by Hadley Quinn
Chapter Eighteen
Teague finished off his cigarette as he neared Camryn’s street. He rolled all the windows down to air out the truck, pissed with himself for smoking in it. He didn’t particularly care for his meeting with Glen and he had let him know it. He needed to find someone else to work with; someone not affiliated with his dad.
He pulled in front of Camryn’s house and killed the engine. Grabbing a small bottle of mouthwash and a pack of gum reminded him of what a dumbass he was. He didn’t need to smoke like that when he knew he was going to see his girl. If his brain had been working instead of his habitual motions, he could have held off.
“Hey, is this your fucking dog?” some guy yelled from two houses down.
Teague eyed the brown mutt and shook his head as he spit mouthwash onto the ground. “Nope, sorry.”
The guy looked disgusted, like Teague should have claimed him anyways. To make matters worse, the dog saw him and came trotting across two yards to get to him, sniffing his leg and wagging his tail.
Teague held out his fist for him and then pet his head. “Hey buddy. You lost?”
“Not your dog, huh?” the neighbor griped.
“Oh my God, there you are!” Camryn’s voice exclaimed, and she came out the front door just as quickly. She went straight to the dog and clipped a leash to his collar.
“Well I’m excited to see you too,” Teague joked.
She gave him an awkward smile. “Sorry, he just disappeared—”
“Hey!” the neighbor snapped as he came down the sidewalk. “Your damn dog shit on my lawn. Come clean it up!”
Camryn didn’t even hesitate to meet him halfway. “Don’t act like a fuckwad and maybe I will,” she told him.
The guy narrowed his eyes as Teague came up beside her. The neighbor looked between the two of them, debating who to make a retort to. He chose Teague when he grunted and said, “Maybe you should put a collar on her,” and stalked off.
The guy was a coward, so Teague wasn’t going to respond. But he did turn to Camryn and placed his hand softly against her neck, giving it a good look. “Hmm, about what size collar are you?”
She smacked his hand away and laughed, but then she allowed him to wrap her up in his arms. He squeezed her tight and then pulled her mouth to his for a kiss. The feel of her lips were like coming home, but he pulled away before the eager accomplice in his pants got too riled up.
“I’ve missed you,” he said. “Did you have a good day?”
Leaning back slightly, she studied him for a moment. “It’s been decent. I’m glad you’re here, though.”
“Shit, where was he?” Melanie exclaimed, hurrying from the backyard.
“At Don’s,” Camryn replied. “He crapped in his yard, too.”
Melanie made a face and groaned. “Do I have to clean it up? He’s just gonna stare at my ass when I bend over.”
“Then fling it at his window.”
Both Teague and Melanie laughed. “Can I?” Melanie asked.
“Just use the big shovel,” Camryn told her. “I’ll put this furry guy inside and figure out a way to make the gate stay shut.”
“You girls get a new roommate?” Teague asked as they entered the house.
Camryn rolled her eyes. “She’s dogsitting. For some guy she doesn’t even know just because she thinks he’s cute.”
“Hmm. So you’ve got Fucktard and now…?”
“Oh, um, Tucker. Yeah. Except you know about where I’m headed with that name.”
“Yeah,” he laughed. “I can figure it out. He a Saint Bernard mix?”
“Yep, Saint Bernard/Golden Retriever.”
Teague watched her fill up a food and water bowl for the dog and set it by his bed. She never seemed to touch the dog unless she had to, and he thought that to be interesting.
He glanced at the huge bouquet of flowers by the couch and smiled to himself. When he’d told the lady on the phone to make it special, he had no idea what it would look like. He just told her what kind of flowers, and when she gave him the total, he didn’t even care.
He strolled over to Camryn and said, “Hey, can we talk for a little bit?”
Her eyebrows shot up with surprise. Teague supposed those words weren’t exactly the most popular to use in a relationship, but it was too late now.
“Um, sure, of course,” she answered.
