by Kristen Echo
Once in the hall, an awkwardness descended between them. Meagan wasn’t sure what to do or say. It was early, and she wondered what plans he had for the evening. “Are you going out?”
“No. I… suppose I could since you’re here. I hadn’t thought that far ahead. We should sit and discuss expectations.” He closed April’s door half-way and moved down the hall.
She followed, watching his ass glide all the way into a black leather sectional. Utter perfection. She took the seat opposite him. In her haste to get ready, she hadn’t changed out of her yoga pants and long-sleeved shirt. A decision she regretted as his eyes landed on her thighs. She crossed her legs.
He ran his fingers through his short hair, tugging at strands that weren’t there. “Look. I’m a blunt guy who says inappropriate shit sometimes. Because of this, I know my kid says things she shouldn’t. I blame all the locker room time she’s had to put in. But she’s really a great girl.”
“She’s adorable and I can see how much she loves you. You two make a great team.”
“Yeah. We’ve been just us for a long time. Since my mom left, it’s been tough. April hasn’t taken well to the change and the few helpers I’ve hired didn’t last. I’ve never seen her latch onto someone like this. I’m surprised she invited you into her room at all, never mind fell asleep on you.”
“Then I’m honored. I never would have guessed she takes a while to warm up to people. Maybe it’s because she knows Mr. Northcote and that I worked with Connie.”
“It's possible, or maybe you’re magic. Could be because you have some similarities to her mom.” He shook his head as if that thought wasn’t pleasant. “Either way, I’m grateful. Thanks for coming here. I’m not sure what Northcote said to convince you, but I’m indebted to that man.” He sat forward with his elbows resting on his knees.
“He didn’t have to twist my arm. Connie is so busy this month. Actually, she’s needing me less and less. I’m glad to have something productive to do. I adore kids.” She wasn’t sure if she should broach the missing mother figure. “If you don’t mind my asking, in what way am I similar to her mother?”
“Body type mostly. I’d rather not talk about her. You mentioned you like children. Do you have any?”
“No. I’m only nineteen. My parents would have gone ballistic if I had a baby before I was finished college. Not that having kids young is bad. What’s bad is that my dad scares away all my boyfriends and you kind of have to have a partner to make a baby. The Colonel is a tad over protective. So…” Oh, hell. The verbal diarrhea wouldn’t stop. Her mouth kept moving, digging an even deeper hole. “I haven’t had a boyfriend since I moved out last year. Although, that was my choice. It’s been hard finding time to date. You’re single so you know how hard it is to meet someone. It’s probably easy for you. I’m not saying you are easy, but meeting people would be. Dating sucks. Making it a priority is more my problem. What was your question again? I think I wandered off course here. Feel free to stop me anytime because I’m sure you don’t want or need to know my boring life story.”
His big green eyes stared at her and the too much information lines creased his forehead. “No kids, no boyfriend and an overbearing father. All good to know. I like how you say what’s on your mind and don’t hold back. Anything else?”
“Nope. I ramble when I’m nervous.” She rubbed the sweat from her palms onto her pants. “Um, my sister and mother are both equally a pain in the bottom, but I love them dearly. They like to show up whenever they feel like it. Mr. Northcote tolerated their visits because he’s friends with my dad. I haven’t given them your address and I won’t if you’d rather I didn’t Mr. Smith. I promise April comes first.”
The muscles on his arms flexed as he crossed them over his chest. “Don’t be nervous around me. It’s Cam. I’m only twenty-one, so please don’t call me Mr. Smith. Sounds too formal. This is your home for now and I want you to feel comfortable here. They can visit if you want them to, and I’ll leave that up to you. Okay? I’ve got a list of approved visitors in the kitchen. If they’re not on the list, turn them away.”
“Right.” Don’t be nervous, like that was possible. Every time he smiled, she tripped; every time he walked by, her heart raced. She’d only been around him for a few hours and her nerves had already taken a beating. He was so much more attractive up close. She understood why Lindy was obsessed with him.
