by Hadley Quinn
“I’m sorry,” she smiled sheepishly.
“It’s not your fault. I was so blown away by your naked body that I didn’t even realize water was flowing into the tub. I thought that was the blood rushing in my ears.”
“Well, it’s always nice to distract you that way, I suppose,” she winked.
“Hell yeah, I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
***
Once the bathroom was entirely cleaned up, Teague gave Camryn one of his shirts and a pair of boxers she had to roll over a few times at the waist. While her regular clothes were thrown into the wash, she cuddled up with him on his bed to watch a movie. With one arm around her and the other hand tickling her skin, Teague used the TV as an excuse to keep silent. But despite all the fun and laughter—and incredible sex—there was still something on his mind.
He pressed his mouth to Camryn’s hair like he’d done several times in the last half an hour, kissing her softly and breathing her in. This time, however, he’d built the courage to softly ask, “Will you tell me why you almost panicked earlier, when I said what I said about kissing you?”
He felt her body stiffen again. Maybe she even stopped breathing.
“Camryn? Please? I want you to talk to me. Was it because I said something about dying? I’m so sorry, babe. That was really insensitive of me. I’m a fucking idiot.”
Finally she sat up and turned to face him. Her expression was hard to read as she studied his eyes and raked her teeth over her lip. She went to speak a few different times but words didn’t come.
“Why don’t I just show you,” she stated at last. “Give me a sec.” She left the room and returned a minute later with her purse. Rifling through it, she pulled out her phone. “I want you to watch a video. It’s only a couple minutes long. Come find me in the kitchen when you’re done.”
She handed him her phone after searching through it and he watched her leave the room.
Glancing at the device, he sat up all the way and tapped the “play” icon on the screen. A soldier appeared on it, dressed in his army fatigues. Behind him was a row of beds as he positioned himself at a desk. He was a good-looking guy, Teague thought. His sandy hair was army short and his blue eyes were smiling at whatever he was filming with.
“Hey, Cam,” he greeted. “I know I just sent you one of these videos yesterday, but… Well, I have a few minutes to spare before we ship out for an assignment and… I just wanted to talk to you before we left. I know you’re dancing in Florida this weekend and you’re busy, so I’ll just record this for you for now.”
He paused as he looked down at the table. Then he dug into the front pocket of his shirt and pulled out a photo. He showed that it was a picture of Camryn.
“I keep this with me no matter where I’m at, lady. I never go anywhere without it. It stays here, close to my heart. I just wanted you to know you’re always with me.”
He tucked it back in his pocket again and then seemed to nervously tap the table for a few beats. Looking back at the camera he said, “It sucks being this far away from you, Camryn. I know why I’m here, but sometimes I wish I wasn’t. Sometimes I wonder if I still would have chosen this if we’d met sooner. I don’t regret this but… I guess it’s hard to explain. I feel like I belong in two places at once. I can’t wait to see you again. In person, I mean. But until then, I look forward to your next video. I want to hear you tell me in person about that jackass that tried to kiss you,” he smiled. With a chuckle he added, “Brandon said you clocked the guy pretty good. Man, what I wouldn’t give to see that in person.” He adjusted in his seat and folded his arms on the table in front of him. “I can’t wait to kiss you again, Camryn. It’s all I think about sometimes. When I see you again, I’m gonna kiss you all night long. If I had to pick one last thing I could do before I die, it would be kissing you,” he smiled again.
Teague felt a heaviness settle in his chest as he watched this young soldier continue to profess his love to the girl of his dreams. He was briefly interrupted by someone in the room, and Zach told him he was coming. He then returned to the camera and said, “I love you so much, Cam. I can’t wait to marry you. You keep those guys away from those lips because they’re mine, got it? Your next kiss is gonna be from me and you’ll never forget it,” he grinned. He told her he loved her one more time and then switched off the recorder.
