by Lyssa Layne
Chapter 12
Evan
Stupid Tom Petty plays through the speakers of Blake’s Cadillac Escalade. I hate this song, but then again ever since the NFL draft a couple weeks ago, I pretty much hate everything. I know I overreacted, Blake’s told me a dozen times that I did. That it’s how the NFL works and I need to get used to it, that I’m being a fuckin’ baby and that Camila will work it all out.
Yeah, I’m pissed that my own team lowballed me and that some team in the middle of the U.S. where it snows regularly during games wants me, but honestly, more than anything, I’m just pissed that Camila didn’t tell me about the offers upfront. I don’t know what kind of relationship we had, or were about to, but I’m not down with one that’s doesn’t lay it all out, telling the truth like it is. That’s why I walked out, that’s why I said fuck it when everything I really wanted was standing right before me.
Leaning my head back, I close my eyes, trying to block out the folksy tune and Blake’s awful singing. A few more miles down the road and I can’t handle it anymore.
“Blake, shut the fuck up!” I yell, glaring in his direction.
Of course, Blake grins and continues singing. Once the song ends, he punches me in the thigh. “What’s your problem?”
Squeezing my eyes shut, I clench my jaw, fighting the urge to punch him back. It’s been a couple months since I’ve really spent any one-on-one time with my brother and I’m thinking this trip to L.A. over Memorial Day weekend probably isn’t the best idea. Blake jabs me again and I grab his fist, crushing it with all my might. Blake tightens his jaw before finally giving in and pulling his hand away.
“Dude, what the hell is your problem? You not getting any?” he asks, rubbing his knuckles while we sit at a stoplight.
“Gettin’ plenty,” I mumble and it’s the truth. Ever since I walked out on Camila in her underwear, I’ve banged any woman that’s been willing. Too bad I haven’t been able to get the last memory of Camila out of my mind while I’m with them.
Blake chuckles. “Yeah, seems like it.”
Linking my fingers together, I crack my knuckles, letting his comment slide. “What about you? You getting laid?”
His cocky grin gets even bigger. “Don’t worry about me, little brother, I’m taken care of.”
The vein in my forehead pulses, but I scoff. “Of course you are. I bet Camila is a good fuck,” I say, not even trying to hide my disdain.
Blake glances over at me, his smile gone. “Whatever, man, I’m not going to tell you again, I’m not sleeping with her. What’s your deal with her anyway? Why do you care who she sleeps with?”
I turn my gaze out the window, staring at the cars passing by on the freeway. “She can do whoever she wants, I don’t give two shits about her. She’s just an easy lay who uses her sensuality to get ahead in the business.” The words come out of my mouth even though I don’t really believe them.
Blake sneers. “Sure, if you want to think that, fine. Camila’s the best damn agent out there. She doesn’t treat her clients like an investment like some of the assholes, she treats them like family. She’ll bend over backward for any of us, including you.” I can tell from the tone of his voice that he honestly believes every word he’s saying.
Internally, I fight the smile that wants to come across my face thinking about Camila bent over backward, but hey, I’m sure she does that often. I wonder how many clients she’s really slept with. Blake finally shuts up and we drive in silence. Quickly, I go down her list of clients, mentally making a list of who I think she’s been with.
A mile down the road and the list I’ve created is pissing me off. Blake’s phone rings out a different Tom Petty song than the one on the radio. I’m tempted to throw the fuckin’ thing out the window, but before I am able to get my window rolled down, Blake answers. Guess it’s his lucky day.
“Hello…Whoa, whoa, whoa. Calm down, Camila… Are you alright?” At the sound of her name, I lean forward, elbows on my knees and stare at Blake. I can make out her muffled voice on the other end of Blake’s phone, but my heart is pounding in my ears, making it impossible to clearly hear her words.
After what feels like an eternity, Blake speaks into the phone again. “Okay, Cam, I’m a couple exits away. I’ll be there in a few, just stay calm.”
Camila responds, her voice still sounding hysterical, and then Blake simply hangs up. He puts on the blinker, glances over his shoulder, and crosses into the other lane without saying a word. I’m staring at him, waiting for him to say something, anything. My pulse is still racing, wondering about what kind of danger Camila is in.