He stood, and she did too. “I will take advantage of your presence and head out for a run. I’m hoping to do my first marathon this year. Before I go, you should know April often has nightmares. She probably won’t wake up. If she does, she’ll scream bloody murder for a while, before calming down. If she has a nightmare while I’m away—”
“I can handle it. Have a good run.”
Their arms brushed as he walked by and her breath hitched. The same current shot through her, making her insides quiver. He rubbed the spot as if he felt it too. Surely, that wasn’t the case. “I’ll be gone an hour or two. Help yourself to anything in the fridge or pantry. I’ve got an early practice tomorrow and my schedule’s posted on the board. I’m glad you’re here.”
He left, and she exhaled for the first time since she walked down those stairs at the Northcote’s. She unpacked and settled into bed. Two hours later, she was three chapters into a new romance novel when April screamed. The sound pierced through her heart. Meagan dropped her book and ran into the little girl’s room.
The poor thing was curled into a ball, clutching her pillow for dear life. Meagan crawled onto the bed, pushing her way through hundreds of tiny pillows and stuffed animals to get to her. She reached out tentatively and rubbed her arm.
“It’s Meagan, sweetie. I’m here and everything will be all right.” She pushed the curls away from April’s tear stained face as she continued to wail.
Two tiny arms wrapped around her neck. “Don’t… go.”
“I won’t.” She pulled the crying child onto her lap and held her. They rocked and Meagan hummed a silly tune. The sobs began to subside as Cameron rushed into the room half-naked.
His body was wet and glistening from his run. His eyes were frantic until he saw them. He exhaled and marched towards the bed. “Thank you,” he mouthed as he sat next to her and took April from her arms. Their bodies were side by side, heat radiating between them. The little girl didn’t let go of her neck and they ended up in a group hug.
“Baby, I got you. It’s all good. You can let go of Meagan now. Daddy’s here and I’m not going anywhere.”
April finally released her and Meagan watched as he cared for his daughter. Within seconds the tears had stopped. He ran his fingers through her hair, calming her. His arm accidentally brushed against the side of Meagan’s breast with every stroke. She should have moved, but she didn’t.
“Can I sleep in your room?” April asked.
“Sure, you can come sleep with me. Good night, Meagan.” He patted her leg and stood. Cameron placed April against his chest and carried her out of the room.
A minute passed as she sat there amid the dolls and pillows, reeling from the experience. She could still feel his body heat, his arm against her breast, and his hand on her bare knee. None of it had been sexual. The inadvertent touches still left her hot all the same.
There’s no way she could fall asleep after that. Back in bed, thoughts of Cam’s chiseled chest and eight pack consumed her. She picked up her book, but the steamy sex scene wasn’t helping her cause. Her fingers danced around her breasts, toying with her nipples, following the same actions as the man in the book. He fondled the heroine, twisting the hardened tips until she was panting. Only Meagan imagined they were Cameron’s hands doing her bidding. When the character slipped his hand inside the woman’s panties, Meagan had to stop.
Masturbating while thinking of Cameron wasn’t a good idea. She shook those thoughts away and put the book on the nightstand. She wasn’t allowed to have the hots for her boss. It was wrong. So wrong.
Chapter 3<
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Sleep hadn’t come easily for Meagan. She tossed and turned, unable to get the half-naked sight of Cameron out of her mind. The way the sweat clung to his lean body made her mouth water for a taste. Not that she’d been staring at him much. Okay, she hadn’t been able to take her eyes off him or the sexy trail of hair that dipped into his sweatpants.
It wasn’t only his body that turned her on; it was how he swooped in and took charge of the situation. He didn’t ask questions; he did what needed to be done. Taking care of April, melted her heart the most. His love for that tiny human was charming. She ran her fingers through her hair, tying the mangled brown strands up into a messy bun.
This family differed from hers. Her dad wasn’t the hugging type. He loved her plenty, and she never doubted his affection, but they rarely touched. Cameron and April showered each other with love. It was beautiful. He was beautiful.