Teague felt numb. Numb but aching, if that was possible. Everything about Camryn made sense in so many ways now, and even if she had told him all of this, he might not have felt it like he did hearing Zach speak it himself. He didn’t even know this guy, but Teague felt some kind of connection to him. Now here he was with Camryn, enjoying life and everything about her, while Zach had given his life to serve his country.
It seemed so unfair.
Teague rubbed his face roughly. He stood and took a deep breath, and when he felt put-together enough, he left her phone on the bed and made his way to the kitchen. Camryn’s back was to him as she mixed a cup of hot chocolate. Her pretty legs looked perfect coming out of his t-shirt, and he watched her for a moment as one bare foot was crossed behind her ankle, her hips gently swaying in place as she finished stirring the spoon and then took a careful sip.
She finally glanced back and noticed him leaning against the counter. They stared at one another for a few seconds but neither of them said anything right away.
Finally Camryn quietly said, “I only wanted you to hear what I couldn’t tell you myself.” She set the mug on the counter. “I just…know you question me sometimes and I… I just wanted you to understand better. That video is very private and maybe listening to another guy say those things wasn’t what you wanted to hear, but I just wanted to share it with you. Those were the last words he ever said to me. He was killed in an ambush less than two hours later.”
Teague came across the kitchen and stopped in front of her, placing his hand against her face. Her green eyes were full of unshed tears and she was so beautiful, but for a brief moment, he felt guilty for even being here with her. He felt everything for her that Zach had professed and now he actually hurt inside.
“I didn’t mean for it to make you upset,” she told him, shaking her head. “I just thought…”
Teague wrapped his arms around her and held her tight. “I’m glad you shared it with me, Camryn. I’m not upset about anything except what you’ve been through, hon. I’m sorry for all of it. Everything. Losing your dad, and then Zach… I’m so sorry.”
He could feel her body completely relax in his embrace as she sighed and slid her arms around him. He held her in the middle of the kitchen, her faced pressed against his bare chest as her tears spilled over and wet his skin.
“Thank you, Teague. For understanding.”
He could only nod. He felt more than just understanding, but it didn’t feel right to tell her that at this particular moment. He was still trying to wrap his mind and his heart around it.
“Let’s get back to bed,” he told her, reaching for her hot chocolate. He carried it down the hall for her as they held hands.
“You’re totally going to let me watch a chick flick now, aren’t you,” Camryn teased as she sniffled and wiped the remaining moisture from her face.
They entered his room and he locked the door behind them. “Pssh, you already know I’m whipped.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
“Camryn,” Teague whispered softly. She stirred slightly when he put his lips on the back of her neck. “I gotta head out, beautiful.”
Her eyes barely opened when he spooned her from behind. She hugged his arms to her chest and sighed.
“I didn’t want to wake you, but I wanted to tell you goodbye,” he said.
“I’m getting up,” she said as she stretched.
“You don’t have to. I just wanted to kiss you goodbye.”
“I need to get back to Fresno so I can pack for the convention.”
“Okay. I’m gonna pull my car out to the street. Will you meet me out there?�
�
“Car? I didn’t know you had another vehicle,” she sat up.
“I keep it out back in the detached garage. Come on,” he said, climbing off the bed. He grabbed her wrists to pull her up. “Go take your tinkle and get dressed.”
She laughed at his mocking use of Melanie’s “potty word.” But she slid out of bed and used the bathroom, and when she came out, he had her clothes set on the bed for her. “You’re like my own personal servant.”
“I’d dress you too,” he winked, “but I’m running behind. I’ll meet you outside, okay?”
He left without her response and headed out back to pull the Boss out of the shop. Glancing at his watch he knew he was going to be late and he hoped Kate would give him some slack.
When Camryn came outside, her jaw dropped. “Oh my God, Teague. Why can’t you drive normal vehicles?”
He smiled at the comment. “You want me to be just an average guy?”
