Her Book Boyfriend (The Awkward Duckling Books 1)

by K. R. Grace

  Involuntarily, I began to kiss back. I convinced myself that if nothing else, this would be a learning experience. Practice for the real thing. He groaned against my lips, and I decided that must’ve meant I was doing something right. Then his hands were everywhere, in places no guy’s had ever been. My heart resumed its thrashing.

  “Wait!” I cried as I broke the kiss.

  “God, you smell so good,” he said as he tugged me closer, trying to get me to sit on or straddle his lap. I wasn’t sure which.

  “Are you sure it was how I dressed and not something else?” Why I felt the need to press the issue was beyond me, but I went with it.

  He let out a frustrated sigh. “Kenton said you offered to give him a blowjob when he was giving you a tour of his parents’ cellar but he turned you down. Figured if you were Cam’s, he wasn’t going to have you for much longer.”

  “He said what?” I yelled as I shoved myself away so that my back was pressed hard against the passenger door.

  “What’s the big deal? Girls do it all the time.”

  “What’s the big deal? I’ll tell you what the big deal is. Kenton Lane took me down there to insult me and give me fashion advice…because he’s gay. Why would he say I did that?”

  Jaxon leaned back in his seat, frustration etched across his face. “Yeah, which is why he turned you down.”

  He really wasn’t getting it. I had no idea who this Jaxon was. “I can’t believe you’d think I’d do something like that.”

  “You let me drive you out into the middle of nowhere without protest. What was I supposed to think? I thought we were two consenting people looking for a little fun tonight.”

  “You’re right, and that was my mistake. Thinking you were a sweet guy who wouldn’t try to pull something like this. Forgive me.” No need to mention that I’d originally intended on doing just what he wanted a few minutes ago, but Cam was right, I wasn’t that type. Why I ever thought I could have sex with a guy I wasn’t at least already in a relationship with was beyond me.

  “Take me home.”

  Thankfully, Jaxon did as I asked. As soon as he pulled up to my driveway, I exploded out of the truck. The door was barely closed before he squealed his tires in his rush to get away from me.

  “Were you looking for these?” Cam asked from his place in front of my car, waving the box of condoms in his hand.

  “Where did you get those?” I shrieked as I yanked them away from him and shoved them into my purse.

  “A little ambitions, were we?” He chuckled. Why he got pleasure from my embarrassment was beyond me.

  Frustrated with him and ready to change into my pajamas and hide away from the world for the rest of the weekend, I sighed. “What are you talking about?”

  “Extra large condoms. Really, Mace?”

  “What?” I gasped as I yanked the box out and sure enough, in my hand I held a box of mammoth-sized condoms. Bulls could probably use those things. “Oh, sweet mother of…”

  I dropped the box back into my purse and hung my head in shame. Of course Cam was the one to find these, and of course he was here to witness another failed mission. The reality that somewhere in all this I’d been labeled a slut hit home and tears began pouring down my face.

  “Hey, now,” Cam said as he pulled me into his arms.

  “I really screwed up,” I said between hiccups.

  “No, you didn’t. You just didn’t know what you were doing.” He rubbed my back with soothing strokes. “You can probably take them back and get the right size.”

  The tears fell harder. “I’m not crying about the condoms!”

  “Oh, okay. What then?” he asked. Poor guy. He tried.

  I couldn’t even say it.

  “Wait,” his arms dropped away, “you didn’t…” He pointed in the direction Jaxon had sped off to. “God, Mace, please tell me you didn’t.”

  That seemed to cause the dam to overflow. “No, we didn’t do it! We barely got to first base when he confessed the only reason he was after me was because Kenton Lane told everyone I offered to blow him at his party!”

  Cam froze, his fists clenched by his sides, and his eyes darkened with barely restrained rage.

  “He’s dead.”

  Cam stared across the street but I ran after him and grabbed his arm. He spun around, his eyes bright with anger. “What?”

  “You can’t be mad at him. It’s my fault. I’m the one who was so desperate she allowed herself to get into compromising situations like that. I don’t know what’s wrong with me.”

