Both the kitchen and dining area were perfect, so Cam went to his bathroom and peeped in. Jordan and the baby had visited his place several times. She had no problem with the size of his one bathroom in comparison to her several huge ones. However, he wanted this night to be perfect. The tealight candles and rose petals spread out would’ve been so much better in her bathroom.
Their different statuses in life hadn’t occurred to him, until today, when he’d checked and re-checked his apartment for their planned rendezvous. Before now, the fact that his entire apartment could fit into one of the rooms in her house had escaped him. He almost regretted his scrutiny of every fine detail, like a boy on his first date. Besides, it wasn’t as if Jordan hadn’t seen his apartment. She’d even commented on his Matisse replica.
His feverish inspections in search of achieving perfection for her backfired on him. Doubt about her position, compared to his, crept into him. He’d grown up around wealth, having Knox as a best friend. However, he didn’t have a lot of money. Sure, he had a savings account, a nice car, a Harley, and a one-bedroom apartment in an upscale neighborhood.
Jordan lived in a mansion and she loved big houses.
She’d told him so, after she’d floored him by announcing she’d have to move. Her family room would forever be marred with violence. The house she wanted would wipe out his savings account and still leave him short. The grating part was she hadn’t asked him to buy the house or to help her purchase it. She discussed it in terms of it being her home, bought with her money.
On the other hand, she’d grown up without a lot and then was turned out by a mother who cared more about a man than her own daughter, while the Harringtons often invited Cam on their family vacations, all expenses paid. At first, his mother—proud woman that she was—balked. Joan Harrington, though, was an angel, and reassured his mom that she could find a way to repay them. Joan had begged his mother not to let her pride interfere with Cam seeing the world. From the age of fourteen, Cam went away twice a year with Knox and his family—once in the summer and again during winter break.
In return, his mom looked after Knox when the Harringtons took private vacations. She invited them over for dinner once a month and took Cam and Knox for ice cream and out to the movies. They went to amusement parks, to bowling alleys, to hole-in-the-wall diners.
It worked well for everyone concerned. Cam got to experience the finer things in life and it helped Knox’s awareness of how the working class lived.
Cam had always been proud of his life. Proud that he’d been lucky enough to have a mom like his.
His desire to work in the public sector always seemed to be enough for him. What better way to give back to the community than to protect and serve? He and Knox had been so close, that the man had followed Cam’s lead. Knox left the force to save his marriage. That hadn’t deterred Cam. He’d looked forward to a long career in law enforcement.
Until corruption hit him square in the face. He’d discovered two of his buddies were on the take from a street level drug dealer. He hadn’t wanted the men to retaliate by harming his mother, so he’d called in an anonymous tip. Their lieutenant ordered an investigation. After three-months, the sting operation busted Cam’s former friends. It had undermined Cam’s trust in the men and women he served with, so when Knox came to him about opening a PI firm together, Cam jumped at the chance. They secured a provisional investigator’s license and had their first case for Knox’s uncle as soon as their doors opened.
Jordan was secure in her career, but Cam still needed to meet other requirements to become fully licensed. As he took in all the details of his small apartment, he realized Jordan wouldn’t need him to support her. She’d do fine without him. If they ended up together, he’d live in her house, instead of a house they’d chosen together, one where he came up with either half the costs or the bulk of it.
Maybe, it was his ego or, perhaps, he had an old-fashioned streak, but, as the man in the relationship, he felt as if he should provide for her.
He scrubbed a hand over his head. This was the first asshole thought he’d had. He was bigger than that…The sound of his door buzzer interrupted his thoughts.
He glanced at his watch. Seven on the dot. Nervousness exploded inside of him. Tonight, they’d finally make love.
In the three weeks since the shooting, he, Jordan, and Ava spent as much time as possible together. Jordan had returned to her practice last week and Ava joined the ranks of the babies that Meggie Caldwell and her assistant, Bunny Banks, looked after during the day.
