Cammie Healy (Mitchell/ Healy #8)

by Jennifer Foor

  “Funny. Now,” she rolled it on, cupping my balls once my shaft was covered. “You’re ready to go.”

  I reached between her legs, shoving a finger inside of her and then spreading her juices around to prepare her. “So are you. Get back over here. I need to kiss you.”

  “Promise you’ll keep your eyes on the road.”

  “I’ll keep you safe, Cam. If it’s too intense I’ll pull over until we finish. Scout’s honor.”

  She leaned forward as she climbed back on, positioning me to enter her with ease. Her lips collided against mine. I did my best to keep my eyes open, though it seemed impossible when I felt her tight walls accepting me.

  Cammie shifted so I was able to look over her shoulder. She wrapped her arms around my neck and starting moving to a steady groove. “You feel so good.” I said against her lips.

  “Don’t close your eyes,” she reminded me.

  “Don’t stop moving,” I pleaded with her. “I’ll keep us safe.”

  I made it two miles before having to pull over. I needed to touch her in places driving wouldn’t allow. As soon as I threw the truck into park I took her body and laid her down on the bench seat. Separating damn near set me crazy, so I quickly rectified the situation by slipping right back inside. Cammie wrapped her legs around my back, and in the small amount of space we had to work with, we got into a good rhythm. She felt like heaven, her tight walls making the friction overwhelming. As cars passed, we stayed focused on each other. Her kisses were tantalizing, and when she touched me I contemplated taking her outside and bending her over my tailgate. Cammie did things to me; she made me want more. I felt whole, like whatever was missing in my life was finally there. Taking over the bank always seemed unappealing until she walked back into my world. All of a sudden I could see myself settled down, secure and her by my side. It made sense. It felt right.

  Everything about this felt like it was supposed to be. I couldn’t explain it. I damn near couldn’t understand how it was possible. Could I have loved her my whole life? It sure as hell seemed like it to me.

  As her body tightened and I felt myself coming unglued, Cammie squeezed her legs and arched her back. She cried out something that wasn’t in the English dictionary. Her lips touched mine, never pulling away as my body froze in place. I was carried into a momentary lapse of bliss. I wanted to savor every single mind-blowing tingle, the earth shattering high it brought me to be inside of her.

  Afterwards, I discarded the condom and we put our clothes back in order. Cammie remained in the seat beside me, her arm tucked underneath mine, her head rested against my shoulder. “I could get used to this, Cam.”

  “Same.” Her confirmation was all I needed to hear. So far so good. Five more days to convince her she belonged with me. I didn’t know how I was going to make it happen, but I was hell-bent in seeing it through.

  Chapter 30

  Love is just a word. I tried to convince myself of this as I fought to understand how addicted I was becoming to Wes. Was he just someone who’d come into my life at the right time, offering security, and making me misconstrue feelings that weren’t really there? Was that possible?

  It seemed more likely than actually falling in love with him this quickly. Though, I already couldn’t deny it was more intense than anything I ever felt with James, and I’d assumed that was real for a time too.

  I was utterly confused, desperate to figure it out, and also battling demons I didn’t know the first thing about getting rid of.

  All I knew was that every second with Wes was enlightening. I craved his attention, and when he left the room I felt lost.

  We spent the remainder of the night in bed. While naked, we lay next to each other talking about everything we could possibly think of. I learned more about him, and him me. There wasn’t a topic off limits. He was open, and understanding. He was forgiving, and hopeful.

  The next morning Wes decided to stay home from his classes. He spent a few hours doing assignments and turning them in so he wouldn’t fall behind, while I tried to contact the college to see where I stood.

  My stomach was in knots while I was put on hold and finally directed to the admissions clerk.

  “Admissions, this is Sharon. How can I help you?”

  “Hi. My name is Cammie Healy. I’m a student enrolled there at the college. Due to recent events I wanted to know the status of my scholarship.”

  “Do you have your ID number?” She asked.

  I gave her the number and waited patiently to hear if there was big red flag under my name.

  “I’ve pulled up your account, but I’m not real sure what you’re asking. You’re already enrolled in your last batch of courses, and everything has been paid for.”

  “So, there are no funds owed?”

  “No, ma’am.”

  “Okay. My next question would be, if I drop two classes, will they make me pay for them?”

  “Since there isn’t funds owed, I would say you’d only have to pay when you go to retake them. Are you planning on staying for another semester? Would you need the paperwork to fill out?”

  “No. I’m not returning. Due to personal reasons I may not be coming back this semester. I just wanted to make sure I wasn’t going to owe money.”

  “Your scholarship is paid in full. If I’m reading this right, it’s your final semester. Any classes after this semester would be up to you.”

  “Thank you for clearing that up. Have a good day.”

  “Ma’am, are you withdrawing?”

  “I’m not sure yet. If I do, I’ll make sure to call and let someone know.”

  After the call I went into the living room to find Wes. He was typing something on his laptop but looked up when he saw me. “You okay?”

  “I don’t know why I thought I’d have to pay some crazy amount. That woman threatened me and never followed through. The admissions woman said my scholarship was paid in full. I guess its Stanford I have to worry about.”

