Love Interrupted

by Eva Andrews

  Taking a deep breath, I drained the rest of my drink and sat it down, “I don’t like the way he looks at her, or him touching her.” I struggled to see who it was, just as he turned- then, recognition.

  Greyson O’Malley, well shit, he was one of my friends. How’d she know him?

  My dad continued to talk as I struggled to understand how Greyson and Shayne knew each other. It was clear they had met before, Shayne was comfortable with him. They animatedly chatted together across the room like long lost friends, just like she treated Jud.

  Putting his arm around me, “That is the Carmichael in you Cam. We protect what is ours, it is elemental to who you are. What are your options? Walking up there and embarrassing her or letting her catch up with an old friend?”

  Old friend my ass. Greyson fucking wants her, I can see it in his eyes.

  “So she can let Greyson touch her ass, but I can’t talk to Lana?”

  “Jesus Cam, he does not have her hand anywhere near her ass. I have faith in your girlfriend that if a man crossed the line, she’d check him faster than you make money. At least Greyson knows he’s not doing anything wrong, hence the reason he gave her a hug in public. Your director is far more devious.” He whispered back, his tone low and stern. I had noticed my dad had become very protective of Shayne. Which, I absolutely appreciated, he treated like she was his daughter- I also saw how much Shayne benefited from having a father figure in her life again. Losing her daddy at such a young age was tragic.

  “Dad, Lana and I have talked. She hasn’t caused any issues or went out of her way to touch me, or flirt with me since.” I declared, quite proud I had finally gotten through to that to woman.

  He looked at me, standing nose to nose, searching my eyes. “Shayne hasn’t told you, has she?”

  My veins went cold.

  “What hasn’t she told me?” I asked, looking back to Shayne who was now dancing with that good-looking motherfucker. My heart pounding as I tore my gaze away from her, and looked back at my dad.

  “Lana might not be causing any issues for you, and pretending she’s playing by your new rules in front of your face, but she’s making Shayne’s life hell.”

  Standing up straight, I cranked my neck to the left and cracked it, “Why the fuck don’t I know about this?”

  “I assumed Shayne would tell you,” he said, with a small smile he looked over at her and found her in the crowd, “Hmph, just when I didn’t think I could love that girl anymore, she finds a new way to impress me.”

  “Dad, please enlighten me. What is going on? What hasn’t Shayne told me?”

  “Has she even told you about what Lana said to her at the gala?”

  Shaking my head, I wondered what the hell was said, and why Shayne wouldn't tell me.

  “That little girlfriend of yours is as stubborn as she is beautiful. Ask her about the gala, and I'll tell you about the most recent issue. Last week I stopped by your office and I crossed paths with Shayne. I could tell something was wrong, she was damn near crying. So, I changed directions and asked her to coffee.” He stopped and rubbed the bridge of his nose.

  It was a tale tell sign I knew, it meant he was pissed.

  “After I got her in car with Miles and I, she started crying. She had admitted that was the third time she had stopped by to see you, only to be denied by Lana. That particular time, your director decided to tell Shayne she was distracting you from your life’s work, that she was ruining you and destroying your company. That thousands of people were going to lose their job because of her. Finally, she decided it was within her powers to tell your girlfriend she not welcome at Carmichael Industries properties, in fact I believe she used the word banned.”

  What the fuck? Why hadn’t she told me?

  “Dad, I had no idea. I thought Lana got it…she was treating me so differently.” I said softly.

  “Yes, and she was taking it out on our Shayne. Lana is a smart business woman Cameron, she is calculated and intelligent. She is playing a vicious game, and Shayne is taking the hits silently while you sit back thinking everything is perfect.”

  I felt like a bag of dicks. Shayne had taken the backlash like a champ, and I had been going through life thinking everything was fucking peachy. I had no idea Shayne had ever stopped by the office, she had never text, or said anything prior or afterward. She certainly hadn’t told me that Lana had turned her away, or treated her so horribly.

  I felt like a fucking asshole.