Hoping he didn’t look like an anxious jackass, he opened his door. “Hey, ba…Mom!”
His mother marched passed him, without an invitation, and Cam’s heart sank. If his mom knew Jordan was coming, she’d insist on staying and then take all of doc’s time away from Cam.
Slamming the door in frustration, he turned to his mother, forgetting his anxiety over finally getting to hold Jordan in his arms.
“What are you doing here?”
Dot Baptiste walked around the table, inspecting it like a drill sergeant.
“I talked to Joan Harrington,” she announced with a sniff, glaring at him.
He gritted his teeth, hoping the conversation didn’t take the direction he suspected.
“You and Jordan are having dinner tonight.”
Shit. It was just as he suspected. Cam sighed. “We are. Ava is staying with her friend, Roxy. It’s going to be the two of us.” Amongst other things, they’d discuss the weekend they’d take together. It was supposed to happen when Ava turned six weeks, but it seemed as if things kept cropping up.
“How could you call Knox’s mom to have her chef prepare food for your date when you have a momma?”
Shit, again. Busted! If he’d told his mom, she’d want to attend the dinner.
Hands on hips, his mother marched to the kitchen. Sighing, he followed her, watching as she scrutinized the food just as she had the table.
“Mom, I’ll take you to dinner tomorrow evening if you allow me and Jordan some privacy tonight.”
Spinning to face him, she lifted a brow, the bowl of salad in her hands. “I didn’t come to intrude, son. I came to make sure you had everything as it should be for the girl. Don’t half-ass on her.” She lifted the bowl of salad greens, heirloom tomatoes, English cucumber, and red onion. “This looks delicious. Make sure you cook her steak as she likes it. Don’t ruin it and burn it to a crisp because you prefer it that way.”
“Mother! Would you stop? Jordan takes her steak medium. I already know that. But you’re increasing my nerves. I’ve already checked everything a dozen times. A woman like her requires perfection.
She frowned, returned the salad to its place in the refrigerator, then stared at Cam. “What do you mean a woman like her?”
Embarrassed, he shoved his hands in his pockets.
“Has she made you feel unworthy in some type of way?”
“No, Mom, of course not. Jordan isn’t that way.”
“I didn’t think she was. The two times I’ve been in her company, she’s been friendly and down-to-earth.” His mother’s look hardened. “Aww, I see what’s going on. It’s your male pride. She wants something that’s out of your price range, I bet.”
He and his mother had always been close. Perhaps, that was the reason she always knew what bothered him without him having to put his frustrations into words. Maybe, it was mother’s instinct. Until her retirement two years ago, she’d been an RN. Her goal in life had been to see him thrive and have the chance to be whatever he wanted in life. Years ago, he’d begun to tower over her. That didn’t stop her from meting out punishment when he stepped out of line. He considered her average height for a woman, but next to him she was short. She dyed the gray from her hair, maintaining a reddish-brown color. Lines of wisdom wrinkled the skin around her cheeks and mouth.
“What is it, Cameron? Does she want a huge engagement ring?”
“I saw a ring I’d like to get for her
,” he admitted. “But it’ll take all my savings. That isn’t it, though. She doesn’t even know about it. She wants another house. As big as the one she lives in.” His mom had never seen Jordan’s house, but he’d mentioned it to her a time or two.
“She asked you to put money into it?”
“No. I don’t know if it’s because she thinks I can’t afford it, or because she doesn’t see a future between us. It sounds as if she intends to house hunt without me.”
“Well, boy, did you ask her?”
“I didn’t want to appear like an insecure ass,” he admitted.
“No appearing in it. That’s what you’re being. Not to mention insensitive, bone-headed, egotistical, and—”
“All right, Mom!” Cam interrupted on a growl. “I get the point.”
