by Eva Andrews
“Surprisingly enough, the shitty kidnappers my mother hired were very kind compared to her. By day seven, she came around higher than shit, there was no soul left in her eyes. She was like an animal, she eventually snapped and beat the shit out of me with a crowbar. It took two grown men to pull her off me, by then the damage was done. I lost the baby that night.”
“Fuck. Shayne, I just…I wish I was here for you.”
Bursting into tears, “You don’t know how many times I wish I could go back and just give her the money. I would give anything to have that baby back.”
“Shhh Shayne, this isn’t your fault! She would have just come back for more. I wish I would have been there for you Shayne.”
“Cameron, stop. You were at war, at… fucking… war. No one dreams of having their mother kidnap them, and then beat them so bad that they miscarry- even if you were stateside, there is no guarantee you could have prevented it.”
“I’m still sorry. I would give anything to keep you safe Shayne, anything. I would give up everything I own, every holding, every stock and asset that I possess to keep you safe. That shit doesn’t mean anything without you.”
Relaxing against him, “I know you would do anything for me honey, it is part of the reason I’m so in love with you.” Lifting, I kissed his jaw, “I would have told you, eventually. I just, I just didn’t want you to have to go through the pain. After you returned to America, so much time had passed I figured there was no point in telling you.”
“Shayne…” he said in that scolding tone.
“Come on, think about it. A solider returns after three deployments in some of the worst conditions, and missions in history. His baby sister has since passed in a car accident. Then what, I call up after years of a one night stand, and say ‘Hey, remember that one time at Cornell? Well I got pregnant, but I lost the baby because my mother is a heroin addict who wanted money and beat me so bad it put me in the hospital for two weeks. Have a nice life, bye!’ yeah, no. Who would do that shit?”
Squeezing me tightly, he sighed into my hair, “You were not a one night stand.”
“Really? Out of all of that, that is what you took away?”
“Oh, I remember every damn word you just said, and I will until my dying day. I can’t change the past, but I sure as fuck can correct you when you are wrong little lady, and you are wrong.”
Scowling, “Explain to me how one night with me wasn’t a one night stand.”
“Because a very large part of me fell in love with you that night. I was deployed, and dropped into hell on earth the next day. I went off the radar for almost 18 months. When I resurfaced, I found out you were dating, so I backed off.”
“Yeeeeah, you can see how a girl could get the wrong impression a year and a half later, right? Especially, when you assume I was happily dating someone.”
“Yeah, after that I kept taking assignment after assignment. After each one, I’d pop back up and see if you were single, you never were, so I’d go back in for another mission.”
“Cameron!” I hissed.
Shrugging, “I know. To be fair, I knew I was being an idiot. After I got home, all I could think about was building my company. My life revolved around my business, part of me still thinks I was biding my time.”
“After I lost the baby, I kind of just went through the motions for a long time. Hell, I had gotten engaged to a man I had lukewarm feelings for just so I wouldn’t be alone. After losing my dad, and having my mother turn evil, I just coasted.”
“Why didn’t you tell me you were a millionaire Shayne?”
Shrugging, “Does it matter?”
“Don’t you think I might have some preconceived notion that women only want me for my money?”
Grinning, “You have a lot more to offer than money Mr. Carmichael.”
“Seriously Shayne.”
“I knew you before you were the most famous bachelor in America, before you were a billionaire. I knew you before you were the man you are today. I’ve never asked you to buy me anything, or give you any indication I was a gold-digger.”
“I never believed you were Shayne. You forget, I knew you before you were breaking hearts all over this country. I knew you before you sold your patent to NASA and become so bloody rich, it makes me even feel a little inadequate.”
Slapping at him playfully, “You are nowhere near inadequate, in any sphere of your life Mr. Carmichael.” Pointing at him, “Don’t give me that shit either, you know my few million dollars is nothing compared to what you hold.”
