She lifted her head, flashing a quick smile. “Yes. It was fun. We went to a few places today. Marco says I have a gift for catching my subject at the perfect moment.”
“You are pretty damn fantastic, but um…why don’t you seem happy about that? Is everything okay?”
“Yeah, I just…” She brushed back her hair and laid her head down, meeting my gaze. “I miss you, Benji. I wish you were here. Holding me. Kissing me.”
“Wish I was there, too. We’ll be together soon though. Three more months.” Her down turned lips and misty eyes tore into my heart. If I was with her I’d kiss those tears away. If I was with her there’d be no tears.
“Tell me you love me.”
I lifted my hand to the screen and traced the shape of her face. “Of course I love you. Now, finish telling me about your day so I can see that smile.”
Her face lit up almost instantly as she went into the details of places they’d explored. The smile returned to her eyes and the rest of our conversation was upbeat and light hearted.
Cam’s mouth stretched wide in a yawn then she closed her eyes for a few seconds. “I have to get going soon. Early morning. But I don’t want to.”
I laughed at her lulling head and drooping eyelids. “Babe, your face is about to hit the keyboard. Get some sleep and call me tomorrow.”
She stuck out her bottom lip. “Fine. But only because you’re so cute.” She yawned again and laid her head on her arm with her eyes closed. “Night.”
“Good night.”
Her soft snores filled the room before I could end the call. My fingertips paused on the track pad as I watched her sleep, wishing I was there beside her. As much as I missed her, a tiny part of me was glad she left. It helped prove that I was strong enough to stand on my own. That realization brought on another. Though I could survive without her, I didn’t want to.
~ ♥ ~
Christmas morning Pops woke us all bright and early, requesting our presence in the kitchen. Gabi plopped down beside me, rubbing at her eyes. One look at her and I doubled over in laughter.
Her face contorted into a near snarl. “What?”
“You look like somebody rubbed a balloon on your head.”
She smacked her lips and punched my shoulder. “Shut up.”
Pops gave us a stern look and cleared his throat. “Be nice. It’s Christmas.”
Jay was the last to arrive. He pulled Gabi from her chair, took her seat, the sat her in his lap. Neither of them looked too happy to be up this early. Probably up late engaging in their usual extracurricular activities.
I eyed the three small gift boxes wrapped in gold paper on the table then looked up at Pops. “Didn’t we exchange gifts last night?”
He slid a box toward each of us with a grin stretched over his face. “Yes, but these were a bit more personal so I wanted to wait until it was just us four. Now, before you open them I want you all to know that this gift isn’t from me, but Nicolette.”
Jay’s head jerked up, his widened stare met Pops’. “What?”
“She planned it for quite a while and even though she isn’t here she still would’ve wanted you all to have it.” He gestured at the gifts, still smiling. “Go ahead and open them.”
As careful as possible I removed the gift wrap then lifted the lid on the box. My heart damn near stopped. A quick look to my left revealed a similar reaction from Jay and Gabi. His mouth hung open and Gabi’s eyes bulged from their sockets.
Running a palm over my tapered head I looked up at Pops whose grin was stretched so wide it was a surprise the corners of his mouth hadn’t split. “Is this for real?”
“It is.”
The only thing I could do was laugh. Even in the afterlife Aunt Nicolette never failed to amaze me. She was the real MVP.
Chapter Thirty-Two
~ Camryn ~
The early morning Moroccan sun bathed my damp skin in warmth as I looked out over the beach. It probably wasn’t a good idea to be out on the balcony in only a towel but the sunrise had been too gorgeous to miss out on. It, like the entirety of the trip, was bittersweet. I’d experienced so many amazing things during my four-month journey, but at times they seemed lack luster. Something was missing. Or someone rather.
Releasing a long breath, I turned to head back inside. My heart clenched when I came face to face with Marco. Well, somewhat face to face. He was on his own balcony, but there was only about six feet of space between us.
