by Kacey Shea
As I wait for my Uber I thumb through my phone, bored and a little irritated at myself. My insecurities. My limitations. My lack of vulnerability. Sometimes it feels as if I’ve come so far that the countless hours of self-reflection and counseling have been worth it. And others, like tonight, prove I’m nowhere near healed in the way I want to be. Maybe that’s the problem. Maybe I’ll never be capable of more. Maybe I should stop trying so hard and accept myself.
What is it I really want?
My thumb hovers over the messenger icon on my phone. I shouldn’t. I really should leave well enough alone. Fuck it. What’s the worst that’ll happen? I shoot off a text before I change my mind.
Me: Hey, someone sent me a bunch of porn from this number. Thought you should know.
I don’t expect him to respond. His answer comes a few seconds later.
Cam the Man: It’s art. Not porn.
A laugh bursts from my lips.
Me: That’s what you’re calling it?
Cam the Man: Don’t tell me you’re one of those heathens who doesn’t appreciate a good flip book when she sees one.
Me: The flip trick to the illusion is lost when you send photos as texts
Cam the Man: Maybe you’re doing it wrong
Me: Maybe I need a man to help? Is that what you’re suggesting?
Cam the Man: If I’m the man, then yes.
Cam the Man: Rematch. I want to see you.
Me: I don’t do relationships.
Cam the Man: Cool. My place or yours?
Me: What part of “I don’t do relationships” did you miss?
Cam the Man: Nothing. I’m not looking for a girlfriend, but I do want to fuck you.
And there it is again. My entire body thrums with need; my heart beats in a way that reminds me I’m alive. It’s energizing. It’s exciting. But I shouldn’t respond. I especially shouldn’t take him up on his offer. I’m already jonesing for another rematch with Cam and his big dick. Once more would only complicate things. In my experience, complications in this matter usually lead to feelings, and that’s something I can’t do. My fumbling attempt—and fail for normal with Preston—is fresh in my mind as proof. Still . . .
What Cam and I had together was hot. Last night flits through my mind better than any flip book, and my body heats with the memories. One time, that was the deal. Those were my rules. He already wants to break them, which is a bad sign. Yet I want to break them, too.
Me: Maybe we need one more time.
Cam the Man: It was the dick pics. Wore you down.
Another laugh escapes my lips and for the first time since I can’t remember when, a lightness settles around my heart. He’s fun. I can do fun. I can change the rules as long as I’m the one who sets them.
Me: Good night, Cam.
Cam the Man: It’s happening. Soon. You name the time and place. My dick will be at the ready.
Me: Such the gentleman.
Cam the Man: You know it ;-)
Cam the Man: So when should I pencil you onto my dance card?
Me: You’re a dork.
Cam the Man: Busted.
Like a total idiot myself, I’m grinning as I read his latest response. I like the volley of our banter, the push and pull. I expected once we slept together he’d move on, or brush me off. Turns out Cam is nothing I expected, and the surprise is refreshing.
Cam the Man: Call just came in. Gotta run.
Me: Stay safe out there.
Cam the Man: I always do. Night, Jill. Dirty dreams.
Yeah, that won’t be a problem. Our night together left me with enough material to get myself off for months to come. Just think of how good it’ll be the next time? A thrill shoots up my spine, need pooling at my center. There are nerves too, a resistance to letting him into my fantasies or bed for more than one night, but I push them away. I deserve to be happy, and right now Cam and his generous throbbing member promise to bring me just that. I just can’t grow too attached to his flirty conversations, or the way his gaze eats me up, which should be simple. If there’s one thing I’m a pro at, it’s keeping people at a distance. I don’t care that he’s some big, tough, confident guy with a sense of humor and rugged good looks, the fortress guarding my heart is impenetrable to his charms. There’s no way I’ll fall for him. Or anyone. I know better than that.
I hope you enjoyed this short and steamy prequel. Cam and Jill’s full story continues in Caught in the Lies, releasing October 3 and available for pre-order now!
Or begin with Callie’s story in Caught in the Flames, a complete standalone available now in ebook, audio, and print.
Join Kacey’s newsletter for exclusive content, new releases, and sales here, including a sneak peek at Caught in the Lies coming October 3!
Also by Kacey Shea
Sports Romance
The Perfect Comeback
Firefighters
Caught in the Flames
One Hot Night
Caught in the Lies
Caught in the Chase
Rock Stars
Detour
Derail
Hinder
Replay
Uncovering Love Series
Uncovering Love
Uncovering Desire
Uncovering Hope
Uncovering Love: The Wedding
About the Author
Kacey Shea is a USA Today bestselling author of steamy contemporary romance. She enjoys writing strong and smart heroines, heros with hearts of gold, and stories that deliver a satisfying, well-earned happily ever after.
When she's not writing you will find her playing Uber to one of her three children, drinking iced tea by the gallon, or planning her next escape from the Arizona heat.
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For more information
www.kaceysheabooks.com
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