  “Do you think that’s the scholarship she’s talking about?”

  I shrugged. “I’m afraid it might be.”

  “Wow, a scholarship to graduate school is a big deal. That’s probably why your parents are freaking out. We’re talking hundreds of thousands.”

  “I know. I’m scared to call.”

  “Just do it. Make the call so you can stop wondering.”

  I made the second call with Wes sitting by my side. In a matter of minutes I was directed to an associate who told me I was expected to register by the end of this semester, which is what I was worried about. When I asked about deferring, the person couldn’t assist me, but gave me the information to my student advisor.

  When I hung up I had answers at least. “She never called them. It was all a pack of lies. Stanford expects me to show up next fall. How am I supposed to be there when my due date is around that time?” It was finally sinking in. There was no way I could go to college across the country with a newborn baby.

  I fell into Wes’ arms as I cried. He didn’t even ask me to explain. Once I calmed down he finally said something that peaked my interest. “Is your scholarship through the school or were you offered it through a program or corporation?”

  “It’s an academic scholarship. They gave me a certain amount of money. I actually got several that I combined in order to pay for everything. Why? It’s not like I can take the money and run. It’s for school.”

  “Cam, you could always go to school around here. Wouldn’t that solve everything? You’d be around your family. You’d have help with the baby. And you’d have me.”

  He was right. I’d have help and support. “It’s too late. I can’t reapply somewhere else. I’d never be able to transfer in time.”

  “What if I told you I could help with that?”

  “How?” I needed to know all my options. Everything was changing. I didn’t like change. I also didn’t like thinking my choices were limited.

  “Grandpa is on the board at Duke. I think I mention
ed it before. I asked him to make some calls. That’s why he asked what your MCAT score was. There’s also something else you might be interested in. They have on campus childcare for graduate students. I got an email about it earlier.”

  Tears were streaming down my face. I’d only been home for days and this beautiful man had not only come into my life but was helping me figure out the rest. I thought my options were limited, but now I wasn’t so sure that was true. “You did this for me?”

  “Of course. Actually, I asked my grandpa about it before you came to stay with me. I asked him after our time at the swimming hole. I didn’t know what would happen between us, but I knew I wanted to help.”

  “Does he think he can get me in, this late in the game?”

  “We’ll know in the next couple days. He said if he can’t make it happen for the fall he’s sure it can happen the first of the year. You’d only be one semester behind and it would give you time with baby.”

  “Oh my god. This could solve everything. I don’t want to get my hopes up, but this could mend things with my parents. What about housing? My parents are an hour away.”

  “You could always move in here.” He put his hands up. “Not necessarily with me. You’d have your own space upstairs, and plenty of room for the nursery. I was thinking about renting it out. I’d rather it go to someone I know, possibly someone who might want to keep me company every once in a while. Maybe in time you’ll want to move downstairs.”

  “It’s very sudden,” I admitted.

  “Yeah, you’re right, but does it feel rushed? For me, it’s like we’ve been together for years. I know you, Cammie. Maybe it’s different for me. I’ve always held onto hope. I know this is new for you.”

  “True. It’s new for me, but that doesn’t mean it feels rushed. I don’t know what it means. When I’m with you I feel like I belong. I can’t make promises, but if your grandfather can get me into Duke this would be a good option for me and the baby. I wouldn’t ask you to help out. I’d already be imposing enough. For all I know the baby will keep us up all night. He or she could have colic.”

  He took both of my hands and smiled. “Stop assuming I’ll get tired of you. Stop overanalyzing this thing between us. Just go with it. Do what comes natural and see where it takes us. If anything, I know we’ll be close friends.”

  “But it’s not what you want, is it?” We needed to be upfront with each other.

  “No. It’s not. I want more. I’m not going to lie about it. I want you. I want you to love me.”

  “It’s not just me anymore, Wes.”

  “I want it to be my baby. I wish it was.”

  “That’s not the answer I’m looking for. I’d never ask you to take on the responsibility.”

  “You don’t have to ask. Make me a deal. If you get in to Duke, and we’re still together in two months, I want you to let me help you. I’ll prove I’m not going anywhere. I’ll make you see what I’m feeling is the real deal.”

  “Okay, but if it doesn’t work out I need you to promise we’ll remain friends. Josh would never forgive us. It means a lot to me. I wouldn’t have gotten through the past few days without you. I want you to stick around. We have a strong connection. I refuse to deny it, but I’m just scared we’re falling too fast. Is that possible?”

  “Yeah, anything is possible if you believe.”

  “You sound like a lame slogan.”

  “Lame, or wise?” he snickered and rubbed his lips against mine. “I happen to know you’re still going to be right here with me in a couple months, and a couple months after that. In fact, I’m banking on us being together for a very long time.”

  “How can you be so sure?” I asked.

  He put his hand up to my heart. “Because your heart led you right to mine.”

  I was rendered speechless, yet again.

  After a few moments and a very needed hug, I was able to say something in return. “Where have you been my whole life?” I meant it to lighten the mood, but of course he had an answer for everything.