His body faced the ocean but his eyes were on me as he sipped from a mug. “Good morning, Camryn.”
“Morning.” I ducked inside and slid the door shut behind me. Well, this day was going to be awkward.
After shaking off as much embarrassment as possible, I went to my bed and retrieved my phone from the night stand. I smiled at the good morning text from Benji as well as the picture he’d sent of him and Junior. No matter what part of the world I was in he kept up with the time so he could tell me good morning and good night. He was such a sweetheart.
I opened my mobile photo album and scrolled through it, laughing at the pics of me and Gabi making funny faces at my going away party. The next one was all four of us in front of the house the day I left. Pressure filled my chest as I thought of the last year and a half since I’d met them. It was crazy how much total strangers could come to mean to you in such a short time.
I hadn’t realized how much I desired a family until they’d come along. My life was so full with them in it. They’d done so much for me without even realizing it. Without them I’d have never had the opportunity to be sitting in freaking Morocco right now. I’d have never known what it felt like to be loved without condition. I’d have never met Benji… I dialed his number then lay back on the bed.
“Hey, Miss Photographer. What you doing?”
“Oh, just laying here thinking about you…naked.”
He chuckled softly. “Oh really now?”
“Mmmhmm.”
When he spoke again it was near a whisper. “Wait, am I naked or are you naked?”
“Mmmmmm, both.”
“I like the sound of that…and the visual.”
I giggled while removing my towel. “If you were here right now, what would you do to me?”
His breaths were ragged in the speaker. “So many things. Things I can’t describe right now because I’m in public.”
“Awww.” I poked out my lip then rolled onto my stomach. “Well, can I tell you what I’d do to you?”
He chuckled again, the sound of it made my trigger throb. “As nice as that sounds, considering where I am an erection would be pretty awkward right about now.”
I flopped my face into the bed. “Ughh, this is hell.”
“My poor baby. Don’t worry. Tonight, I got you.”
I perked up a bit, a smiled spreading on my face. “Sexy Skype session?”
“Yes ma’am. I gotta get going right now, but I’ll see you later.”
“Looking forward to it.” We hung up then I rolled back over and faced the ceiling. With Benji’s image in my mind I slid my hand down my stomach though it was his tongue that I craved.
~ ♥ ~
Later that day I strolled through Chefchaouen, a beautiful small town with blue-washed walls enclosed in mountains, with the rest of the group. My camera hung around my neck and had already snapped several photographs of the locals.
One of the other photographers, Penelope, walked beside me, pointing out everything in her thick Australian accent. “This place is gorgeous. Don’t you think, Cam?”
I offered a small smile and nodded while trying to ignore a tourist couple nearby with their faces pressed together taking a selfie. Their shirts boasted that they were newlyweds.
“Cam? Are you alright? You seem really distant lately. What happened to that vibrant girl who was literally bouncing of the walls in Singapore?”
Dragging my attention away from the starry eyed couple, I faced Penelope. “I’m okay. Just in a down mood today. A lot on my m
ind.”
“Is it the boyfriend?”
I sighed and sat down on a stone step. “Yeah, I just miss him is all.”
She flipped her loose blonde curls over her shoulder and sat beside me. “Can’t say I blame you. From what I’ve learned he is a pretty amazing guy. I bet he misses you just as much.”
“Yeah. I love traveling but I do kind of wish these two months would hurry up.”
“Two months? But what about the internship?
“What about it?”
Her eyes bugged from her head. “Hello, you’re amazing. You have just as much chance of getting it as anyone here. And if you do that’ll mean months more of traveling with Marco to work on ground breaking projects.” She narrowed her gaze at me, frowning a bit. “You do still want that, right?”
I dropped my gaze from hers and rubbed at my chin. Did I? Many months ago I had, but lately my heart seemed to be having a battle within itself. The two things I loved most were fighting for dominance and it was hard to think clearly with the constant tugging. “I don’t know.”