When he exits the freeway, still not having said a word, I explode. “What the hell is going on? Is Cami in trouble?” My voice booms through the SUV, finally drowning out the awful radio station Blake has it tuned to.
My brother doesn’t even flinch at my voice or my words. No, instead the asshole stares ahead at the road, a smug look taking over his face and pissing me off even more. I ball my hands into fist to hide the shaking and reach for my own phone. If Blake won’t tell me what’s going on then I’ll just find out myself. My finger hovering over her phone number, Blake chuckles before he speaks.
“Thought you didn’t give two shits about her?” he asks, his eyebrows raised and a smirk on his face.
“Is she okay?” I repeat, not in the mood to play his game.
The Escalade pulls up in front of a beach house and if I wasn’t about to lose my mind not knowing if Camila is in trouble or not, I would’ve recognized the house in front of me. Instead, my leg starts bouncing and I’m about to crawl out of my skin. My finger lowers, almost on the call icon when Blake cuts the engine.
“She’s fine, freaking out because the James’ dog got out. You gonna help me look for the beast?”
I fall back in the seat, relieved the drama is over a missing dog and nothing happened to Camila. My heart beats erratically, still trying to go back to its normal rhythm. The last time this kind of fear crept over me was when I found my mother’s front door open and I was certain that I’d find her dead inside.
Holding out my hand, I shake my head. “Give me the keys, I’m going to the hotel.”
Blake drops the keychain in my palm, shrugging his shoulders. “Suit yourself, but don’t deny that you’re attracted to Camila Lemos. You do a shitty job trying to hide it.”
“Fuck off,” I mutter, climbing out of the SUV and walking around to the driver’s side.
Blake’s waiting for me with the door open. Avoiding eye contact, I try to slide by him, but he pats my chest as I step into the Escalade. “Trust her and everything will work out fine.”
I roll my eyes, trust is the last thing I want to with her. I put the key in the engine and start the car. When I reach for the door to close it, Blake is still standing in the way. “She won’t sleep with you, Evan, get it out of your mind. She’s hot, you want a piece of it, but once you accept that you’re just her client then it’ll make things so much easier.”
I sweep my arm, pushing him out of the way and yanking the door shut. Maybe she was never going to sleep with me at all that night. Maybe I’m just an idiot for falling for her…
Camila
“Blake, we have to find that dog! Toby will be crushed if anything happens to him,” I explain, not even trying to hide the panic in my voice as I pace back and forth across the James’ deck.
Blake grips my shoulders and gives me a firm shake. “We’ll find him, Cam, don’t worry. What direction did Shadow take off in?”
I point down the beach and Blake leads the way. Both of us calling loudly for the feisty black lab. I try to block the images of how Mia and Toby will react if that dog isn’t home when they get back in town. Mia and the kids are in New York for Tate’s series against the Aces and asked me to dog sit. I said no problem, thinking I would be able to enjoy a few runs along the beach with the pup. It was a great idea until his leash snapped while he barked at a passing lab and took off, darting in betwe
en houses. I chased after him for twenty minutes before calling for reinforcement.
An hour later, I stop yelling, my voice hoarse and sore. My shoulders drop and in my mind, I’m crafting exactly how I’ll explain this to Shadow’s family. Tears threaten to spill down my cheeks, making my vision blurry, but ahead of me, I swear I see a black dog and a large man jogging toward me. Wiping my eyes, I recognize the view in front of me is actually Shadow and Blake. I take off, sprinting toward them and dropping to my knees in the sand when I reach the two of them.
“Oh, Shadow, where have you been?” I scratch behind his ears while he gives me happy kisses, covering my cheeks with dog slobber.
Blake points behind him. “He found himself a girlfriend, cute little chocolate lab down there.”
I look up at Blake who is bare chested, his shirt thrown over his shoulder and sweat glistening down his body. Jumping up, I hug him quickly. “Thank you so much for finding him.”
Blake shrugs, acting as though it’s nothing, but I know he loves being the hero. Once upon a time, I enjoyed it too and he was handsomely rewarded for his acts of heroism. These days, he gets a hug, dinner, and that’s it, a compromise that we’re both happy with.