Pouting, “Baby, you have more than a few million dollars, and I think I’m more jealous that you won’t ever spend my money like a proper wife should.”
Rolling my eyes, “Can you be more of a contradiction?”
“Soooo, you’re not saying no to being my wife.” He teased, squeezing me tight.
“Well, you’ve gotten your way so far. We are trying to start a family, I’ve moved in, so what comes next?” I ask, really nervous he was going to ask me to marry him next.
“You know what is next. But don’t worry baby, I’m not going to ask you to marry me tonight. You aren’t ready.”
“What?”
“You aren’t ready, and clearly neither am I’m dumb enough to order secret henchmen to look into your background instead of just waiting for you to tell me. I mean, don’t get me wrong baby, I love you with everything that I am, and I know that you are the one for me. We will get there Shay, I promise.”
Chapter 15
Cameron
“What do you think of teal?” Jud asked, as he turned and looked in the mirror. Shopping for tuxes for his wedding, Justin and I had taken the day off work and worked on his to-do list Elijah had given him.
Raising a brow at my younger brother, “Teal tuxes, seriously Jud?” I mean, I wouldn’t put it past him to pick something like that.
Laughing, Jud did a spin on the tailor’s stand, “Teasing Cam.”
It had been two months since Shayne had officially moved in with me, and life had never been the same since. Living with the woman had been a game changer. Granted, we had been unofficially living together for weeks prior, but there was something to be said about cohabitating with someone for the first time in my life.
I was sure it wasn’t supposed to be this easy.
Life with Shayne had been smooth sailing after we had gotten all the skeletons out of the closet. I had been striving to work more normal hours, and limit the evening office hours when possible. I was serious when I told Shayne I wouldn’t let work come between me and my family. So, I figured I could start trimming my time back when possible.
Shayne on the other hand was working nonstop, the woman had been to six different countries in the past month. Construction on the new wing had been completed, and a grant for occupancy had been given. She had been working with the designers for displays for the art pieces all over the world.
My beautiful girlfriend’s job was consuming her life, however, it was a memorial for my baby sister so I didn’t want to complain. But I was starting to get jealous.
“Earth to Cameron!”
Looking up at Jud, I grinned.
“Lord, you should be able to knit me a fine sweater after all that woolgathering’ you were just doing!” Jud teased.
“Sorry, thinking about Shayne. Sorry Jud, I’m a shitty best man.”
Walking off the stand, Jud came over and sat down in the chair beside me. “It is kind of nice to see you all twisted up in love. And you aren’t a shitty best man, you are just a man in love.”
“Think Mom will have a heart attack if we add a third engagement onto the calendar?” I asked Jud while he and I sat in privacy of our personal tailor’s shop.
Grinning, “I think Mama wants grandbabies, she’s too smart to be anything other than fucking ecstatic if that were to happen Cam. So, what if she marries off all her babies in the same year, she’ll survive. The woman was born for this shit.”
“Did you know Sh
ay and I have been trying to have a baby?”
Jud’s eyes widened, as did his smile, “Cameron Jameson Carmichael! You haven’t even put a rock on her finger yet!”
Laughing, “I have one, I’ve had it for months now. I bought it after our first weekend together, I’ve known since then.”
“No, I didn’t know you two were trying for a baby, she didn’t tell me. You know she doesn’t tell me everything, right? So, if you’ve got the ring, what are you waiting for?” Jud asked, looking at me like he expected a rational answer from me.
“I don’t know. I’m afraid.”
Grinning wide, “Ooh, that had to be hard for you to say.” Jud teased as any normal little brother would do.
“Fuck yes, it is. I’m not afraid to get married, that isn’t it. I’m afraid she’ll say no.”
Nodding like he understood, “Again, not something you’re used to.”
Shooting him a look, he put his hands up.
“Hey, not being mean. But come on Cam, when has any woman told you no? Now, you’ve got one that you are unsure of, that shit has to throw you off. You’ve never had a serious relationship like this before, I get it.”