  “What’s wrong with you?” He spat back. “You’re freakin’ perfect, Mace. Don’t you get that?”

  “I screwed up. It’s my job to fix this.”

  He roared and jerked his arm free of my grasp. “You’re just as bad as her!”

  I blinked. Cam was a musician, so I was used to his melancholic swings from time to time, but I’d ever seen him have an outburst like that. “Who?”

  “Her!” He flung his hand in the direction of his house.

  “Your mom?”

  “You want to know why I needed to borrow your car tonight?” He didn’t wait for me to answer, so I kept my mouth shut. “Because I needed to finally get enough proof to make her understand who she is really married to.”

  “Huh?” He was not making any sense.

  “That bastard who used to be my father has a whole other family. Two girls. One older and one younger than Winter. Every weekend, he goes over to his slut’s house and plays Daddy with her and their kids like we don’t exist. All those late nights and conferences he does? Yeah, all a big frickin’ lie. He’s over there with them.”

  I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. Trigg Davis seemed so devoted to his wife and kids. Whenever he was around, he was always cutting up with Cam or giving Winter horsey rides.

  “How long have you known?” I asked, knowing the best thing to do was let him talk it out.

  He stared down at his feet. “Since the county fair before our freshman year. They were on a date together. Didn’t know I saw them. When I showed up at his office to confront him, they were screwing on his desk.”

  “What was his response?”

  “He bribed me into silence and promised it’d be over within a week. I knew he was lying, but I wanted to punish him and forcing him to spend his money seemed like a good way at the time.”

  “But now?”

  He ran his fingers through his hair. “I can’t go off to college or pursue a career knowing he’s screwing around on my mom. I tried to talk to her about it a month ago, but she wouldn’t listen.”

  I wrapped my arms around him and buried my face in his chest. “So you used Oscar to spy on him and get photographic proof.”

  He didn’t say anything, but his heart picked up under my cheek. I squeezed a little tighter. It made sense. About the time we went to the fair that year was when he changed and became the bad boy none of the girls could catch.

  “What are you going to do now?” I asked, releasing him enough so that I could look up into his eyes.

  He took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. “I have to show it to her.”

  “Maybe she already knows but doesn’t want to do anything about it,” I said quietly.

  “Why would she do that?” he demanded as he looked at me with horror.

  “Because she doesn’t want her children to be screwed up by a messy divorce?” I offered.

  Pain flittered across his face before he regained control. “I need to go inside.”

  “Call me later,” I begged as I gave him one final hug and released him.

  “I will, and don’t worry, everything will be smoothed over for you by Monday.” He kissed my forehead, turned, and walked across the street and into his house.

  Part of me wanted to ask him what he meant by that, but instead I turned and walked into my house. When I entered, I found Mom and Dad snuggled up on the couch. Mom raised her head and flashed me a smile.

  “How was w
ork, sweetie?”

  I gave her a tired smile that I didn’t have to fake. “I was slammed. I’m going to change and go to bed.”

  “We’re proud of you, chief. You keep doing what you’re doing!” Dad called out as I jogged up the steps.

  My parents had been my model for the perfect relationship, but after learning about Cam’s, I wondered if there was such thing as the perfect relationship after all. What would happen to Clay and me if Mom and Dad ever split?

  Dread for what Cam was doing at that moment settled in the pit of my stomach, and I sent up a quick prayer for him—that he would have the strength to be there for his Mom and sister.

  That Cam had kept this secret for so long ripped at my heart, and the tears began to fall. If I was honest with myself, some of my tears were over the mess I’d made, but I chose to only focus on him.

  Through bleary eyes, I changed into pajamas, did my nightly routine in the bathroom, and climbed into my bed. There was a light rap on my window, and I turned to see Cam standing on the other side.

  My room was on the second floor, but there was a big tree right outside the window that was perfect for climbing. When we were kids, Cam used it all the time to sneak in and play with me. That stopped once we got into high school and hormones led him to other girls’ bedrooms.