  “I’ve been here the whole time. You had to come back home to find me.”

  Maybe he was right. Coming home wasn’t just about being lost. It was where I belonged. I just needed to figure out where my baby would fit in, and how my new life was going to change because of it.

  Chapter 31

  We spent the fourth day in bed, only getting up to answer the door for the pizza delivery guy, twice. On the fifth day I had to get up and go to one class in the morning. Then I had an evening class Cammie was going to attend with me just to get a feel for the environment.

  On my way back to the house, around noon, I decided to pick up lunch and surprise her with something I knew she liked. There was a barbeque place in between the campus and my property. After getting her favorites, I quickly headed to my house, because I couldn’t wait to see her.

  I found her nestled up on the couch wrapped in a throw blanket. She’d been wearing one of my T-shirts since the night before and never changed. Her hair was up in a messy bun, and half the polish on her nails had been chewed off. Cammie was in vegetable state, and she’d never been more beautiful to me.

  When I made eye contact with her, I watched her face light up. “Hey. I missed you.”

  I leaned over and kissed her before handing the bag to her. “I got you a surprise.”

  “Oh, I know what it is. It smells amazing. You’re awesome!”

  “Yeah, I get that a lot.”

  I took the spot next to her and waited for her to pull the food out for us to eat. She tossed a fry in her mouth and then fed me another. “How was school?”

  “Fine. My mind was on other things though.”

  “Oh really? Are you going to share?”

  “I’d rather show you,” I hinted. “After you finish your meal, of course. I know how you get when you don’t eat.”

  She shoved me. “Shut up. I’m starving lately.”

  “You’re eating for two,” I reminded her.

  “If I keep it up I’m going to be as big as a house. I might not even fit through the back door.”

  “Hopefully I can still fit through the back door,” I teased. “Get it? Back door?”

  A pickle came at me, slapping me on the cheek. “Sicko. I’m serious. I can’t stop eating.”

  “Even if you’re as big as a house, I’ll still want to hit it. Who knows, it might be better.”

  “I thought you said it couldn’t get any better?”

  “I did, but you never know until you try, right?”

  “Speaking of trying, have you heard from your grandpa? I got an email from my sister again today. She’s private messaged me and now emailed me. I don’t know where to tell her I’ve been. I’m not going home until I have good news.”

  “Just tell her you’re with a friend. Tell her you’re fine and you’ll be home in a couple days to get your things.”

  “Who leaves their wallet and phone behind for days? I know they’re freaking out.”

  “I can take you home whenever you want, Cam. I’m not holding you hostage.”

  She reached over to kiss me. “Maybe I’d like it if you did.”

  “It can be arranged. How long would you like to stay?”

  “How long do you want me?”

  I sat down my sandwich and wiped my face with a napkin before answering. “Don’t ask questions you might not be ready to hear the answer.”

  “Maybe I am ready. Maybe I want all your cards out on the table. You asked me for a week. We only have a couple days left.”

  I grabbed her chin and looked into her eyes. “You already know where I stand, Cam. I’m waiting patiently for you to know it too. It’s going to happen.”

  “You seem sure. What if I change my mind. My hormones are out of control.”

  “I’m not afraid. Maybe I should be, but I’m not.”

  “I think I need more convincing. Maybe you could give me a few more reasons to want to stick around.”

  I stood a
nd held out my hand. “No problem. First we’re going to take a bath, and then I’m going to shave you. After that we’re going to have dessert, or at least I am. When I’m done with you, there won’t be any confusion.”

  “What are you waiting for?” She taunted.

  I picked her up and put her over my shoulder, carrying her to the bathroom. Once inside, I put her down in order to run the bath water. Unlike a newer home, the claw foot tub wasn’t that roomy. It was a good thing Cammie was petite. She fit right between my legs without being uncomfortable.

  With the temperature nice and hot, I began to undress, kicking off my pants, and then removing my shirt. Cammie lifted up her arms and let me pull my T-shirt over her head. She stood completely naked in front of me, and for a few seconds I took her in, admiring all the parts I was about to touch.

  “Give me your hand,” I requested.

  She did as she was told, her palm coursing over mine as I helped her into the filling water. I followed behind, sitting down so she could wedge herself between my legs. Her back rested against my chest, her head falling to the side. I peered down and looked at her breasts, still above the water. My hands came up and soaked them, making them slippery as I massaged and teased the nipples.

  The bar of soap was in a stand located next to the tub. I reached for it, bringing it over her mounds and creating an immediate lather. I washed the front of her, dipping the bar down between her legs and making sure every part was taken care of. “Stand up for me.”

  “It’s cold,” she whined.

  “Don’t worry. I’m about to make it real hot.”

  Cammie stood and exposed her whole body to me again. No longer did she seem shy or worried. I’d already convinced her she was the most beautiful woman in my eyes.

  Next to where I kept the soap was a razor. I’d only used it a couple times. After making sure it was washed properly, I lathered up Cammie’s pussy with one hand while holding the blade with the other. “Do you trust me?”

  “Sometimes.” She seemed worried.