PAYBACK’S A BITCH

by Johnson, Missy

  Jim looks around and sighs. “No Cameron.” He frowns.

  “I’m sure he's just running late,” Mom assures him. “He’ll be here.”

  The celebrant glances at her watch and makes an apologetic face.

  “I’m so sorry, but I can’t wait much more than a few minutes before I begin. I have another wedding shortly after yours,” she explains.

  “It’s fine,” Jim says, trying to cover his disappointment with a smile. “Cameron knew what time the wedding was to start. I guess it’s his choice whether he wants to be here for it, or not.”

  I scan the park again as the celebrant prepares to begin. At first, I think I’m imagining it when I see him in the distance, jogging toward us, but there’s no mistake. It’s him. I shiver, because I’m finding the sight of Cam running toward me, dressed in a suit, very distracting.

  “Here he is,” I say, the words catching in my throat.

  “Sorry, the traffic was bad,” he mumbles, smiling apologetically at Jim and Mom.

  “I’m just glad you’re here,” Jim admits, patting Cam on the back.

  “What took you so long?” Mack asks. “Are you still working shit out for that s …” Mack’s voice trails off as Cam glares at him. I look curiously from one, to the other.

  What has Cam got up his sleeve?

  The ceremony lasts all of ten minutes, but I still manage to cry through the short, sweet service. After they kiss, I step back, distancing myself from Cam. He hasn’t attempted to speak to me yet, and it’s making me nervous. I wasn’t expecting him to interrupt the wedding to declare his love for me, but he hasn’t even met my eyes once, and that worries me.

  I wander over to the edge of The Rose Gardens, while I wait for Mom and Jim to finish with the photographer. Mack and Cam stand on the other side, too far away from me for small talk.

  “Darcy,” Mom calls out. “Come over here. I want a photo of all of us.”

  I walk over, keeping my attention on Jim and Mom. At one point, I think I feel Cam’s eyes on me, but when I look, he’s talking with Mack.

  “You stand there,” Mom says, positioning me in the front. I narrow my eyes at her because I know exactly what she’s doing. “What?” she asks innocently, plonking Cam next to me.

  He smiles at me. “Hey,” he mumbles.

  I smile at him, but inside, I’m cringing, because fuck, this feels awkward. I smile as the photographer snaps some photos, and then I distract myself by hugging Jim.

  “Congratulations,” I say, smiling at him. “Make sure you look after my mom.”

  He smiles. “I will. You know, I always wanted a daughter, Darcy. And I don’t think I could ask for a better one than you.”

  “Thank you.” I smile.

  He has no idea how much that comment means to me.

  He hesitates and then glances at Mom, who nods encouragingly at him.

  “I’m aware that this isn’t the right time, but I just wanted you to know something.” He pauses and takes my hand in his. “Your mom and I only want you to be happy. We’d never want you to continue doing something that you don’t enjoy. If you’re not happy at Emerald Lodge, please don’t think you need to stay there for my sake.” He looks over at Mack and Cam. “That goes for you both as well.”

  I smile, relief filling me. For a second, I thought he was going to give Cam and I his blessing, which would’ve been all kinds of awkward. After my conversation with Cam, I was pretty sure they’d be okay with me changing careers, but I’m not going to rush into anything. I’ll give it at least a few months before I make any life-changing decisions.

  “Thank you,” I say, smiling at them.

  “That also works for things you’re interested in pursuing, but you might be worried how we’ll take it,” Mom adds, winking at me. “Things and people.”

  Okay, now I want to die.

  I swear I hear Cameron chuckling behind me, but I’m too mortified to turn around.

  Mom smiles brightly at me. “We should probably head over to the hotel now.”

  I grab her hand and march her over to our car, diving into the backseat. I groan and then I shake my head, glaring at Mom as she climbs in next to me.

  “What did I say?” she asks innocently.

  * * *

  I take a break, sneaking out of the ballroom to get some fresh air.