“I just feel like I’ve rushed her into everything. I pushed her to put a label on our relationship, then got her to agree to have my baby and move in with me. For some reason, I just don’t want to rush this part.”
Taking a drink of scotch the tailor had supplied for the fittings, Jud looked over at me, “She’s doing great Cam. Shayne doesn’t seem spooked or freaked out, in fact, I don’t think I’ve ever seen her so happy and vibrant. It is like she’s alive again, and that is all on you. The simple fact that you got her to agree to starting a family, especially before a wedding is ah-fucking-mazing, Brother.”
“All I know is, if I wait till she is pregnant, she’ll say no just out of principal thinking I only asked because of a baby. Yet, every day I think about proposing and all my ideas seem lame as shit. She deserves the fucking moon, and I’m coming up empty handed. Maybe Ashton and Elijah just set the bar too high, I don’t know.”
“Cam, you are never going to know the answer till you try. You are thinking too hard Bro, just let that big ol’ heart of yours lead you. You two deserve happiness, a family, and I really want some nieces and nephews to spoil shitless.”
Grinning at my handsome brother, “Uncle Jud sounds good.”
“Damn straight! Now stop stressing, stop trying to plan the perfect moment and just let it happen. Yeah, you might need to carry that ring around for days, weeks before the perfect moment happens, but it will Cameron. She doesn’t need something big for it to be perfect.”
“You’re right Jud, I’m overthinking it.”
“Of course I’m right. Furthermore, just know, there is no one in this world that could make Shayne do anything she didn’t want to do. If she agreed to be your girlfriend, it is because she wanted to. If she agreed to start a family with you, it is because she wanted to. If she moved in with you…well, you get the point.” Standing up, he cocked his head and smiled at me, “Now get your ass up and help me pick out tuxes for my wedding like a good best man, or I’ll demote you and replace you with your future wife.”
“Deal. Oh, and you are not putting me in a goddamn teal tux. I love you, but that is where I draw the line little bro!” I smiled and swatted him on the back as I stood up and looked at the fabrics that had been pulled by our personal tailor.
Shayne
Walking out of work on time, for first time in weeks felt incredible. I had worked so fucking much this past week I felt like a zombie.
Everything was coming together perfectly at the museum, but it also meant I was being pulled in ten different directions. Between contractors, designers, my boss and my co-workers who somehow turned into my assistants, I was being blown up all the time.
It was 4 o’clock on a Friday, and I had a date with my boyfriend. Thanking the security guard as he opened the door for me, I walked out into the humidity and smiled the instant I saw him.
Instead of seeing Miles patiently waiting for me, I saw the man I couldn’t get off my mind. Leaned up against the 69’ Chevelle that I was partial to, my drop-dead billionaire boyfriend smiled at me, and about stopped my heart. Right next to him was the always adorable Max. Smiling like an idiot, I damn near ran down the steps and jumped into his arms.
This was my family.
“Hi Sugar,” he said as he caught me, and kissed me softly.
Sighing against his lips, “I missed you this morning.” He left the house early this morning, I had woken up alone and grumpy.
“Sorry, wanted to get an early start today so I could get out early. I’m looking forward to our date.”
“Me too, are you going to tell me what you’ve got planned yet?”
“I’m guessing you didn’t have time for lunch again, so I grabbed us some early dinner. You and I are taking the yacht out for the weekend and not coming back until late Sunday.”
“That sounds perfect! We haven’t had a weekend on the yacht in a long time.” Sliding into the smooth leather seat.
I loved that Cam knew me well enough to feed me. He had been taking excellent care of me when I failed to do so. He made sure there was always food for me when I got home, or would meet me for a late-night dinner at one of our favorite places.
Just the other night I was craving beignets, so the both of us took a walk down to Café du Monde at midnight. I am now convinced there is nothing more romantic than walking hand in hand with my ex-Army Ranger through the French Quarter while he tells me ghost stories with a full moon over our heads.