She joined him on the sidewalk, shaking her head at the moss green muscle car with custom wheels and black racing stripes over the top of it. “No. That is a gorgeous car. If I’m really super sweet to you, can I drive it sometime?”
The ’69 Boss was a beautiful car. Jay had originally owned it as a project car, but when his finances got tight, Teague was the one that paid the bills for them to fix it up together. He considered Jay to be half owner of the vehicle, even though it was now in Teague’s name.
But Jay would fucking kill him if he ever let a female drive it.
“I’ll have to see how sweet you really mean,” he teased her with a smile. He gave Camryn a long kiss goodbye, hating that he had to leave. He held her tight next to his car and kissed her once more. “Have a safe ride with Mimi to Sacramento. Enjoy the, you know, dance thingy.”
“It’s a convention I’m teaching at,” she smiled.
“Okay, have fun teaching at the convention. It’s just two days, right? You’ll be back in Fresno and I’m still set to see you then?”
“Of course. Unless things change on your end.”
“No, this should be the last day of filming this scene. I’ll be in Fresno the second you say so.”
She smiled and gave him a final hug. “Be careful today. You promise?”
“Yeah, I’m always careful,” he answered, kissing her forehead.
“Kiss me for real and then go have a great day.”
Teague made his goodbye kiss one to remember as he gently and deliberately made love to her lips. Damn, if he didn’t have to leave twenty minutes ago… He wanted to take her back into the bedroom, make love to her, and stay home all day.
He pulled away before he could make a hasty declaration, just as an unwelcome face appeared at the edge of his driveway.
“Mornin’ Teague,” the man said with the smile of a salesman. “Got a minute?”
“Nope, not for you, Rick,” Teague answered, turning his back to him.
“Ah, come on, man. I’m just doing my job. Give me anything, just something, and I’ll leave you alone.”
“Being that you’re here once again, those words don’t mean much.”
“How’s your brother doing? You guys still on the outs?”
“I don’t know where you get your information,” Teague forced a smile, turning back to him. “Things are just fine with my brother.”
“You two don’t hang out anymore,” Rick stated. “Kinda tells me something.”
“It’s called being busy, and I see him all the time. Now get off my property.”
“I’m in fair territory,” Rick smirked, holding his hands out to show he was standing on the sidewalk.
Teague ignored him and left his car to walk Camryn to the front door of the house. “Don’t say a word to him if he’s still here when you leave. And if he says shit you don’t understand, it’s just to get a reaction out of you.”
“Is he a reporter?”
“Yeah, and the worst kind. Could you make sure Mel doesn’t talk to him either?”
“Yes,” she nodded. “Of course.”
He smiled and said, “See you in a couple days. I’m gonna miss you like fucking crazy, so call when you can.”
“Definitely.”
One short kiss later he was in his car, backing out of the driveway, and the reporter was nowhere to be seen.
***
With a sigh, Camryn entered the house, but Kellie and Melanie’s voices and laughter made her smile. They were talking about guys who considered their “junk” to be drool worthy.
“You really said that to him?” Melanie was giggling. “God, did you keep a straight face?”
“Kind of,” Kellie replied. “Once I was in my car I laughed my ass off.”
Melanie laughed again as she spotted Camryn. “Oh hey. Did we get our big boy off to school okay?”
“Yep,” Camryn smiled.
“You two are so cute together it’s pathetic. But I guess I’m kinda jealous. Maybe you can hook me up with someone else in the family.”
Melanie had always been hot for Max McCallan over the years, and she about died when she realized Teague was his half-brother. She and Camryn had discussed it a few times, but Camryn was still annoyed with her sister’s superficial interests and had made her swear to keep her mouth shut around Teague.
“Sorry, Teague is pretty much the only nice guy in the family,” Kellie informed Melanie. “The rest are all pricks.”
“Oh come on,” Melanie argued. “All of them? I’m sure there are redeeming qualities. I’ve seen Max do interviews and stuff and he’s completely adorable.”