  Sitting down, I ran my hand through my hair, “She didn’t say anything Dad, I swear!”

  Joining me, he sat down and took a long drink.

  “If I were you, I’d want to know why she didn’t tell me.” He stated, putting words to what I was already thinking. Rolling my neck, I cracked it and finished my drink.

  “You read my thoughts.” I admitted to my father easily.

  He wasn’t here to stir up shit, he was here to help. He loved me and only wanted the best, and I’d be willing to bet everything I owed, that in his eyes, Shayne was the best there was. I didn’t disagree, Shayne was the best thing I had ever touched.

  Clearing his throat, “It is possible that she didn’t trust you to pick her over Lana if she brought this to you.”

  “That’s bullshit Dad, there is no choice. Lana works for me, and Shayne is…”

  “Is what Cam? She’s scarred from a previous relationship, untrusting of men given that, and she is new to you. She is coming up against a woman you’ve had in your life since college. I would wager the reason Shayne hasn’t said anything to you is because she believes what Lana told her. Because she believes if you had to choose, you’d pick Lana.”

  “Fuck that, everything has been great.”

  “Hey, I’m not here to rip you apart Cameron. I don’t doubt things are going good, I can tell the way you two look at each other. I just want you to know what the hell is going on and how your employee is treating her.”

  Shrugging, maybe it doesn’t bother Shaun if she hasn’t said anything.”

  He could be right, she was the type to let things slide off her shoulders easily.

  Maybe that is what happened, she just blew Lana’s bullshit off and carried on. Thinking back over the nights we stayed together, I could remember some nights where she just buried into me. She had held onto me like I was her lifeline.

  Had those been the days she had stopped by my office?

  “I’ll talk to her about it Dad, but not tonight,” standing up, I held out my hand for him. Helping the old man up, “I’m going to go find my sister and dance with her.”

  Smiling at me, “I should find your Mother too.”

  Walking into the ballroom, I saw Adeline talking to one of her best friend, Sabra. Walking up to the group, I slipped my hand into Addie’s, “Dance with me Sister.”

  Smiling up at me, “I was wondering when you’d get around to asking.”

  Leading her out to the floor, I tried to ignore how good Shayne looked with Greyson. They made a striking couple. Keeping my eyes on Addie, I softened when I looked down into the blue eyes of my darling sister.

  “Have I told you how happy I am for you? You’ve went out and captured every dream you’ve ever dreamt, you are the glue that keeps us together, I love you Sissy.” I whispered as I swung her into a spin. With a big laugh, she spun back into me and held me tight.

  Looking up at me, “You’ve changed Cam.”

  “How’s that?”

  “You are softer, more loving.”

  “I’ve always loved you Adeline, I’d do anything for you.”

  “I know Cam, I didn’t mean it like that. It’s a good change, and I think it all has to do with your girlfriend.”

  Grinning, “I have no clue what you mean.”

  Pinching me, “It is good to see you in love Cameron.”

  “I never said I was in love kiddo.”

  “Cameron, you are my big brother…I’d be a pretty shitty sister to not notice when you finally decided to fall in
love.”

  Trying to change the subject quickly, I nodded over to Shayne and Greyson who were dancing on the other side of the floor. “So tell me how she knows him, I’m assuming you know.” I did my best to not sound jealous, but it didn’t work. Addie knew better.

  “She worked for the O’Malley family right after college. She moved to Dallas for a few years, then left there for a job suited in her field.”

  Holy Shit, Shayne worked for my competitor?

  “You didn’t think to tell me Shayne had worked for the O’Malley family?” I asked, instantly worried about trade secrets between the highly competitive companies.

  “Cameron, she left there right as you got out of the military. So no, I didn’t feel the need to tell you as she did nothing wrong. Seriously, you go from totally love struck to a fucking idiot in the snap of a finger.” She scolded, rightly so.

  As much as I hated it, I had Lana’s words still stuck in my head- that Shayne was using me for my money and power. That she had a different end game then just being with me, for me. My heart didn’t believe any of that shit for one fucking minute, but my head as hell bent on doubting everything.