“For argument’s sake, suppose she does buy her own home. Then, what? You’ll let her go because your pride is hurt? It’s the twenty-first century, son.” She snapped her fingers. “Get with the times. I’m shocked at your stupidity. I’m even more disappointed that you don’t have the faith in Jordan that she won’t do something like that, if you give her a reason to look for a house together. Jesus, boy. I raised you better than that. You should admire that woman, instead of getting all bent out of shape.”
“I admire her to the highest. I want to lay the world at her feet. What I don’t want to do is have to take her money to do it.”
“I swear you’ve hit your head and knocked the sense right out of it. That’s easily solved. When I met Jordan for lunch, she had her friend, Roxy, with her. The three of us bonded with a quickness. Roxy mentioned something about that MC her son-in-law’s in having a private investigator. Get in with them and you won’t have to worry about money. You already have a bike and a second name.”
“I don’t want to be a part of the club.” It shocked him his mother even suggested such a thing. Did she realize the club members lived on the other side of the law?
“I’m not telling to you this to be a part of it. I’m telling you to work for them.”
Outlaw barely tolerated Knox. The man had been cordial to Cam, yet, he wasn’t sure if the president would let down his guard with them enough to welcome their PI firm into the fold.
Besides, he’d need to discuss the idea with Knox and Jordan.
Just as the thought crossed his mind, his phone rang and he grinned, knowing it was her by the ringtone. “Hey, sweetheart,” he answered. “Where are you?”
“Cam?” Hesitation filled her voice.
He straightened, going on full alert. “What is it? Are you okay?”
“I am, but I don’t think I’ll be able to make the dinner tonight.”
Disappointment crashed into him. “Meggie has gone into labor and is on her way to the hospital. I have to be here for her. Even if I was already there with you, I’d have to meet her.”
“Shit, are you on the club’s payroll?” He’d known she was close to them, but he hadn’t realized just what that entailed.
“Not really. Mr. Caldwell insists I take bonuses, from time-to-time. I’m not on the take from them on a monthly basis, Cam.” She drew in a deep breath. “I’m so, so sorry about dinner. Our night together is important to me. You’re important to me. As soon as I’m done at the hospital, I’ll head over there if it isn’t too late.”
“You’re welcomed at my place, anytime, doc. That goes without saying.”
“I love you.”
She’d said those words often over the past days. Each time, he felt as if he were the luckiest man in the world.
“I love you, too, Jordan.”
“Meggie and Mr. Caldwell have just arrived. I’ll see you soon.” With that, she hung up.
Cam stared at his phone a moment, then turned back to his mom. “One of her patients is in labor. She’s postponing our dinner.”
“And?”
Cam squinted at her. “And, what? This is part of her job,” he said, in defense of her. “She can’t help it if a baby decides to come at an inopportune time. She loves what she does and I’d be a sonofabitch to complain.”
His mom smiled. “Now, you’re sounding more like the man I raised, not the jackass I walked in on.” She headed for the door and turned to him. “Just remember your pride in her success. Keep things out in the open and always encourage her.”
“Always, Mom.”
She returned to him and wrapped her arms around him, then left him alone. He’d watch a movie until Jordan arrived.
For the first time in her career, Jordan felt impatient. She wanted Meggie’s son to arrive, so she could get to Cam. Yet, prep time for Meggie’s surgery seemed longer than usual. Jordan couldn’t ever remember the younger woman needing an extra dose of pain medication, further holding up the baby’s delivery.
Two hours after she called Cam, Ransom Edward Caldwell finally arrived. She smiled at Meggie’s happiness and Mr. Caldwell’s sweet words to her. As Jordan finished up with Meggie, her husband carried his newest son to where one of the nurse’s instructed him to cut the umbilical cord.
“Congratulations, Meggie,” Jordan said, removing her bloody gloves. She went to Meggie and kissed her on the forehead. “You’re in good hands, but I have to leave and get to another appointment.”
“Okay.” Meggie sounded hoarse and tired. “He came three days before my scheduled C-Section.”
Jordan smiled at her. “Little ones will do that. I’ll check on you tomorrow.”
Meggie nodded.