“You don’t–” She leaned away from me and blinked a few times. “Don’t you think that’s something you should figure out. There are nine people here who know they want it. It isn’t exactly fair for them to have to compete with someone who isn’t even sure.” She shook her head at me then stood and walked away.
Wow. So much for friendship, I guess. Resting my elbows on my knees I leaned forward and rubbed at my temples.
“Camryn?”
I lifted my head, meeting Marco’s eyes. “Yes?”
“Is everything okay?”
Putting on a smile, I stood and walked toward him. “Yeah, just resting for a minute.”
“Great. We’re getting ready to head out to the next location.” We strolled side by side behind the rest of the group for a minute before he stopped us. “While I have you alone, there’s something I need to speak with you about. A private matter.”
I glanced at the retreating backs of the others then looked up at him while shifting on my feet. “Um, private?”
“Yes. Well, not exactly. It is a professional matter, but it doesn’t involve the others so I’d prefer if we spoke one on one.”
“Oh, um okay. What is it?”
He scratched at his beard and glanced at his watch. “It’s a lot to go over right now, but if you’ll meet me tonight around, say nine, we can discuss it then.”
“Nine?” Today was Saturday which meant my date with Benji, but I couldn’t exactly say no to a meeting. I tucked my lips into my mouth, contemplating his offer.
Marco stood with his hands on his pockets. “Is that a problem?”
“No. No problem at all.”
“Great. I’ll have a car sent to pick you up at 8:30.”
I forced a smile and nodded. “Looking forward to it.”
He started toward the group again, gesturing for me to follow.
I did, but not without blowing out a heavy breath while he wasn’t looking. Awesome, now I had to miss my date.
My shoulders slumped as I shuffled behind. Pressure once again filled my chest and thoughts swirled in my head. I should’ve been excited about a one on one meeting with DeMarco Von. He could very well be about to offer me the internship. Instead knots tangled themselves in my stomach as I recalled Penelope’s words. The internship would mean even more time spent away from my loved ones, away from Benji. Was I ready for that? There were a mere six hours until the meeting. Not nearly enough time to decide. And even if that wasn’t the topic of tonight’s discussion, the two remaining months still weren’t enough.
How did I make such a decision? Was love worth giving up a dream? Was a dream worth giving up the most amazing feeling I’d yet to experience? Everything was so conflicting it gave me a migraine.
~ ♥ ~
Time moved by faster than expected. At 8:30 I received a call letting me know my ride had arrived. I’d spoken to Benji a few hours ago and he’d been only slightly upset about our canceled date. We’d rescheduled it for Sunday before he’d given me a back arching orgasm with damn near his voice alone.
I pulled my shawl over my shoulders as I climbed out of the car in front of a restaurant named Karima. With a confident stride, I made my way toward the door, then pulled it open
My shoulders deflated at bit when I entered. The place was completely empty, population wise at least. Candles flickered on a table that sat in the center of the room. The lights were dimmed so it was hard to make out much else. “What the hell did I just get myself into?”
I pulled out my phone while stepping in further, and trying to think of any indication Marco had given that he was interested in me on a romantic level, because the setting was not even close to being professional. Besides our initial meeting I couldn’t recall any, and that was four months ago.
The phone rung several time but got no response. I hung up without leaving a message and dropped my cell back into my purse. This was beyond weird and whatever he thought was happening, damn sure wasn’t, even if that mean returning home early. I scoffed while shaking my head. Why’d it always have to come down to this with some men? Was it that hard to have a platonic or professional relationship with a woman without wanting to take it there?
I spun on my heels, headed for the door. A solid mass stopped me in my tracks and almost sent me spilling backwards. I caught myself with the help of a strong hand which didn’t release me until I was balanced.
My gaze slid up the charcoal colored suit until I reached his face.