“For an audience? Hell yeah,” Kellie answered. “But to be honest, he can be a bigger dick than his dad.”
“Well there’s a reason for it sometimes,” Melanie shrugged.
“Why are you defending someone you don’t even know?” Camryn pointed out casually. She was straightening up the room at the same time, getting ready to leave.
“I just believe in giving people a chance,” she shrugged. “I’m not going to say someone’s an asshole just because someone else says it.”
“Hmm,” Camryn responded. “We gotta get going Mel, so go grab your things, okay?”
“We’re going home, right? Straight to Fresno?”
“Yes. I don’t have to be in Sacramento until tonight, but I at least need to have enough time to grab my things from the house.”
Melanie hopped up from the couch and headed for the hallway. Kellie stood up too and said, “You don’t have to clean up, Camryn. That’s my lovely job.”
“So what are the terms between you and Teague?”
“I’m just the caretaker-slash-housekeeper, I guess. He lets me live here rent-free and use his things. So I just do whatever I can to help out.”
“Hmm. Have you guys always been close?”
“Yeah, actually. Me, Teague, and Jay—the three amigos. We’re the only McCallans that are fairly decent. Well, that’s a loose definition of decent, I suppose,” she smiled. “I guess maybe we’re the only ones not out for fame and fortune, to do harm to others, or rule the world. My dad and Teague’s dad are brothers, but completely fucked up in their own ways. They also have another brother and a sister, and both of them and their families are greedy, fame-seeking vipers. We don’t have much to do with any of them. I’m glad Jay and I have Teague, but the rest of our family can just fuck off and die, for all I care.”
“What about your mom? Didn’t you say you were heading to visit her soon?”
“My mom went off the deep end because of the McCallans, too. I mean she was married to my abusive father for twelve years, for God’s sake. She’s kind of a bitch and took most of my dad’s money from the McCallan family, but I really can’t blame her. She moved away from it all and she’s getting remarried this weekend. Yeah, I’m supposed to head out tonight, which means I’d better go pack. Nothing like last minute,” she grinned.
Camryn laughed as they headed for separate halls.
***
When they finall
y pulled into the driveway of their Fresno rental, Melanie actually mentioned the dog, like it absolutely had not crossed her mind a single time until then.
Which it hadn’t.
“Henry came for him a few days ago,” Camryn replied, tossing her purse on the table as they entered.
Melanie looked completely puzzled. “Oh,” she finally said, and then headed for her room.
Camryn rolled her eyes, but she wasn’t in the mood for telling off her sister. With Melanie’s pregnancy news, her constant back and forth between her usual happy self and pining for Jack, Camryn didn’t feel like getting into anything else with Mel. She got her things packed and left with Mimi when she arrived. She did, however, leave a note for her sister to look for a part time job.
The convention was pretty awesome, which is why Camryn and Mimi signed on every year to teach. It was a massive dance competition with class after class of dance workshops of every genre. The teachers even took some of their own classes with other famous dancers and it was amazing. Camryn felt good when she danced; she felt even better when she danced her ass off to forget the worries in her life.
Teague was already at her house when she and Mimi returned to Fresno two days later. He looked more worn out than she did, though, and it worried her.
“Have you been sleeping?” she asked, after one hell of a hello kiss on the front porch.
“Mmm, not really,” he shrugged. “I’ve missed you too much.”
Camryn stretched out on the couch with him, and both were completely content to just lie there together. While Melanie was out with Lynn for the evening, Camryn thought they could have sexed up the couch really well. But just cuddling up next to him felt amazing, and they both fell asleep that way. Even Teague didn’t wake up to carry Camryn to bed, and when she woke around three a.m. and he remained sound asleep, she wondered what was wearing him to exhaustion. Tuesday he’d be heading back to LA to film an extra scene that was added to the script and he had invited her to come with him. She didn’t have any commitments until the next weekend and he had successfully talked her into it.