Heading for the door, Jordan removed the cap from her head and went to the sink to wash her hands.
“Doc?” Mr. Caldwell called, catching up to her. “Where the fuck you goin’? Megan ain’t in her room yet.”
Since Meggie had gone into cardiac arrest due to Placental Abruption, several pregnancies ago. Jordan remained on premises until she was in a room. Guilt hit her, but she wanted to get to Cam. He hadn’t sounded right when she’d spoken to him. Besides, Meggie had delivered twins and another baby since that time. The young woman would do fine. If Jordan thought otherwise, she’d stay put.
That reasoning was fine to herself. Explaining it to Mr. Caldwell, however, was something completely different.
She cleared her throat and flushed. Usually her job took precedence over everything but her priorities had shifted. She had a daughter. A man she’d fallen in love with.
“Doc, you ain’t stayin’?”
The fear in Mr. Caldwell’s voice grabbed her attention. She looked at him, finding the same fear on his face that she’d heard in his tone. Meggie’s near-death had traumatized him.
Jordan placed her hand on his arm. “She’s going to be fine, Mr. Caldwell. I have a prior engagement.”
He glanced toward the operating room, then back at Jordan. “Look, doc. I fuckin’ know you got your own fuckin’ life, but Megan my everything. Whatever the fuck you want, my ass’ll give you if you just stay ‘til she in her room.”
This was a new experience for her. On the one hand, she wanted to spend time with her man and make up for canceling their lovemaking session. On the other hand, Mr. Caldwell needed her to be what she’d always been to him and Meggie during these times. A steadying hand. A voice of reassurance.
“All right, Mr. Caldwell. Let me make a phone call.”
He started to turn away, then halted, cocking his head to the side. “Baptiste, yeah?”
“Excuse me?”
“That’s who the fuck you callin’.”
She nodded, seeing no reason to lie. She trusted these people enough to leave her daughter in their care.
“My ass got a lil’ ad-fuckin-vice for you, babe.”
He’d give it to her, whether she wanted it or not.
“You a good bitch. You a fuckin’ MD, doc, with a thrivin’ fuckin’ practice and big bank. Baptiste had a civil servant salary. Now, he got a new business that he shit at. He might gotta go back to bein’ a police officer. Let him be a fuckin’ man. Roxanne mentioned you can’t stay in your house
no more.”
“I haven’t been back in the family room since the shooting. It used to be my favorite room in the house.”
“You see a future with you and your motherfucker?”
“I do,” she said without hesitation.
“He might have a long lost fuckin’ relative that might fuckin’ croak and leave him some bills. At the moment, motherfucker ain’t able to afford the type of house you live in.”
She narrowed her eyes. “Don’t tell me you had him checked out.”
“Then I’ll shut the fuck up if you ain’t wantin’ to hear it. You think I’ma let you date any motherfucker?”
She blinked.
“I told you, doc. My girl adore the fuck outta you. That mean, I’ma do what the fuck I gotta to keep you fuckin safe. Be-fuckin-sides…” He cleared his throat and the tips of his ears turned red.
“Besides?” Jordan prompted.
He shrugged. “Ain’t we friends?”
Mr. Caldwell could be overbearing and super frightening, but he had a vulnerable side to him that he showed few people. “Of course, we are.”
“I fuckin’ had to check Baptiste the fuck out. See if he was fuckin’ worthy. He is, but he ain’t rich, babe. He a good motherfucker that dote on you and your kid, but he still got a cock. That mean, he still wanna feel like he takin’ care of his bitch. That’s fuckin’ why I fuckin’ make my boys hang back and don’t let him see their asses, as they watch over you.”
“What am I going to do with you?” she said around laughter.
“Just take care of my Megan.”
“You got it.” She thought for a moment as the doors opened and a nurse walked out, wheeling the baby.
“Mrs. Caldwell has been taken to recovery,” she said.
Death Dwellers Motorcycle Club:: Fifteen Bad Boy Biker Books Page 423