by Reese, Jaime
"Everything that has happened to you played a part in defining who you are today. You're strong and determined. You've been through hell and you're still standing, in spite of it all. You know how I feel—"
"Don't. We had a deal," Cam said as he wrapped his arms around Hunter's neck and his legs around his waist, pulling Hunter closer to him. "Please don't…not until I'm safe enough to hear it and tell you the same."
Hunter exhaled with relief as hope began to build within. Hearing Cam's unspoken declaration gave him renewed strength. He tightened his hold, pulling Cam even closer, their bodies fitting perfectly together. "Don't give up on me, okay?"
Cam didn't respond.
"You know, it's not easy finding someone who puts up with my staring and ogling, so you can't just walk out and leave me."
Cam chuckled weakly. "I like the way you ogle me. It's kinda hot."
"Don't give up, okay?" He softly grazed his knuckles down Cameron's cheek.
Cameron nodded slowly.
"Now we know why they're targeting you."
"Why?" Cam asked, perplexed.
"I'm guessing it's because you can connect the judge to the drugs. My instincts are telling me we need to check out that house. I'm willing to bet you weren't supposed to be there, and the fact that the guy showed up at the house, tells me it was a known place of contact."
"You think that's it?"
Hunter nodded. "Question is, do you remember where the house was? I know it was a long time ago."
"I remember how to get there and I can even give you the layout of the house if you need it," Cam responded confidently.
Hunter smiled. "That's my guy."
"By the way, I kinda like that." Cameron grinned.
"Good, get used to it." He effortlessly lifted Cameron off the kitchen table and set his feet back on the ground. He snaked his arm around Cam's waist to offer support.
"I like it when you manhandle me."
"If you want, I'll throw you over my shoulder and pound on my chest too," Hunter teased.
Cam quietly laughed. "Maybe I'll shock you one of these days and do that to you."
Hunter leaned in for a quick kiss and whispered in his ear, "I'm game for anything you want."
Cam groaned and rested his head on Hunter's shoulder.
"Now you need to get to work and try to act as if nothing is going on. Got it?"
Cameron nodded as Julian entered the kitchen with Matt and Sam following close behind. They each looked at Cam with concern, but to their credit, they didn't push the point.
"I called Lucy and asked if I could hang out at the diner today. After this morning's visit, she and Bill are on board with having me hover," Julian said.
"I'm going to contact an old Marine buddy of mine who's a detective. I think he can help us here. I'm not too sure who I can go to yet, but I know he's a safe bet. I'll stop by the diner later—"
"No," Cam interrupted. "We don't need to crowd Lucy and Bill, they'll just worry, and I don't want to freak them out more than they already are. Besides, Julian will be there."
"True," Julian added.
Hunter battled with himself. He didn't trust Cam's safety to anyone else but he couldn't hover all day. He turned Cam into his arms for a tight embrace.
"It'll be fine," Cam whispered in his ear.
Hunter released his hold and captured Cam's face. He stared into the blue eyes that had captivated him since that first day. His chest tightened at the fear that flashed in Cam's eyes. "You don't go anywhere without Julian. Okay?"
"Okay."
He pulled Cam into another hug. "Please," Hunter whispered in his ear. The fear of losing Cam grabbed at his heart and wouldn't let go.
When they separated, Cam's expression was different, pensive. He searched Hunter's face then smiled as he placed the palm of his hand on Hunter's cheek. "I promise."
"What do you need me to do?" Matt asked, obviously eager to help.
Hunter looked to Matt then back at Cam. "I need you to fill out whatever forms are required for a weekend pass. Cam's mine as of tomorrow evening," he finished with an unmistakable glare in Cameron's direction.
"No," Cam confidently responded.
Hunter raised an eyebrow, welcoming the challenge.
"You got it wrong. You're mine," Cam corrected with the wicked smile that always seemed to make Hunter's heart skip a beat.
Hunter smiled.