Back at the James’ deck, I give Shadow a bowl of water which he quickly laps up before finding the perfect shade spot on the patio and plopping down. Behind me, there’s a giant splash and I’m sprayed with water as Blake jumps in the pool wearing nothing but his boxers.
“Get in, Cam, the water feels great,” Blake calls to me, treading water in the deep end.
I’ve been wandering the beach for almost two hours. My skin is salty from my sweat with little beads of sand sticking to almost every inch of my body. Without being asked twice, I dive head first into the pool, wearing my UnderArmour running capris and matching red striped sports bra. Blake is right, the water is cool and refreshing, washing away my stress of the afternoon.
Blake walks across the shallow end of the pool while I float beneath the water, only my head sticking out. Remembering Blake was in L.A. with Evan for a photoshoot I booked him later in the week, curiosity gets the best of me. “So…was Evan with you?”
Blake nods. “Yeah, jackass didn’t want to stick around and help.”
I chew on my bottom lip, trying not to take it personally that he didn’t stay. “He’s not a dog fan?”
Blake’s shoulders move up and down. “You should know, you two have been spending a lot of time together.” And I know by the tone of his voice that he’s not making a statement. No, he’s making an accusation.
I roll my eyes, trying to play it off. “It’s his off season, he’s bored and I’m just doing my job.”
Blake scoffs and I know he’s about to call my bluff. “Bullshit, Camila. I hear you two on the phone, giddy and flirting. I’ve noticed you haven’t seen Gregg since spring training AND you let him call you Cami.” His eyes narrow because Blake’s the culprit that made me hate Cami.
Deflecting and hoping to not respond, I dunk underwater and swim to the stairs. As soon as I surface, Blake’s voice calls from behind me. “Cami, don’t do this, don’t go back on your rule.”
Halfway up the stairs, I turn to him, holding on to the railing. “Blake, don’t be ridiculous.”
His cocky attitude pisses me off and he knows it. “Who’s being ridiculous, Cam? You know you can’t turn down a Purser.”
A chill washes over my body and I take a step back into the water. “Don’t even think about bringing up the past or telling Evan anything about it.”
Blake smirks. “What’s it to you?”
I shake my head, laughing. In some ways, the Purser brothers are exactly alike. I splash water in his direction, making a direct hit in the face. Blake moves his hand quickly, splashing me as hard as he can and grabbing my ankle before I can climb out of the water. When his attack is over, he pulls me to him, my arm around his neck, and he looks down at me.
“Look, Cam, I know that we’re a thing of the past, but you’re the one that pushed me away, saying it would ruin your reputation. I respected your decision, have stuck by your side, and you know I’d do anything in the world for you, but don’t make a mistake you’ll regret.”
I sigh and bring my other arm around his shoulder, giving him a tight hug. A long time ago, my choice was something we both regretted, but once it had been made, there was no turning back. I needed Blake’s support as much as he needed mine and we couldn’t risk our careers on the fallouts of a break-up so we’d both decided friendship was the path for us.
Kissing his cheek, he drops my legs and I float back. “You’ve found your happy, Blake. When do I get to find mine?”
Chapter 13
Camila
“I hate you guys,” Colie says, pouting while simultaneously drooling over Mia’s and my lattes.
“Sorry, Cole. I know where you’re coming from,” Mia responds sympathetically, rubbing Colie’s six-month baby belly.
I take a long sip, letting out an exaggerated murmur of delight. “Mmm, this caramel latte is the best. So sweet, lots of caffeine, I might even get another.”
Colie swats at me, her bracelet jangling. “You suck, Camila.”
Laughing, I pat her hand. “So, ultrasound said girl. Is Grant beside himself?”
“Oh my gosh! You should see all the pink he’s bought, it’s like Pepto Bismol was barfed all over the new nursery. This little girl is going to have her daddy wrapped around her finger.” Colie’s blonde hair bobs up and down as she talks, her hand rubbing her belly. The grin on her face is contagious.
With a smile, I turn to Mia. “How’s Toby doing with Barrett?”