That dazzling smile lit up the room and stole a few beats of my heart. “Hello, Camryn.”
I attempted to speak but couldn’t seem to catch enough breaths to do so. Squeezing my eyes shut, I willed my lungs to do their job. When I opened them again, he remained. “Y-you’re here.”
He took me in his arms and pulled me close. “I am.”
Tears filled my eyes then burned their way down my cheeks. Air escaped me again and my lips trembled almost as much as the rest of me. Clenching his suit jacket, I laid my head against his chest, hard sobs constricting my lungs even further.
“Hey, hey, hey.” He lifted my face and looked me over. “Those are tears of joy, right?”
Unable to respond verbally, I nodded then buried my face in his chest again, inhaling his intoxicating scent with each labored breath I took.
Dinner was skipped, instead Benji and I rode back to my hotel room in the same car that had dropped me off. Marco had been in on the whole thing, hence the ‘meeting.’ If I wasn’t so happy I’d kill them both.
No sooner than we made it through the door I was in Benji’s arms headed for the bed. He stripped us both then kissed his way down to my center. My back arched in anticipation and I ran my hands over his head. “Wait a minute.”
He paused and looked up at me. “What’s wrong?” His warm breath made my toes curl, but I didn’t let it deter me.
“You cut your hair.”
His mouth spread into a wide grin. “You like it?”
I propped myself on my elbows to get a good look at him. “No.”
The smile melted away. “Well, excuse me for trying to look nice for my lady.”
“You looked nice with it longer. Now what am I supposed to grab onto?”
He smirked and then kissed my inner thigh. “Don’t worry, it’ll grow back.”
I looked him over again before lying back. “Speaking of hair, sorry about the forest. If I’d known you were coming I would’ve gotten a Brazilian.”
Chuckling, he rested his head on my thigh while running his index finger over my trigger. “I don’t mind at all.” He pulled me to the edge of the bed and draped my legs over his shoulders. “Now let me show you how much I missed you.”
Show me, he did. On the bed. On the floor. Against the wall. In the shower. And then all over again. It was somewhere in the wee hours of the morning when we finally settled into each other arms. My head rested on his chest while I traced his rigid sto
mach with my fingers.
“I still can’t believe you’re here.”
“I got sick of missing you. Needed to see you in person.”
“Well I’m glad you came.”
He chuckled and hugged me closer. “I’m glad you came, too.”
I swatted his chest then laughed against it. God, I missed that. Him. Us. I wanted to ask how long he was staying but was afraid of the answer. It might only be a day or two and I couldn’t bear to think about being without him again. “Benji, I have something to tell you.”
His hand, so warm, was heaven on my back. “What’s up, babe?”
“I’m a liar.”
“What?”
I lifted my head from his chest and looked down at him. “I’m not happy. I mean, not completely. Traveling, taking photos, I love that. But when I come back to my empty hotel room or when I’m on those long flights by myself, I realize that all of this means nothing because I don’t get to experience it with the person I love.” I snuggled into him again, sniffling. “I miss you, Benji. I just want to go home.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. I miss you. I miss everyone, but not as much as you.” I sat up again and wiped my face. “Gabi isn’t my best friend anymore. You are, and I don’t want to spend another day without you.”
He scooted into a seated position and pulled me close. “I miss you, too, baby, but…”
Pressure squeezed at my heart as I searched his face. “But?”
“But…what if I told you that you could continue traveling the world and not have to miss me?”
“How would I do that?”
His sexy grin came out to play. “Well, I recently came into a bit of money.”
“Oookay.”
“Actually…more than a bit. My aunt made some investments back in the day and before she died she asked my uncle to cash them out and split them between us. Me, Jay, and Gabi, that is. But my uncle decided to split it four ways to include you.” He leaned over the bed and grabbed his suit jacket, then pulled out an envelope. With a smile twinkling in his eyes he handed it to me.
Teach Me (College Daze Book 2) Page 27