  I scrambled to my feet and hurried to let him in.

  “What are you doing in here?” I hissed once he was safely inside.

  He didn’t answer me, but instead kicked off his shoes and climbed into my full-sized bed.

  I crossed my arms and tapped my foot as I assessed the situation. His eyes were red-rimmed, and he was still wearing the jeans and gray t-shirt he’d been wearing earlier. I knew he needed to talk, but I chose to let it slide. Instead, I climbed into bed, and he pulled me in for a hug.

  “No funny business,” I warned. “I only have extra-large condoms.”

  He snorted and pulled me closer to him.

  Okay, so I couldn’t let it slide. While we used to have sleepovers all the time when we were little, this felt different somehow. As if he was trying to tell me something, but I was too dense to get it.

  “Will you tell me what happened?” I whispered in the darkness.

  He cupped my cheek and tugged until I was using his chest as a pillow. “It’s been a rough night for both of us, Mace. Go to bed.”

  I would like to say I pressed the issue, but I simply closed my eyes and fell asleep to the citrusy pine smell of his cologne.

  Ten

  8. Arranged Dating ~ It’s Still a Thing

  Cam sat at the kitchen table with a giant bowl of chocolate cereal in front of him as he scrolled through his phone. Mom and Dad had taken Clay to his soccer tournament, which meant I had the whole place to myself for the day.

  “What’s next on the dating list?” he asked.

  I scrutinized him. “Why do you want to know?”

  He shrugged before stuffing another spoon full of cereal into his mouth. “Because the sooner you finish the list, the sooner you can tell me what color ribbon you want on your corsage.”

  I studied him a few seconds longer. I’d reached an all-time low if I was contemplating letting Cam in on the plan to get my book boyfriend. But, with the rumors swirling around school, what other option did I have?

  “Fine, but you have to take this seriously.” I wagged my finger at him before going over to the cabinet and retrieving a box of granola cereal.

  “Rabbit food.” Cam glared at the box as I poured some of the cereal into a bowl.

  “Not everyone has the diet of a toddler.” I sniffed as I returned the box to its rightful place and opened the refrigerator to retrieve the milk.

  Once I had my breakfast prepared, I picked up my bowl and spoon and made my way over to the kitchen table to sit next to Cam.

  “The next step is to have someone arrange a date for me.”

  “Like a blind date?” he asked, an auburn eyebrow disappearing underneath his hair, which he currently had down around his shoulders.

  “Yeah, or an arranged marriage. In Wendi’s Sheik’s in Love, the main characters were forced into an arranged marriage, that turned into happily ever after.” I took a bite of my cereal.

  “I find your first-name reference of the author disconcerting. But that’s not the point. What you’re talking about is adult stuff, and not practiced in the United States. Not regularly or in high school, at least. So, blind date it is.” His eyes squinted as if he was trying to read the fine print on something but there was nothing for him to look at. “Let me do some screening, and I’ll get back with you on my potential candidates.”

  “Screening?” It was my turn to raise an eyebrow at him.

  “Gotta make sure you only go out with the best.” He grabbed his phone off the table and checked the front screen. “Hate to eat and run, but I’m supposed to take Winter to the zoo today.”

  “Hey, that sounds like fun!” I said far too enthusiastically.

  He hesitated in setting his bowl in the sink. “It’s a diversion so Mom and dickhead can duke it out.”

  My heart thumped wildly in my chest. So it was really happening. Cam had shown his Mom the evidence, and she was going to make him spill about everything. He needed me right now. It explained the sudden interest in helping me with the plan. It was important I didn’t make a big deal out of things, otherwise he’d run. “And?” I prompted.

  He shrugged and ran his fingers through his hair. “Wouldn’t it be weird?”

  “The point was to take her away from the crime scene, right?” I volleyed back.

  It took him several more seconds before he finally gave in. “Fine. But no tipping her off.”

  I made quick work of finishing my breakfast and ran upstairs to change into a pair of red jeans, a black Mickey Mouse shirt, and black converse shoes.