“It’s nothing drastic,” he added, holding up his hands. “I just want to clear the air about something.”
“Okay. Maybe we both should.”
He tilted his head, wondering if she was finally going to tell him about Zach on her own. If that was the case, the conversation might not be so awkward. “All right,” he nodded.
Just then Melanie stormed through the front door, grumbling with expletives and hand gestures about their asshole neighbor and the things his dirty mouth said to her. She was disgusted and embarrassed, and swore she was never going outside again if that pervert was around.
Camryn flung the door open to have it out with the guy but Teague grabbed her arm. “Whoa, hey, hey, Camryn. Hang on, hon.”
“I’ve had it with that piece of shit! He’s a disgusting pig and he needs me to kick his face in!”
“I get that, but I don’t want you going over there like this. You’re too upset and that guy is garbage, okay?”
“Well I’m not going to put up with this anymore!”
“I realize that, but you’re not going over there, got it?” he said sternly.
She was obviously surprised, and even Melanie’s jaw dropped a little. He figured not many people told Camryn what to do.
But Teague didn’t say another word as he left, shutting the door behind him. He took a deep breath as he headed down the sidewalk, shaking his head to himself. He hoped the guy was smart enough to take a verbal warning. Teague didn’t do well with disrespectful dickheads.
Don was in his garage with the door up, bent over the hood of his rusty Pontiac with his ass crack hanging out. Teague rolled his eyes, trying to resist a joke that would come easy if Jay were with him.
“Hey,” he called as he walked up the driveway.
Don turned around, recognition slowly registering. “What the fuck do you want?”
“I want you to show some respect to your neighbors by keeping your eyes to yourself and your damn mouth shut.”
Don’s laugh was a disgusting cackle. “Are you a fucking joke?” he asked, dropping a wrench onto the garage floor. “You come here to my house to threaten me?”
“I’m not threatening you. I’m telling you to stop saying shit to the ladies down the street.”
“Listen, dipshit. I know you’re playing hero to the blonde sister sluts. And God, I’m sure they’re worth the fuck, especially that older one. What a hot set of–”
Teague hauled back and clocked the fucker right in the face, dropping him instantly. For the few seconds he was out cold, Teague leaned over and patted the other side of the guy’s face until he slowly came to and his eyes fluttered open.
“Big mistake,” Don mumbled, shaking his head clear. He grunted to a sitting position, scooting out of Teague’s reach. “The cops will have fun with you,” he growled.
“Awesome. Send them my way. I’d love to chat with them about the little late night activities you have going on over here.”
Don grabbed for the car that was next to him to help him stand as he glared at Teague. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Yeah, you’re not fooling anyone, fucker. You mind your business and I’ll mind mine, but if you or any of that shit affects those two girls in the slightest way, I’ll be back. I promise.”
Teague turned to leave, only to find Camryn and Melanie watching from the sidewalk. Melanie’s jaw was open and Camryn was stone-faced as they watched Teague approach.
“You girls should’ve stayed inside,” he said softly. He put a hand on Camryn’s lower back to lead her away but she didn’t speak.
Melanie’s s
hock had worn off and she put her hand over her mouth as they walked up their own driveway. “Oh my God, I wish I could see that again,” she exhaled, starting to chuckle.
“What time is Lynn coming by?” Camryn asked, obviously to divert the conversation.
“Oh, shit! Any minute now.”
Melanie hurried into the house and disappeared to her room, and as soon as she did, Camryn glared at Teague. “I realize that you’re just looking out for us, but that guy is a major asshole, and I’m sure he’s calling the cops right now.”
“He’s got too much to lose,” Teague replied. “How long has that prick been selling drugs out of his house?”
She slowly shrugged. “As long as I’ve been here, I guess. Eight months, at least. And how would you know this? This is only the second time you’ve been here.”
“You mentioned he’s got cars coming and going all the time. That didn’t mean anything to you?”
“I didn’t say that I was unaware of it. I’d rather not know what he’s doing over there. But how did you know?”
