding me? You ran back to him?”

  Camila glances over her shoulder, not moving her hands away from my neck. “Gregg and I are friends, Evan. I haven’t slept with him since Colorado.”

  “Well then, I guess tonight should be good for both of you.” I pluck her hands off my neck and turn away from her with a disgusted sigh.

  She doesn’t let me get far. Her hand grasps mine and she tugs at it, forcing me to look back at her. “Evan, please, can we talk?”

  “That’s nothing to talk about, Camila. We had some good times, you’re a good lay. Now, let’s move on and forget about each other.”

  Her hand drops mine and her face goes blank. My heart sinks and I turn before she can see the pain in my eyes. She’s hurt me one too many times, now it’s time to turn the tables. Walking up to the bar, I wave the bartender over. “Whiskey on the rocks and make it a double.”

  Camila

  “Everything alright?” Gregg asks, his hands on either side of my waist as he stands behind me, watching Evan walk away.

  Turning quickly, I look up at him and nod. “Of course.” I spot Mia across the room and turn to Gregg. “I’m going to run to the ladies’ room and I’ll be right back.”

  He nods, kissing my cheek. “Camila, don’t let him go if that’s what you want.”

  I look up at Gregg, tears in my eyes and he brushes his lips across my forehead. I make my way to Mia, dragging her by the hand to the ladies’ room. Once the door closes, I drop to the couch and let the tears fall, sobbing to my friend about the incident that just occurred. Mia moves beside me, her arm draped over my shoulders as she tries to console me.

  “
Why am I like this?” I question, wiping at the tears and forcing myself to stop crying.

  “Oh Camila, because you really like him,” Mia says and gives my shoulders a squeeze. “You need to talk to him, away from everyone. I’m sure he’ll forgive you and you two can be together. Men don’t always see the big picture, just ask my husband.” Mia smiles as she finishes her sentence because for the longest time Tate thought Mia was still married to her ex-husband.

  Standing up, I move to the sink and begin to fix my make-up. “You’re right. I just need a few minutes to explain and beg him for a second chance.” I sigh. There’s nothing to explain. Plain and simple, I slept with Blake. More than that I had a relationship with him and I blatantly denied it. Now, I’m going to have to grovel if I want to get Evan back.

  Mia hands me my lipstick. “He’s a fool if he doesn’t take you back.”

  I pause, looking at my friend and giving her an earnest hug. For the longest time, I only had Blake in my life as both my best friend and lover. Meeting Colie and Mia has been a blessing because there’s only so much farting and football a girl can handle.

  Gregg greets us at the door, waiting for our return. He’s filling in as both mine and Mia’s date tonight since I’m hopelessly single and not talking to Blake and Tate’s on the road, unable to attend with Mia. He takes each of our hands, giving them a kiss on the knuckles.

  “The two most beautiful women and I’m lucky enough to call them my dates,” he says with his charming tone.

  Mia laughs and thanks him but I’m too busy looking around the room for Evan, but he’s nowhere to be seen. Gregg takes my hand, giving it a light squeeze and he raises his eyebrow.

  Forcing a smile, I shrug and he leads us to the dance floor. The three of us begin dancing to the DJ that’s replaced the string quartet. We all laugh at how bad our dance skills are and Evan is pushed out of my mind. A few songs go by and Mia excuses herself to get a drink. The DJ announces he’s taking a break and the string quartet begins again. The music is slowed down when they play a familiar Elton John tune. Gregg slides his hands to my waist, pulling me close to him and we sway with the music.