Cameron had no idea just how right he was.
"Hey, you're back!" Melanie said as Hunter exited the elevator.
"Yeah, got back this morning so I figured I'd come in and catch up on things."
"You look like shit," she said, walking with him toward his office.
"It's nice to see you, too."
Mel rolled her eyes. "What I meant was, why didn't you just take today and tomorrow off so you could rest up. Seriously, you look like someone kicked your ass then turned around and kicked it again. Go home."
Hunter chuckled. "I don't have court dates so I'm just checking on cases and doing paperwork. I don't plan on human interaction so I'm good."
"Well, the mayor wanted to meet with you. Jessie is scheduling that for you. I think it's best to wait until next week when you don't have this thing going on." She circled a finger in the air, pointed at Hunter.
"What does he want?"
"Who the hell knows? Go hibernate in your office. I don't want you scaring the staff." She shoved him into his office and walked away.
Hunter dropped his bag on the chair. He casually stood behind his door to catch a glimpse of himself in the hanging mirror he kept for those mornings when he slept in the office. He rubbed his face when he saw his reflection. He wasn't a vain man, but even he knew when his appearance was too rough to bear. He looked as tired as he felt and his stubble was past shadow and pushing scruffy.
"Hey, boss," Jessie said, pushing the door open.
"Fuck." Hunter rubbed his face when the mirror hit him. He sure as hell didn't need to add a broken nose to the mix.
"Crap, I'm sorry! I didn't know you were behind the door."
"It's fine," he grumbled.
Jessie looked at him with narrowed eyes.
"Yeah, yeah, I know. I look like shit. I was in a rush to leave the house this morning and should have shaved. I'm just going to catch up on some paperwork." He walked around and sat in his chair.
"Well, I wrote an update for you on your cases when you told me you were on your way back." His assistant handed over a few files.
"Did we get anything new?"
"Nope. It's been…unusually quiet."
"Really?"
Jessie nodded. "The only thing that's come up is the mayor's meeting. I scheduled that out for you for next week. I wanted you to have a few days of peace before having it."
"Thanks."
"I'll let you hide out." Jessie closed the door behind him as he left the office.
Hunter stretched his arms and moved his head from side to side. He was so damn tired he wasn't sure if he'd make it the whole day. He took out his cell phone and dialed a number.
"Detective Calloway."
"Hey, Aidan, it's Hunter."
"To what do I owe this honor?"
Hunter laughed. "Smart-ass. I need your help with something."
"Go ahead."
"Would you be able to meet me tonight?"
"Yeah, just tell me when and where."
"I'll text you the address. It's close to my office."
"Let's make it around eight."
"Thanks. It'll be good to see you again."
"And you, Sergeant," Aidan said before disconnecting the call.
Hunter smiled as he leaned back in his chair again. There was a certain level of trust forged with his ex-Force Recon Marine group after being in the field, knee deep in enemy territory with no support other than the men on the team. They may have all gone their separate ways after serving, but his brothers in arms would be there for him if needed.
He just hop
ed his trust in Aidan would instill enough faith for Cam to trust him as well.
* * * *
Cameron worked on another latte art design as his thoughts wandered to Hunter and their first weekend together. He repeatedly shifted his weight from foot to foot, bouncing on the balls of his feet like Cole usually did when he was anxious. Hunter had become his rock. He had worked his way into Cam's life and refused to let go…more like he bulldozed his way in and pitched a tent. Friday afternoon seemed like it was taking forever.
Cam smiled as he heated the milk.
He was thankful Hunter was persistent. He would still be bottled up in his protective shell, locking away all emotions and hope if Hunter had given up. But here he was, smiling like a jackass, thinking about the man who made him dream bigger than he had ever thought possible. Even after knowing the truth about his past—and entirely too much detail regarding his time inside—Hunter still wanted to be with him.
No sense hiding the big goofy grin etched into his face.
"Cam, back room," Bill yelled from the sandwich station.