“I saw it when I brought you home last night. And he had another customer right when I was leaving.”
He wanted to add that he didn’t like her neighborhood one bit, but that might be crossing the line. There was only so much a person could do sometimes, and shitty neighbors was often a given. He didn’t want to make Camryn feel like she was responsible for living near garbage like that.
A horn honked from the driveway and Camryn hollered for Melanie. She came breezing by a few seconds later with her purse and a larger bag. “Bye, kiddies. See you Sunday.”
“Be safe, Mel. Please?”
She paused at the door and blew Camryn a kiss. “I will.”
When Melanie left, Camryn let out the breath she was holding. “God, I wish she didn’t run around so much.”
“Where’s she headed?” Teague asked, joining her in the front room.
“San Diego. Her friend McKenzie is having a welcome home party for her brother who returned from Iraq. Melanie was just going to stay for a few days but… I know it’s kind of a wild bunch. I’m a mother hen,” she smiled guiltily.
Teague pulled her close to him and they sat on the couch together. Camryn leaned against his chest and took his right hand in hers. Pressing the reddened skin against her lips, she kissed his knuckles softly.
“You okay?” she asked.
“Oh, yeah, it’s nothing.”
She leaned away from him so she could look him in the eye. “It appears like we both have a bit of a boxing history,” she spoke matter-of-factly. “You knew exactly how to black him out.”
He pressed his lips into a thin line and then nodded his head. “Yeah, I’ve been in a ring a few times.”
She slowly nodded. “Hmm. Just boxing?”
He ran his fingers through her hair to keep a casual air. “I kind of got into a lot of fights as a kid. And I wrestled in high school. I don’t know, I dabble with a bit of MMA too, I guess.”
“What else? Tell me what your interests are. What kind of jobs have you had in the past? What’s your family like?”
“Ah, so it’s a get-to-know you Q-and-A. Can we do one like you and your sister do?” he chuckled.
With a smile she shrugged. “Sure. But just this time. Details will come later.”
He bit the inside of his lip. Well, that’s what he was here for, he supposed. “Sure. Okay.”
“Hmmm…favorite color?”
He smiled. Leaning forward to kiss the corners of her eyes he answered, “Green.” He loved that she actually blushed. It was fucking adorable.
“Favorite food?”
“Anything digestible.”
Laughing she replied, “That’s scary.” He only grinned and she asked, “Family?”
“Ridiculous.”
She seemed to consider that for a moment and slowly nodded. “College?”
“Too rebellious to go.”
“Surfing?”
“Since I was a baby.”
Chuckling, she pretended to imagine it.
“Hey, I was deft from the start,” he shrugged.
“I can only assume,” she winked. “Girlfriends?”
He froze and gave her a playful frown.
“Oh come on, too much to tell?” she joked.
“Maybe.”
“Hmm, we’ll save that for the detailed conversation then.”
“Oh, God,” he groaned. “I already told you I haven’t had the best luck with women.”
“Well it’s a good thing your luck is due for a change.”
When she leaned forward and kissed him, a silent prayer raced through Teague’s heart. He surely hoped his luck was going to change. This woman practically owned him already and that was a hard thing for him to digest.
“Are we done with the speed questions?” he asked with a smile. “Because I really want to skip some of this talking and move on to the action.”
He pulled her down on the couch with him as he opened her mouth with his kiss. They spent several minutes in this position, enjoying the basics of kissing and being close. Then her hand slid to his groin to feel the hardness that was pressed against her and she whispered, “Looks like there’s an eager participant among us.”
He laughed and moaned at the same time as she made him even harder. He took his time kissing her mouth and sucking her tongue and lips. “Don’t mind that. It’s my natural reaction to you, beautiful. You just need to take your time. I’ll wait.”
Camryn pulled away from him and her eyes were narrowed. “What are you talking about? Why do I ‘need’ to take my time?”
“Just…with that kind of relationship. I don’t expect anything from you, Camryn. I thought I made that clear.”