  We’re nearly halfway through the evening and I haven’t spoken to Cam at all. I’m trying hard not to think about it, and I’m doing well. Or at least I was until I run into him on my way out onto the balcony. I give him an embarrassed smile as try to step around him, but he grabs my hand to stop me.

  “Can we talk?” he asks.

  I get the sinking feeling that whatever he wants to tell me I'm not going to like.

  “Okay, but can we make it quick?” I mumble. “I should get back in there…”

  He takes my hand and leads me outside onto the balcony. I frown at him, my heart racing. Is this where he tells me he’s not interested?

  “I just wanted to—”

  I shake my head. “Please, just leave it. Tell me tomorrow.” He frowns at me. “I know I said for you to tell me today, but if I'm not going to like hearing what you have to say, then leave it for another day,” I ramble.

  He stares at me for a moment, not saying anything, then he steps forward and pushes me up against the brick wall. I gasp, partly because I’m fucking freezing and partly because he’s kissing me. I groan as his lips meet mine. They’re rough and intense as they gently explore me, first my mouth, and then my neck. My heart pounds. I wasn't expecting this.

  Unless this is leading to goodbye sex?

  He reaches behind my back and slowly unzips my dress, lowering the bodice until it sits around my waist. He chuckles at the sight of my already stiff nipples.

  “It’s cold,” I remind him.

  “I use that excuse often.”

  We both stop, confused by exactly what he means.

  “I think you just insulted yourself—”

  “Shut up,” he murmurs.

  Then he does it for me, kissing me roughly on the mouth. He reaches out to stroke my skin. I put my hand over his, gasping as his fingers trail down between my breasts. The feel of his touch is driving me crazy.

  I sneak a look around as he kisses my neck, his hand cupping my breast. As private as this balcony is, anyone could walk out here at any moment and discover us.

  We’d be silly to try anything…

  I stare at him, my heart racing as he lowers his mouth over my nipple. He sucks hard, while I finger his hair. He smirks, his tongue flicking teasing me until both nipples are rock hard.

  “I'm sorry, but you look fucking amazing in that dress,” he mumbles. “I’ve been trying to resist doing this all day. If you thought I didn’t want you, you were fucking wrong…” He shakes his head. “You’ve got no idea how badly I want to be inside you right now.”

  I quickly glance around and then with a smirk on my lips, I lower his zipper and reach inside to grip his cock. He grunts, his eyes widening as I run my fist along his shaft. I wrap one arm around his neck and kiss him while fisting his cock with my other hand. He groans and presses me against the wall, lifting my thighs up to his waist.

  He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a condom, ripping the packet open. I take it from him and roll it over his length. I gasp as he expertly lines himself up with me, thrusting hard inside my wetness. I gasp, my thighs clenching as he slices through me. He grips my thigh, kissing my neck as he fucks me hard against the wall. Everything about it is rushed, fast and intense, but I wouldn’t change a thing.

  “You feel incredible,” he mutters, kissing me on the mouth as he pumps into me. I groan, the sensation of his cock invading me pushing me to the edge. I groan, burying my face in his neck as I clutch onto him.

  “Oh God,” I whimper, riding him as he fucks me harder.

  I gasp, biting down on his neck as my body begins to tremble. He chuckles as I do my best to muffle my cries a
gainst him. Then he groans, his hips jerking against me as his thrusts become deeper and slower, and then they stop.

  He pulls back, just enough to connect his mouth to mine. I kiss him back, exploring his mouth, enjoying his taste. I smile, still out of breath.

  “You, uh, might want to put that dress back on,” he murmurs.

  Shit.

  I duck behind him and quickly fix myself up, seconds before my mother opens the door and stumbles out. She looks from Cameron to me, then back to him, before fixing her glazed eyes on mine.

  “I just wondered where you had gone to,” she says with a giggle. “Is everything okay out here?”

  “Fine,” I say with a little too much enthusiasm.