Reaching over, I played with his hair as he drove us to the marina, “It feels like forever since we’ve been out on the water.” The past few weekends had been hijacked with business dinners and charity events, or work.
“Figured we could use a weekend away from it all.”
I felt guilty. My job had taken over my life as we drew closer to the opening, which was in six months. I had been working long nights, and weekend events for the museum. Cameron had been so understanding, but I had seen the disappointment in his eyes.
“I promise I’ll do better.” I whispered. I felt like a shitty girlfriend.
Casting a quick look at me before putting his eyes back on the road, “Shayne, I’m not upset. Am I a little jealous about how much time you spend at work? Sure, but I think it’s more that I’ve never known someone to out work me.”
His voice was calm, and warm as he continued, “Baby, you are working on a new wing for my baby sister. What kind of dick would I be if I got upset over that? Do I think you could pawn more work off to your assistants? Sure, but I also understand you want this perfect, for my family. I can’t tell you how proud I am of you, that it is you handling this for Sophie and not some stranger.”
His words brought tears to my eyes. He was fucking perfect. He handled my tantrums, he soothed me and always knew what to say. Cameron knew the nights I needed to be held, and the nights I needed sex. He just read me so well.
Grinning at him, “It makes me happy to know that you’re proud. You’ve been really patient with me baby. I promise I’ll make it up to you this weekend.”
“Nothing to make up sweetie, I just want you to relax this weekend. No need to make any food, or do anything besides lounge with me in the sun.” He offered as he pulled into the marina.
Seeing our yacht gleaming in the evening sun, I leaned over and kissed him on the cheek as he parked, “You drive a hard bargain Mr. Carmichael. Don’t get too disappointed if I fall asleep early tonight.”
“As long as we’re next to each other, I don’t mind at all babe. Come on, I’ll go walk Max really quick while you go in and see what I have waiting for you in the oven.”
“Seriously?” Smiling as I got out of the classic car. My stomach began rumbling hours ago, I needed food and a drink, bad.
“Go on Shay, I’ll meet you inside after I get us ready to go.” Waving me inside, Ca
m called out to Max so he could take him on the dog run.
Cameron
Looking up at the brilliant stars above us, I felt her snuggle closer as she slept in my arms. The faint smell of the perfume she wore to work today made me sigh in happiness. Shayne had fallen asleep moments after I started the movie.
The woman was working herself too hard.
We had barely gotten to talk about bachelor/bachelorette parties we were attending in a few weeks before she fell asleep midsentence. I was going to Jud’s bachelor party, and she was going to Addie’s.
Addie’s bachelorette party was being held on the same weekend as Jud’s. I wasn’t sure if I liked the idea or not, but at least it’d only be one weekend away from each other instead of two separate weekends we were both gone.
Both parties were destination events, Shayne and Addie would be flying out to Napa Valley, while Jud and I would be going to Vegas with our respective groups.
Although Shayne and I were in both weddings, we hadn’t done a lot for my brother and sister yet. I knew Addie, Shayne and my mother looked at wedding gowns last weekend.
Thankfully, all I needed to do was wear a tux and stand next to Ashton for my beautiful little sister’s wedding. Now my brother’s wedding, I had a lot more responsibilities. I was Justin’s best man, so I had to make sure his Vegas weekend exceeded everyone’s expectations.
Expectations.
Well isn’t that a funny word. Expectations, hell, mine were going really fucking great right now. All I wanted to do was ask her to marry me, and I every time I’ve planned to ask her, she fell asleep.
I was beginning to think life was playing a funny joke on me. After years of not seeing the woman, my life changed the instant Shayne Montgomery walked back into my life. Now that I had her in my life, we were too fucking busy to carry on like a normal couple.
Yet, here we were. Trying our best to be together while we both conquered the world in our own realms of expertise.