Now, Mia’s face is adorned with the look of maternal pride. “Toby adores his little brother. He insists on reading to Barrett before bedtime. And watching Tate with the two of them, some days I just can’t handle all the cuteness.”
“Just wait until they start having farting contests, Grant’s already started that with Liam.” Colie comments, acting disgusted, but there’s still a smile in her eyes.
Mia laughs and turns to me. “What’s new with you, Camila? I haven’t heard you talk about Gregg lately.”
My cheeks flush red and suddenly, my latte cup is the most interesting thing I’ve ever seen. Picking at the label, I shrug. “We’ve decided to take a break, no big deal.”
“His idea or yours?” Colie interrogates, leaning forward, eyebrows arched.
“Um, I guess mine,” I fumble, knowing I can’t hide anything from these girls.
“Which Purser?” Colie inquires.
“Colie!” Mia scolds, a tone she rarely even uses on Toby. “Camila’s told us there’s nothing between her and Blake.”
“Thanks, Mia,” I mumble.
Mia’s eyes get slightly wider. “But you’ve never said anything about Evan…”
“Yeah, you two were spending a lot of time together…” Colie adds on.
Suddenly feeling bashful, like I’ve been caught with my hand in the cookie jar, I open my mouth, but no words come out. When I start to speak again, I’m saved by my phone which shrills loudly. Relieved to not have to respond to their insinuation, I answer without looking while Mia and Colie talk amongst themselves.
“Camila Lemos.”
“What the hell do you have me doing?” a male voice booms on the other end, stopping my friends dead in their conversation. Immediately, I recognize Evan’s voice and excuse myself from the table, walking outside to take the phone call.
“Evan, what are you talking about?” I say in a loud whisper so he can hear me but not passerbys.
“This fuckin’ photoshoot! They want me to dress up like a gladiator, I look like a fuckin’ idiot!”
“Calm down, Evan.”
“Get your ass down here, Cami and fix it,” he orders and hangs up. My heart is racing but not at his anger. No, I finally get to see the man that’s been keeping me awake at night.
Evan
Sitting in my dressing room, I’m pouting
like a fuckin’ five-year-old. Camila thought she was doing me a favor by booking this photoshoot for a new men’s cologne, but there’s no way in hell I’m going to dress up like a fool for all of America to make fun of. Plus, now I get to see her, even if I don’t want to. She’s like an addiction that I can’t break and it pisses me off to no end.
My leg bounces, tapping my foot quickly against the floor. I shake my head in disbelief that the photographer, Raul, wanted me to wear nothing but a gladiator costume not even big enough to cover my package. I mean, if they’re selling to women then I guess he’s on to something. Still, I refuse to look like an idiot. I can only imagine the heat I’ll get from my teammates, whoever they might be this coming season.
The door opens and Camila walks in, slamming the door behind her. She’s wearing a pair of holey jeans and a peach striped tank top that pushes her cleavage out of the top. My cock twitches just at the sight of her and when she’s within a couple feet of me, I smell her ginger and floral scent teasing me. Good thing I got laid last night or I would already have her naked on the couch, not even caring about why I’m pissed at her.
“Do not call me like that again, Evan. You signed the contract so we’ve got to shoot something today or else they’ll charge you for the studio fee.” She puffs up her chest, trying to sound more confident than she is, but I can tell from the red creeping over her neck that she’s uncomfortable.
Standing up, mainly to show my dominance, but also so that our chests are touching, I glare down at her. “Then fix the fuckin’ problem.”
Her brown eyes stare into mine, neither of us wanting to blink first. Her red, plump lips are just begging for me to kiss them and I have a feeling that Camila wouldn’t push me away. Stubborn, definitely something we both have in common as we stand there, neither of us backing down. Finally, she ends our showdown with an exasperated sigh and turns to leave the room.
The door slightly ajar, I listen to Raul and Camila yelling at each other in another language. I don’t know what the hell she’s saying, but she’s turning me on. Fuck the lowball offer San Diego put in, screw it that Camila is pushing me away to Chicago, when she gets back in this room, I’m going to end what we started at the draft.