  She nods. “Cameron? Lewis is looking for you, and Darcy, I think Katie and Sasha just arrived, too.”

  I nod. “Thanks, Mom,” I grin.

  I squeeze past her and hurry off before she can question me anymore. Not that she needs to. She’s already figured out what we were doing, I’m sure. I spot the girls over by the bar, and walk over, giving them both a hug.

  “Hey,” I say. “Thanks for coming.”

  “Your mom looks so beautiful,” Sasha gushes. “And Jim’s looking pretty handsome too,” she adds with a giggle.

  I laugh. “Married, Sash. And way too old for you.”

  “Have you spoken to Cam?” Sash whispers, ignoring my jibe.

  I bite my lip to keep my smile under control. “Can you define spoken?”

  “You’ve fucked Cam, haven’t you?” Katie asks, raising her eyebrows—and her voice. I wince, but I can’t keep the grin off my face. “You little hussy,” she hisses, slapping my arm.

  Jim lets out a whistle, capturing the attention of the room.

  “I just want to thank you all for coming.”

  Jim just stands there, not saying anything. My first thought is that he’s had a stroke, but then I catch him winking at Cam, who nods. I frown as the crowd murmurs in confusion. Something is going on. The spotlight shifts to the middle of the room.

  What the hell is going on?

  The crowd shifts aside as Cameron stands there. He puts one hand up in the air, and music begins to play. Music I recognize. I burst out laughing as he rides his imaginary pony around the dance floor.

  Yep, he’s dancing Gangnam Style. And he’s pretty fucking good, too.

  Then out of nowhere, people begin to join him, one by one. They randomly drop into the dance, picking up the moves in perfect sync. Before long, there’s about twenty people dancing and doing an amazing job.

  I double over laughing when Lewis wheels himself out into the center of the group, looking very cool in a silver suit. On either side of him are Mack and…I squint. Holy shit. Is that Jim? God, it is, complete with silver suit and slicked back hair. I can’t contain myself as Mack, Jim, and Cam line up, all cracking their imaginary whips while Lewis rides circles around them. The rest of the dancers join back in, only there’s more of them now. God, even Katie and Sasha are out there.

  There are now about fifty people, in the middle of the ballroom, all dancing in perfect unison, to Gangnam Style. I’m laughing so hard, I have tears in my eyes because I can’t believe this is happening.

  Cam organized a Gangnam Style flash mob.

  For me.

  “Mack tried to explain to me what a lynch mob was, but you know what I’m like,” Mom whispers.

  I giggle. “You mean flash mob.” I shake my head, “I can’t believe he did this,” I whisper.

  Mom nods. “He must really like you.”

  I smile as his eyes meet mine. He abandons his dance crew and walks across the room, in my direction. I try to keep a straight face, but I’ve got no hope. When he reaches me, I’m smiling like an idiot, but it’s okay, because he is too. He pulls me into his arms and kisses me, which the crowd erupts with cheers.

  “Hey.” He grins. “Surprised?” he asks, his eyes sparkling.

  “Shocked,” I admit with a laugh. “I thought I said no more surprises?” I add, narrowing my eyes at him.

  “No, you said no more games,” he corrects me. “And all jokes aside? If I did this for you, then you know I’ll do anything.”

  “I can confirm that Cam is pussy whipped,” Lewis calls out. “I bathed the scars for him last night. It was all very romantic.”

  “I can confirm he’s a pussy if that helps at all?” Mack offers.

  I shake my head as people laugh.

  “So, shall we give this a go?” Cam asks nervously. “You know, us.”

  I look around at all the faces. Family and friends, all of whom are waiting in anticipation for my reaction. I reach for Cam’s hand and entwine it in mine, then I step forward and kiss him ignoring the whistles and laughter from the people around us.

  “Does that answer your question?” I murmur.

  “Yes, it does.” He nods. His eyes twinkle. “But I do have a request.”

  “Which is?” I prompt.