She tugged on a pair of worn jeans and flopped down on the bed to zip them. They fit snug. Everything she owned had become tight. Since she’d moved in with the Northcote’s, she’d packed on a couple of extra pounds, mostly in her rear. Not having a chef at her beck and call these next few weeks would be good for her waistline. Meagan opted for a baggy, navy-blue sweater to hide her muffin top. All the daydreaming about hooking up with the sexy hockey player was silly and pointless. He’d never be interested in her.
The house was quiet as she finished dressing. She tiptoed into the kitchen which was empty. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted her way, making her smile. Cameron must have set the timer the night before. She spotted the full pot and stepped towards it.
“Do you like our house?” April asked, causing Meagan to leap at least a foot into the air.
She clutched her chest and tried to slow her breathing as April giggled. Meagan hadn’t been expecting anyone to be up. “Wow. You walk like a ninja. I didn’t hear you at all.”
Cameron breezed past her, getting to the coffee before she could. “She takes after me. We’re both light on our feet.” He removed two cups from hooks on the wall. “Coffee?”
“Yes, to both questions. Your house is great and two sugars, no cream,” she said, taking a seat at the kitchen table. The rustic tabletop was made from reclaimed wood, as were the chairs. The kitchen was modern with stainless steel appliances and a mosaic glass backsplash. A blend of old and new that worked. The countertops were concrete and there was a butcher block island in the center. It was a chef’s kitchen without being overdone. She liked it. The modern bungalow was quaint. The perfect family home.
April took the seat next to her. “It’s not as big as your house. You live in a big palace.”
Meagan laughed. “That wasn’t my home. I live there, but I don’t own it. My family home is like this, only your house is more my style. I especially like how you’ve decorated your room. Did you pick the colors?”
Every wall had been painted a different shade of purple and the accents were all bright, lime green. The perfect little girl’s room for a girl who wasn’t in love with princesses. April liked hockey, animals and books, but she wasn’t a fan of fairytales.
“I picked everything.” Her tiny dimples brightened her face. She looked exactly like her dad when she smiled like that. “Daddy has no sense of style. That’s what Nana and Uncle Joe say.”
“Hey!” The man in question sauntered over. He placed a steaming cup in front of her and ruffled April’s hair. “I have great style. By the way, you got yours from me, kiddo.” He took a sip from his cup.
“No, I didn’t. Uncle Joe taught me. He’s smexy.”
Meagan giggled as Cameron’s face fell and he nearly spat his coffee across the table. The little girl was right. Joe was smart and sexy, but she wondered where she’d picked up that term.
“He’s not more stylish than me. And what does smexy mean?” He crouched down next to his daughter.
April tucked her blonde curls behind her ears as she pondered the answer. “I don’t know. I heard lots of girls call him that. They call you it too, but not as often. They also call him—”
“Don’t say any more about Joe. And you shouldn’t be listening to those women.”
His cheeks turned an endearing shade of rose and Meagan melted. A man who could blush. Wow.
“Let’s learn more about our new friend instead.”
“Great idea,” April added, throwing her arm over her dad’s shoulder. “Who do you think is more smexy, Dad or uncle Joe?”
This time it was her cheeks that changed color. “I shouldn’t answer that. Your dad is my boss and it wouldn’t be appropriate.”
“Technically, I’m not your boss.” Cameron stood and pulled out the chair across from them. “Honey, she probably doesn’t know uncle Joe. Joe Larson’s a very busy man and not everyone knows him.”
“Actually, we’ve met a few times.” Meagan sat straighter, twisting the cup around in a circle. “He saved me and Connie a while back. I don’t know him well and he probably doesn’t remember me.”
“Everyone says uncle Joe has the biggest—”
“You’ve been spending way too much time around the arena.” He didn’t sit, instead he waltzed to the fridge. “Meagan, I’m sorry about this. It’s bad enough my own daughter thinks her uncle is more stylish than me. I don’t think my ego can take another hit. Let’s change the subject. What can I make you two for breakfast?”