  “I’m going over to get Winter. Meet me in the driveway!” Cam called up from the bottom of the steps as I worked on taming my wild hair.

  “Okay! I’ll be down in five tops!”

  I heard the front door open and close and hurried to finish getting ready. Knowing everything at the zoo cost a butt-load, I grabbed some cash from my college fund jar and hurried down the steps. All the while, I texted to let Mom know where I was going, who I was with, and my estimated return time. Thank goodness Clay was hanging out with some friends for the day, or I’d be screwed.

  Her response: Don’t forget to wear sunscreen!

  I darted back up the steps to grab some sunscreen and stuffed it into my black and white Kavu bag and ran down the steps.

  I locked the front door behind me just in time for Cam to pull up in the Land Rover. Winter waved at me from the back seat, and I flashed my brightest smile and waved back as I ran for the passenger door.

  “Are you ready to see the panda bears?” I asked her as I hopped into the car and buckled up.

  “Uh huh. Cam said I can ride the elephants, too!” she answered enthusiastically. “Did you know that elephants can feel human-like emotions? They cry when they’re sad.”

  I glanced back to see her wearing a sparkly teal tutu, rainbow tie-dyed knee socks over orange leggings, and a Hello Kitty pink t-shirt. She was struggling to do her own French braid pigtails as she looked back at me.

  “Really? That’s so cool!” I said.

  She nodded and the section she’d been working on unraveled.

  “Hey, would you like some help with your hair? I’m an excellent braider,” I offered. Relief spread across her face, and she let her hands fall into her lap.

  “Yes, please.”

  I unbuckled my seatbelt and climbed into the back seat. Only for a second did my brain register that I was sticking my butt right in Cam’s face. Oh well, it’s not like he hadn’t seen his share of butts in his tenure as a high school student.

  By the time we arrived at the zoo, Winter had two, slightly crooked, French braids. Cam and I argued over who would pay for the tickets until I conceded but made him
promise to let me pay for lunch. Then, we began our adventure.

  Winter kept us moving the entire time. First it was the reptile area where she tried to talk to the snakes in parseltongue and was sorely disappointed when the snakes remained in their enclosures. Then we rode the elephants. Cam clung to me for dear life as the gentle giant swayed from side to side with each step. Then Winter dragged us to the gorillas where she cooed over the new babies. Then we visited the chimpanzees where one proceeded to pee on the glass separating us from him. Winter squealed with laughter while I looked at Cam mortified.

  “Look, it’s the happy couple,” a familiar female voice purred from behind.

  I turned to see Lydia Baxter, aka Honda hood girl…and Evan. Their fingers were linked together, and it was obvious they were on a date by the way she leaned in on him.

  Cam stared blankly at her, and I knew he still had no idea what her name was. The man-skank struck again.

  “Lydia! Evan! Hi! Fancy seeing you two here.” God, did I really say that? Who said that anymore? The awkward situation made me do it!

  “Don’t they look like the picture-perfect family?” Evan asked Lydia as if I’d said nothing.

  “Yeah, too bad she’s a bigger skank than he is.” Lydia broke off into an annoying peal of laughter.

  My eyes immediately went straight to Winter who was soaking in the whole confrontation like a little sponge. Crap.

  Cam grabbed my hand and pulled me backward. I bit back the yelp that wanted to spill out seconds before he got right in Evan’s face. “What’s your problem?”

  I might’ve gotten a little satisfaction at seeing some spittle fly from Cam’s mouth and hit Evan in the eye as he spoke.

  “Come on. Let’s go see the polar bears.” I turned and took Winter by the hand.

  “Aww, look at that. She’s already part of his family.” Lydia crooned.

  My jaw hurt from where I was clenching so hard, but I refused to take the bait. Cam could duke it out with them if he wanted to, but I wouldn’t let Winter be subjected to their verbal vomit.

  “Why did she say those things?” Winter asked once we were out of earshot. I glanced over my shoulder to see Cam and Evan almost nose to nose and purple faced.