He nodded with a smile.
"We're on our way to the top, baby!" Slick rejoiced.
It was time to celebrate.
He had only 2 days in LA to spare and he planned on having a good time. Along for the trip, he brought his boys, Deshawn, Bryson, and his assistant Bug. Cam had booked a 2 bedroom presidential suite in which they shared for the time being. And tonight, they were hitting the town to check out the hottest clubs popping in LA.
"Damn, nigga! You still gettin' dressed?" Bryson called out.
"Man, calm ya hyper ass down. I'll be there in a minute," Deshawn responded from the bathroom.
"Bruh, you've been in the bathroom for a whole hour. You take longer than a broad, man."
With a grin, Cam shook his head. Times like these reminded him of back in the days when they were just mere youngins' in the projects, getting ready to hit the hottest parties in hopes of looking for girls. And whenever it was time to go out, Deshawn would always take the longest to get dressed. It was no surprise he earned the nickname Pretty Boy D. With his '97 Ginuwine looking ass.
"Man, I'm tryna get fuuucked up tonight, you feel me?" Bryson grabbed a bottle of Patron from the bar. He popped the cork then took a deep gulp. His face scrunched at the harsh taste and he nodded. "Yeah, that's what I'm talkin' about. You want some, Cam?"
"Yeah, pour me a lil' bit."
"Iight."
Slouched in the sofa, he stared at his phone, tempted to text Reese. He had been thinking about her all day. He didn't know what it was about her, but he was drawn to her. Even with all her combativeness to go with it. She was a challenge. And that turned him on, in some odd twisted way.
He had invited her to come along for the trip. He would've liked to show her around the city and give her a taste of his life. But she declined, stating that she didn't want to blow their cover by being seen out in public together. And that bothered him. He understood her stance on it. Especially here in LA, where the paparazzi hounded celebrities like dogs. The media would've just stirred up rumors like usual. But at this point in his career, he didn't give a fuck. He had already been dragged through the mud by the media, so it didn’t matter what they had to say. He really didn’t see what the big deal was. However, if Reese didn’t want to come, that was her choice. He didn’t bother to push it.
"Here." Bryson handed him the drink.
Cam frowned at the full glass. "I said a lil' bit."
"Man, if you don't take this damn drink."
Shaking his head, he took it.
"Yo holdup, I know this fool ain't sleeping." Bryson turned his head.
Cam glanced across at Bug slouched on the couch, fast asleep. He snickered.
"Nigga passed out from all that weed he was smoking," Cam joked.
"Watch this." He walked over to Bug and slapped his head, causing him to jump. "Getchyo bony ass up nigga!"
Cam burst out laughing.
"Yo, that shit ain't funny man." Bug snapped, rubbing his eyes. "Play too fucking much."
They all had a habit of messing with Bug. With him being the youngest in the crew, he was seen as the little brother that everyone liked to pick on for good fun. He had known Bug through his older brother, one of his good friends whom had gotten killed in a drive-by many years ago. Out of love, he decided to take Bug under his wing and look out for him. He didn't want him to fall to the wayside and get caught up in the streets. He was a good kid. Smart. Had the spirit of a hustler. So, Cam hired him as his assistant, therefore he could travel the world, get money, and take care of his family.
"Yo, pretty boy c'mon!" Bryson called out to Deshawn. "The hell you still doing in there? Putting on your makeup?"
Deshawn stepped out, tugging the collar of his button up. "Alright, I'm ready."
*
Cam bobbed his head to the music as he sat in VIP. Tonight, they partied at the hottest club in town, which was sprinkled with A-list celebrities, such as Rihanna, Drake, and many others. Although, he should've been enjoying the expensive liquor, the music, the women, the prestige of his status, he couldn't help but feel...bored. He couldn't count the many times he had partied at the same club. Been around the same people. Doing the same thing. It all began to feel old. Or maybe he was just a little too sober.
He looked over at his crew as they danced, drank, and socialized. They all seemed to be enjoying themselves and here he was, wallowing in his damn thoughts.
"Cam!"
He turned his head and much to his surprise, Farah stepped into VIP.
"Oh shit, whatsup?" He stood up and they hugged.
"It's so good to see you!"
"You too." He pulled away, assessing her frame. That short green dress couldn't look any sexier on her the way it snugged her tall, slim physique. No man on earth could deny Farah's beauty. With those bold green eyes, light olive skin, pouty lips, and puffy blonde curly hair, Farah was a dime. Not to mention, one of the hottest Victoria Secret models out right now. After gracing the cover of Vogue twice at 25, and killing the runways with her enticing presence, she was on top of her game.
They dated each other briefly in the past, but it never worked out due to their busy schedules. A norm in the business. It was nothing serious though, although the media tried to make it seem that way. However, they still kept in touch and would always hang out whenever they were in the same town. He really liked Farah. Despite being from the 'burbs of Beverly Hills, she never upheld the stereotype of being stuck up and superficial. She was a real cool, down to earth, chick.
"You just got here?" he asked.
