We win handily, and I pump my fist at Savannah as I skate off.
My father’s lying in wait before I even get my skate guards on. He insists on me meeting the scout he promised to bring, and we spend ten minutes I can’t get back doing awkward small talk.
But I’m in a good mood, and nothing can take that away. I hurry through my shower, and when I emerge from the locker room, I look around for Savannah right away.
A lot of people are still milling around the arena, but I don’t see Savannah anywhere. Disappointment hits my gut.
She must have left.
Maybe it’s for the best. Maybe she and I aren’t ready to bring everyone else into our little cocoon yet. Colton calls out to me, and I wave and head toward him. He’s leaning against the wall closest to the lobby exit, chatting with Jenson and Ayden. His wife, Sky, is tucked into his side as she talks to Jenson’s wife, Olivia, and Bella, Ayden’s fiancé.
“Nice game, Wild.” Colton punches my arm. “You looked like you had fun.”
“I did.” I put my arm around Sky and kiss her cheek. “How are you feeling?”
She smiles at me. “I’m pregnant, Cam. Not sick.”
“I know. But this rink’s freaking cold.”
She shrugs. “It’s not that bad when you’re dressed for it.”
Dylan and his wife, Jasalie, and Brayden and his girlfriend, Leleila, join us. Dylan immediately starts effusively talking about the game.
“That was a great goal you had in the second period,” he says. “I’m proud of you.”
“Thanks, Dyl. Christ, you guys were loud up there.”
Dylan chuckles. “My game-day volume goes on automatically, I guess.”
As we continue to chat and screw around, the entire place empties out around us.
Jasalie shivers, pulling her long blond hair around her neck. “Let’s make our way to a warm bar. You guys are all used to northern climates. I’m the only one here who never lived through a cold winter.”
Dylan puts his arms around her and whispers something into her ear. She giggles.
“You lived on the streets,” Bella says to Jasalie. “I think that’s a lot worse than what any of us went through. It must have been freezing some nights.”
Brayden and Leleila laugh. “Way to put it all in perspective, Bella,” Brayden says.
Jasalie smiles. “I know, right? Let’s focus on lighter topics, please. Like the fact that Colt and Dylan promised they’d find a way for us all to fit into Cam’s house tonight and actually get some sleep.”
“Cam doesn’t have anyone to sleep with,” Colton says with a smirk. “So he can take the couch.”
I visibly flinch, and Sky mistakes my response.
“Don’t be rude, babe. Just because Cam’s single doesn’t mean he should be kicked out of his own bed!” Sky protests.
My thoughts are nowhere near where they all think. I’m barely paying attention to the conversation because my focus is on the woman I do share a bed with.
Savannah has re-entered the rink from the lobby, and she glances around furtively. When she spots me only a few feet away and realizes I’m surrounded by people she doesn’t know, she waves shyly and rushes to grab an errant pair of skates. I run my hand through my hair. I should have invited her to join us the moment Dylan texted me to let me know they were coming to town. I shouldn’t have put off the discussion with her. But I did, and here we are.
I hear someone say my name, and I drag my gaze over to Brayden, whose blue eyes are trained on me. “You ARE still single, aren’t you, Cam?”
I cross my arms over my chest and stare them all down. I could just say yes and end this conversation quickly. I’ll take my cousins out to the bar; they’ll spend the night and be gone in the morning. Then Savannah and I can go back to being us, and focus on our relationship at the pace we’re comfortable—slowly and carefully, until we’re both sure of our footing.
Savannah and I are so different in a lot of ways, but in one way we’re exactly the same—somebody close to us betrayed us and broke our trust, and we’ve both been cautious to open up again. My years of drama with Amy fucked with my head, and I swore I wouldn’t date seriously again until I was in my thirties. My cousins believed me when I said that, and I even think they agreed with me. For all their teasing, they don’t want to see me tied down once more with the wrong woman.
I always knew that whenever I introduced them to another woman, she would have to be the one. I wouldn’t waste my time again, letting the wrong woman into my inner circle. Once I chose to let another person in with those closest to me, it would be because I’ve made a decision.
My cousins are so much to take in, and I don’t want to ruin what Savannah and I are building. But continuing to keep her separate from my family isn’t going to work.