“Yogurt and berries!” April rocked in her seat.
In the center of the table was a bin filled with crayons and paper. April helped herself; she was a happy-go-lucky kid. Meagan wondered what caused the nightmare last night but didn’t ask.
He turned his face towards them and tilted his head to the side. “Yogurt and berries, what?”
“Please and thank you, Daddy.” April batted her lashes as she spoke and Meagan laughed. The little girl turned her attention to the pages in front of her, wagging her tongue out as she concentrated on coloring inside the lines.
“That sounds good. If you have enough, I’ll have the same. Please and thank you.” She stood up and joined Cameron by the fridge. “Can I help?”
“I got it. I can’t cook much, but I can whip up a mean yogurt and berries. Breakfast is my specialty.” He winked and pulled out the ingredients for breakfast.
A rush of heat shot between her legs when he did that. She rubbed her thighs together. “What’s the plan for the day? I saw nothing regarding April’s schedule. Does she have any activities like dance or music lessons?” Meagan leaned against the counter watching him prepare their meal.
“April goes to daycare Monday through Friday. You’ll have most of the day off and work a split shift. I’ll take her today and you can come along. You don’t have a car is that right?”
“I don’t have a car, but I have a license. Do you have a second vehicle? If not, we can take the bus once I figure out the schedule around here. We could stay here too; I don’t mind spending the day with her.”
He added spoons to the dishes and smiled at his handy work. “I’ve got a couple of cars you can use. It’s best to let her socialize and get used to daycare. With my crazy schedule this works best for us. Getting her transitioned was hell for both of us after my mom left. I don’t want to disrupt the small victories.”
She didn’t pry for more details. “Daycare during the day it is.”
Cameron handed her a bowl and their fingers touched. The same visceral reaction traveled through her. What was up with that? She eyed his thick fingers and wondered what they’d feel like between her legs. She took the food and rushed back to the table to sit before she said something stupid.
They sat around the table and discussed schedules and the approved visitor list. It was a short list. Cameron was particular about who he allowed around his daughter. His protectiveness reminded her of her father. The similarities ended there. Cameron was laid back and her father was very strict. While they talked, April fed herself, smearing the blueberries and raspberries all over the place. Her jammies an
d the tablecloth were covered in berries. Cameron didn’t care about the mess. Meagan offered to clean, but he informed her a cleaning lady came over often to tidy and she wouldn’t have to do any cleaning.
She listened and learned about their routine. Every time he asked her a question, she’d ramble and say something stupid. Her stories made them both laugh, and the sound made her ears tingle with happiness. By the time they drove to the daycare center a few miles away, she’d revealed her most embarrassing stories. The time she burped into the microphone while making a speech at her high school graduation, and the time she accidentally, flashed her father’s platoon when her dress got caught in the car door.
The laughter ended when they arrived. April didn’t want to get out of the car and it took a lot of coaxing before she finally went inside. It was difficult to watch, but there wasn’t anything she could do. Once inside, April cried again and refused to let go of his hand. Eventually, she joined her friends on the mat and started playing. She could tell the ordeal had taken its toll on Cameron, who looked deflated and worn out.
“Is that how it always goes?” She leaned against the wall, watching the kids interact.
He leaned next to her, their arms touching. “Sometimes better, but there are always tears. I’ve tried different techniques, but she has separation anxiety. It kills me to see her in pain, but we can’t be attached at the hip. That’s not healthy for either of us.”
“I could stay,” she offered. Partly, to help April feel less anxious and partly because she was nervous about being alone with him. His presence did funny things to her hormones. She talked a mile a minute or tripped all over. All the above made her come across as a star struck idiot.
“That’s sweet of you to offer, but I need to get you home. I have to leave for the rink, and we never finished the tour. You never got a chance to see the basement. Aren’t you curious what secrets are hidden in the dungeon?” He followed that up with dramatic sound effects.