  “They look awfully comfortable with each other.” I muttered.

  “She worked for his father’s company right out of college as an engineer. She minored in it, and pulled an awesome job in Texas. Her and Greyson dated for a little while, she broke up with him when she moved back to Chicago. Her and Derrick eventually got back together after that.”

  Shayne left a millionaire’s son for Derrick? What the fuck wasn’t I understanding?

  Hugging my tight as the song ended, “Cam, don’t worry about Greyson. He’s got a hot date here, and Shayne has eyes only for you. They’ve always been better friends than anything, they both know that.”

  “I’m not sure I like her dancing with her ex-boyfriend.”

  Smiling up at me, “That is because he’s handsome and rich just like you, and he’s not a dick…you wish you could hate him, but you can’t.”

  She was right. Greyson was a standup guy, and one of Ashton’s best friends. I also knew him far better than I could admit to my sister.

  “You’re right kiddo, it’d be easier if I hated him. Greyson’s a good dude.” As the song ended, I kissed her forehead, “Go enjoy the rest of your night.”

  Seeing Shayne rejoin Justin’s circle with Greyson, I joined them. Seeing a tall brunette slip into Greyson’s arm, I assumed that was his lovely date.

  “Hi handsome.” Shayne said as I drew up beside her and ran my hand around her hip and brought her closer.

  Kissing her temple, “Hi baby.”

  Leaning over, I held out my hand, “Evening Greyson, good to see you.”

  “Cameron, likewise. May I introduce you to my girlfriend, Jenna Black.”

  Shaking hands with him, I turned my attention to his beautiful date, “A pleasure to meet you, Cameron Carmichael.”

  “Nice to meet you. Is this your parents’ home?” She asked, clearly enchanted with the old plantation mansion.

  Nodding, “Indeed, I hope you are enjoying yourself.”

  “Oh I am! Your family has such excellent taste, if your mother and Addie weren’t busy planning the wedding, I’d hire her for mine, you know, when this guy gets around to asking me.”

  It was a semi-awkward moment for everyone until Jud pipped up.

  Beside me, Jud offered, “Jessica darling, you could always borrow Elijah. I’d say he’s almost as good as Addie, but don’t tell either one of them I said that!”

  Laughing together, Shayne teased him back, “Jud, I wouldn’t hire him out just yet, you two are next!”

  “Oh hell, could you imagine what Mom would say? She’d knock our heads together if we tried to manage two Carmichael weddings in a year. She’s got to have that shit spaced out or she’ll ground us forever.”

  Laughing hard, he spoke the truth.

  My mother was a true southern woman, we did things with great flare and tradition down here. Engagement parties, bridal showers, proper bachelorette and bachelor trips, and of course the ceremony and reception. Although all of us children were different in our own right, my mother expected us to have that type of wedding- Even Jud and Elijah.

  I loved that my parents embraced Jud’s sexuality, and accepted and loved him unconditionally. We always knew Jud was different, but it wasn’t until college that he had been brave enough to come out to us when I was home on leave once.

  “Do you think she’d be mad if Eli and I flew to Jamaica and eloped?” Jud asked, smiling behind the rim of his glass.

  “Your mother would kill you, straight up kill you.” Shayne joked, leaning her head against my shoulder. I loved how she melted against me, there was zero doubt she was mine. Anyone in the room could look at us and know we were together, especially Greyson.

  Yes, he had Jenna, but it fucking irked me to know he had slept with Shay. He had seen her naked, felt her body, and that fucking bothered me.

  Trying to keep focused, “She might not kill you, but I bet she’d cry…you know there isn’t anything worse than when Mom cries.” I said to my only brother.

  Sighing, Jud pretended to pout. “So no to elopement, check.”

  “If you’ll excuse us,” I said as I heard a slow song start up. Shayne and I went to the dance floor and pulled up next to my parents.

  “Having fun?” I asked, as I pulled her close and kissed the top of her head.