"No, I've been here for a while. I was over there with a few friends." She pointed across and he averted his gaze to the high fashion model, Chanel Iman, and a few unfamiliar women seated in another section of VIP. "I just happened to notice you sitting here looking all mysterious with ya shades on and what not."
He smirked. "Just chillin'. How you been though?"
"I've been good. And I should be asking you that, actually. Congrats on the endorsement deal!"
"Wait, how do you already know about that?" He lifted a brow.
He had only signed the contract hours ago, the press release wasn't scheduled till Monday.
"It's L.A. You know how it is."
He nodded, not surprised. He almost forgot where he was. Nothing was a secret in Hollywood.
"But anyway, that's great. I'm happy for you!" She tapped his arm with a smile. "You should've told me you were coming into town. We could've hung out or something. How long are you here for?"
"Till tomorrow."
"Damn."
"I mean, we could still hang if you want. I'm ready to get up outta here anyway."
"Yeah, we could definitely do that."
*
"I was like, you can't be serious. A fake bottle? Really?"
Cam grinned. "So, what you do?"
"I kicked his ass out of VIP."
"Like a boss."
"Damn right."
They both laughed.
After leaving the club, they had gone to his hotel and chilled for the rest of the night. Although, any man would've probably tried to have sex at a time like this, the thought honestly hadn't crossed his mind. He just wanted to catch up with an old friend. So, he decided to leave the rest of his crew at the club, since they had no plans on leaving anytime soon anyway, and go about his business. They were sprawled comfortably on the living room couch, smoking a blunt and chatting the night away.
"I swear the guys here are so lame." She rolled her eyes.
"The girls too."
"True. Well, apart from me, of course." She flipped her bouncy hair playfully. He snickered, reaching for the blunt she passed to him. "I'm really thinking about moving, though."
"Where?" He took a pull.
"I don't know. Somewhere overseas. Maybe Paris or something."
"For real?"
"Yeah, I love it there. The people, the culture, it's so...diverse. It's not like L.A., where everyone looks the same, acts t
he same, talks the same. I just need something different, you know?"
"Yeah, I feel you."
He didn't blame her for wanting to move. At the beginning of his career, he had moved to Hollywood, thinking that life would be better. He had gotten the riches. The big house. The cars. The women. Only to realize, it had all been a facade. He had never seen a town more superficial and empty. Moving back to New York was the best thing he ever did. He had gotten his piece of mind back.
"So, anyway what's up with you, Candid Cam?"
"Yo, you and that corny ass name." He shook his head, as she giggled.
When they used to date, she would always call him that name just to mess with him.
"You corny, bruh." He took the blunt.
"Yeah, I know. Anyway, how's life? You got a girl, yet?"
"Now, why you gotta ask me all that?"
"Because I'm nosy."
"Nah, I don't got a girl."
"Still out here laying it down, huh."
"Nah. I'm celibate."
She gasped. "No, you're not."
"Nah, I am."
"Really?"
He nodded, fighting a smile. She sat there in shock.
"Nah, I'm just fucking with you."
"Ugh, I knew it!"
He laughed. "Should'a seen your face."
She shook her head. "And I actually believed you for a second, too."
"Nah, I met this one girl though. Well, woman actually." He took a puff of the blunt. "She's different, you know? Nothing like these superficial hoes out here that ain't about shit. She got her shit together. Runs her own business. Got her own house. Her own Money. One of them strong independent types, you know what I mean?"
She nodded, listening.
"So, we've been fucking around for like a month and a half. Not even dating or nothing, just fucking. And...she's cool with that."
She gave him a hesitant look. "And that's a bad thing?"
He shifted a bit. "Nah, of course not. I mean, what man wouldn't want that? I'm just saying, women...ya'll different. Ya'll can't just have sex for so long without catching feelings."
"That's not true."
"It is true."
"No, I've had sex with guys I didn't have feelings for.”
"Alright, but you're a supermodel. You got niggas lining up to be with you. I'm talking about regular women."
"That doesn't make a difference."
"Yes, it does."
"And how so?"
"It's just not the same."
"Okay, I'm not understanding though. Is it that you want her to catch feelings?"
"Nah, I'm not saying that. It's just...I don't know." He shrugged. None of this was making sense to him. He didn't even understand why it was on his mind at all.
"Well, do you have feelings for her?"
He thought for a moment. "I can't say. I mean, we vibe and everything. But I don't know anything about her. Which is weird to me. She doesn't open up at all."
"Maybe she's afraid to."
"Doubt that."
"Okay, here's my take on it. From a woman's perspective," she began. "It could be one or two things. One, she's probably really not interested and just wants sex from you. Period. Or, maybe she actually does feel something, but is afraid of going there with you."
"For what though?"
"Well, not too many women could handle this type of lifestyle. And plus, you don't really have the best reputation."
He frowned. "That's not true. Why does everybody keep saying that?"
"Look Cam, I love you, but you don't. And I'm not talking about the whole rape thing. I mean, with women period."
"We dated," he defended.
"Yeah, but I can handle it better than most."
He shook his head. This all sounded like bullshit.
"You know what I think?"
"What?" He looked at her.
"I think, your mind is telling you that you just want sex from her. But in your heart...you really want something more."