Shit. He wasn't sure what triggered Bill's command but he wasn't taking any chances. He switched off the machine, dropped off the coffee order with the customer at the register, and trotted to the back.
Hunter.
"I don't think Lucy would like you snooping around her cookie recipe." Cam crossed his arms and leaned against the doorway.
Hunter turned and a huge smile spread across his face. "Hey."
One simple word, but the way he said it drove Cam to launch himself forward into Hunter's arms.
Hunter immediately tightened his hold on Cam and buried his face in the crook of Cam's neck. "Mmm, I needed this."
A bolt of desire shot throughout Cam's body when Hunter's hand reached his lower back. He inched forward to press his body against Hunter's.
Hunter groaned and Cam instantly became rock hard.
"Fuuuck." Cam pushed up, needing more friction. He pulled Hunter down for a demanding kiss. His pulse raced when Hunter's taste flooded his senses.
Hunter separated from the kiss and nipped at Cam's chin, then swiped his lower lip before diving in again to explore Cam's mouth. He lowered his hands below Cam's ass and tugged him forward, pressing his arousal against Cam.
Cam's heart slammed against his chest.
Before he had a chance to deepen the kiss, Hunter pulled away a few inches.
Cam was bereft until Hunter cradled his face and placed a slow, gentle kiss on his lips.
Hunter pressed his forehead to Cam's and exhaled a shaky breath. "Not sure how Lucy or Bill would handle the sight of me pawing away at you by her cookies." He slowly pulled Cam by the waist and wrapped his arms around him in an embrace.
Cam chuckled. "I'm glad you're here."
They silently held each other, off in one of the corners of the back room. The body heat mixed with Hunter's unique scent was heavenly.
Cam's hand traveled to the arc of Hunter's back underneath his suit jacket while his other hand ran up the swell of his arm to the thickness of his neck.
Hunter moaned. "I love it when you touch me," he whispered in Cam's ear.
"Good, 'cause I like touching you," he said while his hands further explored the dips and swells of Hunter's arms and back.
"I'm not going to make it until Friday afternoon if you keep doing that," Hunter said hoarsely with a nervous laugh.
"Mmm. Go ahead, throw me on the cooling cookies and have your way with me," he said, resting his head on Hunter's shoulder.
"Sadist. Now I've got a visual that is going to drive me insane."
Cam smiled. "That should hold you over until Friday."
"That will torture me until Friday."
"Well, good thing it's just today and tomorrow."
Cam stepped back and looked up at Hunter, assessing him.
"Yeah, I know, I look like shit," Hunter grumbled.
"I was actually going to say you're kinda hot with the rough thing you've got going on." He ran his fingers down Hunter's stubble.
Hunter hissed and grabbed Cam's wrist to stop the contact. His eyes darkened to that shade of molten gray Cam loved so much. His glare filled with unmistakable want and need.
Cam groaned. "Don't look at me like that if you want me to stop," he said, turning away.
He could feel the heat emitted from Hunter's body as he neared to whisper in Cam's ear. "That's the problem. I don't want you to stop."
Cam moaned. His hard-on bordered on extreme pain and standing too close to the only man he wanted wasn't helping. Any attempt to keep his head straight was damn near impossible. He took a deep calming breath and one step away from Hunter, then another.
"You stay there," he said to Hunter in a warning tone.
Hunter chuckled, straightened, and clasped both hands behind his back in an at ease position. "Your wish is my command."
Command, commando. Damn it, I'm losing my mind. Cam stared, visuals of Hunter pulling down his zipper to reveal him going commando danced in his mind.
Hunter's devilish grin nearly set Cam off again. "Where did your mind go?"
Cam scowled. "Do you go commando?"
"Briefs."
"White?"
"They're black."
He slowly walked back to Hunter, intently looking at him. When he stood before him, he reached for the buckle of Hunter's pants. Hunter immediately grabbed his wrists to stop him.
"What are you doing? Absolutely not here."