  “Meh, your parents’ throw boring parties.”

  The woman couldn’t even hold her poker face, and started to giggle.

  “Yes, yes these are always so boring.”

  “Your birthday is coming up.”

  “It is, and yours isn’t far away either.” I said, pulling her close to me, whispering into her ear. God, she felt good in my arms. Her perfume was fucking incredible, her smell alone made me horny. Having her wrapped in green silk, in six inch heels made me almost rabid for her. Knowing she could have any man in this world, and she chose me made my chest inflate with pride.

  “Is there anything you’d like to do for it? Or should I just plan something?”

  “You’d do that?” Surprised, only my family planned stuff for me. Dancing with her, it was like the world disappeared when she was in my arms.

  “Cameron, I’m your girlfriend, of course I’d plan you a party, you silly man.”

  “When do I get to pick out pieces of art for the museum?”

  “Oh, I thought you decided to donate a few from your house.”

  “I would like to, but I’d also like to find a few new pieces.”

  “We can do that, is there anything specific you were looking for?”

  “Well, now that you mention it, I’ve been looking for the mother of my future children, but I found her already, even if she refuses to move in.” I teased, and winked down at her as we danced. This was the first time in two weeks I had mentioned anything of the sort, I wasn’t sure it was the best idea but I wanted to test the waters.

  “We practically live together anyway Cam,” She whispered against my jaw as we danced.

  “Yes, practically, but not officially. Your house is basically just a five thousand dollar a month closet Shay. If its space or privacy you are worried about, my house has six bedrooms in it, and there is always the yacht. If you get pissed at me, or we are fighting and you don’t want to see me, you are free to pick which place you want to be at, and I’ll take the other one. Or if you want your own room at either place, have it, take all of them.”

  “Your serious?” She asked, looking up at me like she was about to say yes.

  “Shay, if your fear is that you won’t have somewhere to run away to if we fight, then rest assured we can solve that right here and now. One, you always have this place as an escape. My parents will open the doors at four in the morning if you called them in need. You have my siblings, and then you have the yacht. I promise you right here and now, if you feel the need to run, I will give you yo
ur space.”

  “I’m not afraid of fighting Cameron, I’m afraid of needing you so much I forget how to function as a normal human being. These past few weeks were hell when you were gone, or I was away. It makes me feel weak when you aren’t close.”

  “Woman, you are the least needy person I know. You are certainly not weak, not in any way shape or form. Don’t you get it Shay? I want you to need me, because I fucking need you like I need my next breath.”

  “Cam…”

  “I want to go on a trip with you, we can look for art, just you and I. You’ve been out with Jud and Addie, it is my turn now.”

  “Cam, you can’t be away from your business for that long.”

  “Says who?”

  “Well…”

  “I don’t know what you have planned for next week, but you and I are going away for the week, so clear whatever you’ve got. I want you to myself.”

  “You always have me to yourself Cam.’’

  “You know what I mean Shayne. You and I have spent the weekends together, and a few nights a week when we aren’t traveling, but we haven’t been able to spend a full week together since we started dating. So yeah, I’m totally going to use this as an excuse to whisk my girlfriend away to somewhere beautiful.”

  As the song stopped, I kept her in my arms and looked down at her, willing her to say yes.

  “Deal. You make the travel plans and surprise me. Just let me know how long we’re going to be gone so I can tell work and pack.”

  Reaching down, I tipped up her jaw, “I like it when you say yes to me. You should do that more often.” Kissing her softly on the lips, I felt her smile.

  “I always say yes to you Cam…eventually.”

  I tried to tell myself to not read too much into her comment, just because she said that doesn’t mean she’s going to say yes to moving in with me, or start having my babies. However, I’d be fucking lying if I told you inside, I was fucking grinning ear-to-ear with victory.

  Shayne Marie Montgomery might have not said yes yet, but she would- as long as I didn’t fuck things up between us. She was so close to just moving everything in, most of her stuff was at my house anyway, or on the yacht.