He snickered. "Nah."
"Just a thought."
"Look, the sex is good. I don't want that to stop. I just...I don't know. I kinda feel like a sucker or somethin'."
"Why?"
"Don't laugh but..."
"But what?" She leaned forward, interested.
"I had to bribe her for a date."
"What?"
He nodded, sheepishly. She burst into laughter.
He hissed his teeth. "See, I knew shouldn't have said nothing."
"Sorry, I don't mean to laugh. But I just can't believe you did that. You out of all people. Why?"
"I don't even know."
She put her hand on her chest. "Aww. That's so desperate."
"Fuck outta here." He sat up, shaking his head as she laughed some more. He really regretted saying anything. Even just thinking back to what he did, shamed him.
"Okay, okay, all jokes aside. If you really do like her, maybe you should try to get to know her. Without the sex."
His eyes fleeted to her. "What?"
"Yep." She nodded.
"Hell no."
"I'm serious. Sex is like a fog. And it clouds a lot of shit. The only way you can truly map out how you feel about a person, is if you get to know their heart. With clarity. It wouldn't hurt to try."
Chapter 21
Reese licked her lips, her fingers grazing her chest as the memory of his soft lips clouded her mind. Just thinking about their exhilarating sex made her moist and it took every ounce of restraint not to call him.
She shook her thoughts away. She needed to get it together. Maybe this 3 day break from each other was what they needed. Hooking up with Cameron behind closed doors began to get too much. His dick was...out of this world. It became her daily fix. Her drug. She knew she was behaving like a trashy whore, but she just couldn't get enough. It was almost as if he had awaken some type of carnal beast inside of her that had been begging to be freed these past 38 years. Nobody had ever made her feel so sexually liberated the way he did.
And he was only 27!
Too damn young. Her only justification was that their relationship was purely sexual. Nothing more. She didn't expect to ever settle down with Cameron. That would be ridiculous. The man hadn't even finished sowing his oats. Hell, he probably had so many groupies in every state. In this stage of her life, she needed a wholesome man with values and morals, someone she could see a future with.
Cameron definitely wasn’t that.
However, he gave her what she needed. Great sex. And it pained her to admit that she missed him these past few days. He had gone to L.A. supposedly for some business deal. But much to her luck, she would be seeing him tonight. And she couldn't wait.
Forcing herself to focus, Reese turned on the computer and continued her work. She had a lot on her plate. Meetings upon meetings to prepare for. As well as events, including the brunch she was throwing for her team for their contribution to the concert last weekend. The Free the Heart members had thrown a fundraising concert in Prospect Park, Brooklyn where over 200 guests had attended to see the wonderful Jill Scott perform. Raising approximately $50,000, the concert had been a success. And she couldn't be happier. So, to show her appreciation she would be celebrating with her executive team. They truly deserved it.
Her mind drifting off to Cameron again, she grabbed her phone and scrolled to his name. She then refrained, tossing it on the desk with a sigh. Of course, she couldn't call him. That would be foolish.
Out of habit, she checked TMZ. Ever so often, she would check for any ounce of news regarding Cameron. It was pathetic. But she couldn't help it.
She froze at the home page.
An article displayed the picture of Cameron and the Victoria's Secret model, Farah walking out of the club together, titled with the bold letters: BACK IN LOVE?
Her chest tightened. She clicked the link and read the article.
Victoria's Secret's model, Farah Hedges and boxing superstar, Cameron Lewis were spotted w
alking out of Lux's night club in L.A. last night. Sources noted they had been quite close in VIP, hugging and making out—
She stopped reading. She scrolled down and played the video posted on the page. She watched as Cameron and Farah stepped out of the club, surrounded by swarming paparazzi. Dressed in the ugliest and sluttiest mini dress Reese had ever seen, Farah walked with her head down, shielding herself from the flashing lights, while escorted by Cameron who walked in his usual edge of confidence with his hand on her lower back.
She gritted her teeth.
So, that's what his ass had been doing this whole time. Partying and fucking around with his little anorexic bitch. The nerve of him.
She snapped to her senses.
Wait.
Why was she even getting so worked up? It wasn't like she and Cameron were together. There was nothing between them. He could fuck whomever he pleased. She quickly checked herself. She had to get it together.
Reese shut off the page, and focused on her work.
She had more important stuff to worry about. And Cameron sure wasn't one of them.
*
Reese entered his foyer, her mood as tense as ever. The excitement she would usually feel being in his presence, had long dissipated. Her tongue itched to say it. To mention that model bitch he was creeping with over the weekend. But she kept it to herself. She didn't want to make it seem like she was bothered. Then it would've appeared as if she actually had feelings for his ass. Which obviously wasn't the truth.
She was going to play it cool. Which was exactly why she agreed to see him the moment he touched down in New York. She was going to go right along with their regular schedule. Fucking every night.
She had even worn her sexy laced lingerie for him, in hopes of sexing him so good. Just to show him what he had been missing while he was screwing his model whore.
"Aye, listen..."
Her head spun to him.
"I know we had plans on us hooking up tonight. But I was thinking we should switch things up instead."
She lifted a brow, confused.
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