"I want to see."
"No. Not here. I know Lucy and Bill are fine with us hanging out at the diner, but not for this."
"I just want to see," Cam persisted. "I do have some self-control."
Not really, but hey, I can bluff.
"Not 'til the weekend. It'll give you something to look forward to," Hunter said with a half smile.
"Fucking tease," Cam said with a glare.
Hunter chuckled. "I've got to go and your break's about over." He placed a chaste kiss on Cam's pursed lips before turning to leave the back room.
"Hey, Hunter," Cam said.
Hunter stopped and turned, arching an eyebrow, encouraging Cam to continue.
"Commando. Just in case you're wondering. The underwear they bought me never really fit."
Hunter inhaled sharply, closed his eyes, and turned his face up toward the ceiling. He exhaled deeply as he gripped the doorframe. He held the position for a few seconds before opening his eyes and giving Cam a death glare. "That was cruel."
"Next time, let me look."
"Damn it," Hunter huffed under his breath.
Cam smiled wickedly as he adjusted himself.
Hunter shook his head. "You're frying my brain cells, I almost forgot. I spoke to my friend, Aidan, he can come by the house this evening."
For Cam, that was the equivalent of throwing a bucket of cold water on him then trapping his balls between two ice blocks. "What did you tell him?"
"Nothing yet. I figured we'd cover that when he comes over. He'll be there at eight."
Cam nodded. "Thanks."
"Cam, can I steal you for some help at the register?" Bill asked, poking his head into the back room.
"Sure."
Hunter walked back over to Cam and cradled his face, staring at him for a few seconds. His eyes sparkled with emotions Cam was too afraid to explore. He sighed when Hunter's thumbs softly stroked his cheeks.
"We'll get through this, so don't let it get to you. And as far as this weekend, yes, I'm as worked up as you are. So don't torture me anymore please."
Cam anchored his hands on Hunter's forearms and smiled. "Okay." He reached up and gave Hunter a chaste kiss.
"I'll see you tonight." Hunter gave him one last look, filled with need, before he turned and walked out of the back room.
Cameron couldn't take his eyes off Hunter as he walked away. He returned to the front to help Bill at the register. He rang up the order for the customer, still wearing that goofy grin from earlier in t
he day.
Cam sat in the living room of the halfway house opposite Hunter's Marine buddy. One thing was crystal clear. Aidan Calloway was completely different from the cops Cam had encountered during this whole mess. He obviously hated wasting his time. A quick introduction and immediate "What's going on?" question launched them into a discussion of the situation. Cam was instantly at ease and answering every question Aidan shot in his direction about the house and what he saw.
Aidan removed the items from the living room table and spread out a map of the tri-county area.
"Where?" Aidan prompted.
Cam stared blindly at the map for a moment. He closed his eyes and thought back to the many drives to the house in the middle of nowhere. His head spun with thoughts and emotions. Would this be over soon? Could this lead to something? What if he couldn't remember? His chest tightened and his heart raced. He opened his eyes and looked over to Hunter, standing only inches away.
"Just try to remember as best as you can," Hunter encouraged, closing the distance between them.
He glanced over to Aidan and back to Hunter. Both watched him intently. He noticed Aidan didn't seem to mind Hunter's proximity. As if reading his mind, Hunter placed his large hand against Cam's lower back and began to softly stroke him in that soothing circular motion. Cam looked over to Aidan who didn't even bat an eyelash with the gesture.
Cam focused on the map again and suddenly the path to the house stood out as if he'd highlighted the roads with a marker. He ran his fingers along the map, following the same path he'd taken to the house for months, almost ten years ago, until his finger finally reached the house's location.
"There."
Aidan and Hunter looked at the map more closely and nodded. Aidan then referred to his laptop for a closer view, trying to pinpoint the exact house. Cam guided him further on the screen using street level views on Google Maps. They finally found the house, tucked in the woods, hidden away from plain sight.