  He reaches into his pocket and pulls out two hundred dollars. I laugh as he hands it to me.

  “I think you owe me a dance.”

  Coming November: A very Awkward Christmas, a novella featuring characters from books 1-7. AVAC will also feature Katie and Adam’s wedding.

  THE END.

  About the Author

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  The Awkward Love Series:

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  (Free in Kindle Unlimited)These are ALL standalone novels. Read them in ANY order!

  #1: Dad's best friend:

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  #2: Sexy boss:

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  #3: Hot doctor:

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  #4 Student/professor:

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  #5: Enemies to lovers:

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  #6: Stepbrother:

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  #7 Porn star/fake boyfriend

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  Don’t Hold Back (Love Hurts) excerpt:

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  “So that’s it, then?”

  “Erin, I’m sorry.” Doctor Martin looks at me, the sadness in his eyes only fuelling my anger. “There are options we can explore to make you comfortable, and maybe buy you some more time—”

  “How about surgery?” I ask. I already know the answer, but I want to hear him say it again. There’s something about hearing that you’re dying that makes everything else irrelevant. The only things that matter in this moment are him, me, and the words that are coming out of his mouth.

  “Surgery isn’t an option,” he says. “The tumor is too complex to even consider touching. Even if we could manage to remove it without killing you, there is no way we could get it all, and the chances of damage are so high that . . .” He hesitates, his dark eyes clouded with sympathy.

  My jaw clenches as I will myself not to cry.

  “I’m the best in the country and even I wouldn’t know where to begin.”

  “If it’s going to kill me anyway…” My voice breaks as his expression doesn’t change. It finally hits me that I have no other options. This thing has finally beat me. It’s won. “How long do I have?”

  “There are things we can do to make you comfortable, and they may even prolong—” He stops and glances away, embarrassed. He can’t even say it, but it doesn’t matter because I know what he’s talking about.

  “How long?” I repeat, keeping my tone level.

  “A few months. Maybe six. With some more chemotherapy, maybe a year.”

  Wow. I’m struggling to wrap my mind around everything he’s telling me. Are the extr
a few months worth how crappy the treatment is going to make me feel? I shudder, thinking about how I felt after my last rounds of chemo. Nothing is worth that pain.

  “I have to go.” I jump up and throw my bag over my shoulder. I shove my shaking hands deep into my pockets, willing myself not to cry in front of him.

  He gives me that sympathetic look again, which makes me want to punch him. Empathy and support are rare in a surgeon, but they’re so not what I need right now.

  “Can I call someone for you? You shouldn’t be alone right now, and you certainly shouldn’t be driving.”

  “My mother is waiting downstairs,” I lie.

  He nods, studying my face closely, like he can tell that I’m lying. “Come see me in a week, when you’ve had time to process all of this. I’ll have Mandy call you to set a time.”

  I simply nod and sprint from the room. A week could be a quarter of the rest of my life gone. I reach the elevators and hit the floor down button four times in an attempt to make it work faster. It doesn’t, and by the time the doors open, I board the car with four other people. Can they tell? Do they look at me and see a young woman who is dying? I eye myself in the mirrored wall, looking for any signs that might betray my situation. My long blond hair is tied loosely back in a ponytail, covering the fact that it’s dry from all the radiation I had before surgery. I study my face. I look tired, but that could be from a night of heavy partying. I could stand to gain a few pounds, but nothing about me screams “death.” I look as healthy as the next person. How is it possible that I probably won’t live to see my twenty-fifth birthday?

  The doors open and I step out. It feels surreal. I have no idea what to do. I can’t just go on about my day normally, as if I haven’t just been informed that I am going to die. Everything seems pointless now. Why bother going back to work and pretending to care about everyone else’s problems? I can’t go home. Either Calli or my parents will call wanting to hear how my appointment went. I can’t tell them yet because I’m not ready to admit that it’s over. My whole life has been consumed by this fucking disease, and now it’s won.