She shook her head at him and sat up. “You say that in a way that sounds like I’m the one that has issues about having sex when it’s actually you.”
“I definitely don’t have issues, but excuse me for trying to be thoughtful.” He sat up too, and scooted away from her holding up his hands. “Fine, if I can’t win no matter what, maybe I shouldn’t even touch you.”
“And what is it you’re trying to win?” she challenged.
“Oh my God,” he groaned. He rubbed his face with frustration. “I’m not trying to ‘win’ anything except your respect, Camryn. What, are you waiting for me to say that I’m dying to fuck you and walk away?”
“So that’s what you want to do? Fuck me and leave?”
“Do you hear yourself? It’s like all you hear is what your own fears are shouting at you.”
“You know nothing about my fears,” she said evenly.
Teague sighed and raked his fingers through his hair. “Camryn, here’s the truth. Your mom told me about Zach, okay? I was trying to be sensitive to your situation until you were ready to tell me yourself.”
She stiffened instantly, and Teague couldn’t tell if she was totally pissed off or just surprised.
“Get out,” she finally whispered.
He blinked his astonishment. “What?”
“I said…get out.”
Chapter Nineteen
Camryn was having a hard time distinguishing the emotions that were jumbled inside her. Teague already knew about Zach and it caught her off guard. Moving on had been her own personal struggle until now; she hadn’t planned on allowing the past and present to mingle just yet. Was she willing to tell Teague about Zach? Yes, eventually. If their relationship was deemed worthy of such enlightenment. But now she was somewhat blindsided by the unexpected arrival of the conversation, and she’d resorted to her usual defensive tactics.
She had told him to get out of her house, but Teague had remained where he was, seeming to silently process her command. Finally he shook his head defiantly. Folding his arms across his chest he answered, “No. What the hell is happening, Camryn?”
“You made me think that you came down here just for me. What do you expect me to say, Teague? You lied to me. You never told me that you
actually live down here! I saw your driver’s license when you paid for our food last night.”
His face fell and he closed his eyes briefly. “I didn’t lie to you, Camryn. Yes I’m from California, but I was currently living in Oregon. Just because I had to come back down here—against my fucking will to chase you down—doesn’t mean that I’ve moved back here. I’m here because of you, Camryn. You. And what the hell do you think I’m doing right now, huh?” he asked, holding out his arms. “I’m trying to open up to you. This is what I wanted to talk to you about. My past, your past… I wish you would do the same but you and your kiss-this attitude is making it hard.”
She put her hands on her hips and glared at him. “Who’d you hear that from?”
He tipped his head with confusion. “Hear what from?”
She continued to stare at him until she finally asked, “Who else have you gone behind my back to speak to?”
He groaned as he clasped his hands behind his neck. “Fucking hell, I can’t do anything right,” he shook his head.
“Rawk! Fucktard. Rawk, rawk!”
Teague dropped his arms to his sides and turned around to stare at the bird. It was such a stupid sight—seeing him slide side-to-side on his perch, bobbing his head up and down—that he laughed. “Oh my God,” he murmured, shaking his head again. “I totally thought you were kidding about the Fucktard thing.”
Camryn finally smiled, and then she laughed too. “No, I wasn’t kidding. And if you don’t stop saying fucker, fucking hell, and fuck all the time, he’s going to start shooting those off, too.”
Teague softly laughed and then took a deep breath. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay, but he’s been picking up words—”
“No, I’m sorry about arguing with you. This idiot just reminded me of how pointless some things can be.” He sighed and came across the room again. “I’m sorry for upsetting you about Zach. I just wanted you to know that I knew and…” He shrugged. “I just wanted to tell you I knew.”
He was standing right in front of her, submissive and apologetic, and Camryn couldn’t deny the fact that it was everything she needed at the moment. She knew how combative she could be when trying to protect her heart, but instead of Teague just walking out the door, he stayed to deal with it.