So when she scurries by us, head down and focused on reaching the exit unseen, I turn to Brayden. “The answer to your question is no, Bray.”
Brayden raises his eyebrows at Colton, who looks at Jenson, who glances at Ayden, who turns to Dylan.
“What are you saying, Cam?” Dylan asks me.
“You’ll see.” I turn and call out, “Savannah?”
She halts her forward movement but doesn’t turn in my direction. She’s so close I could reach her in a few steps, and she’s definitely close enough that I can see her body tremble.
I call her name again.
This time she lifts her head reluctantly, and we make eye contact.
Her gaze darts from me to the large crowd gathered around me, and panic flashes across her face.
I nod at her. “Do you have a minute? I want you to meet some people.”
She swallows so hard I can see her throat move.
I step around my cousins and head over to her. I tip Savannah’s chin upward with my thumb and sweep my lips across hers. I kiss her gently at first and then more emphatically. By the time I pull back for air, the crackle of laughter behind me is palpable.
Savannah’s face turns bright red, and she drops the pair of hockey skates on the ground. “Oh, my God. Cam, they’re all staring at us.”
“I know.” I kiss her cheek. “So let’s really give them something to stare at.”
I wrap her ponytail in one hand and grip her hip with the other. I pull her closer and cover her lips with my own.
My tongue slides inside her mouth, and I taste her sweetness. Her hands are fighting me every step of the way, not wanting to cause a scene, but her tongue is very much in my mouth, taking over my senses. She bites my lower lip and then…her hands get involved. She slips them inside my open jacket and down to my waistband where my decision to kiss her is causing an urgent problem.
Forcing myself to stop, I break away.
“Fuck.” I exhale and slam my eyes shut. I count to five and then re-open them.
Savannah’s gaze is fastened on mine. “Are you okay?” she asks me.
“I’m perfect,” I say. “But I didn’t think this through very well. You’ve got me too turned on for public decency.”
She glances down at the distinct bulge in my jeans and puts her hand over her mouth.
Using my jacket as cover, I subtly adjust myself and then sling my arm across her shoulders.
“Come meet my cousins. Plus their wives, girlfriends, and fiancées.” I add jokingly, “It won’t be overwhelming at all.”
Savannah
“This is Savannah. My girlfriend,” Cam says to the large group of people facing me.
Girlfriend? I’ve never been called someone’s girlfriend before. It’s nice.
Cam’s cousins don’t take their eyes off of me as he quickly rattles off each of their names.
Jasalie, Skylar, Bella…I lose track of all the smiling women.
Brayden, Ayden, Jenson, and I recognize Colton and Dylan. Dylan and Ayden both have the same messy dark hair as Cam, and Brayden and Colton are blond as is Jenson. All five guys are in great shape.
Dylan and Colton, of course, could gra
ce magazine covers with how trim and toned they are, and maybe I’m biased, but I’d put Cam in the same category. He may not want to be a worldwide star, but he’s still a professional athlete, and he clearly keeps his body in amazing condition. I snuggle closer into his solid torso and realize that he’s finished the introductions.
“It’s so great to meet you, Savannah,” the redhead—I think that’s Skylar—says to me.
“Pleasure to meet you all,” I say stiffly.
“Same here,” Dylan says, his gaze flicking between Cam and me. “You’re a surprise, Savannah. Cam’s always giving us shit about our love lives, but apparently he keeps his well under wraps.”
“Um…” I shift my weight from one foot to the other. “I’ve heard about all of you.”
Colton laughs, his blue eyes brightening. “I guess you’ve got an advantage, then. We’ll have to get to know you tonight.”
Cam sends a glare at both Dylan and Colton and hugs me tighter to his side. “Let’s go to the bar.” He flips his keys to Colton. “You can follow us. I’m going to ride with Savannah.”
I send Celie a quick text that we’ll be arriving at the bar momentarily. I’m partly relieved I sent my sisters, Brad, and Pru on ahead and partly wishing they were here with me now to make this meeting less awkward.
I wasn’t planning on returning to the rink, but I ran into Craig as I was racing out the door after the game, and he asked me to go find his skates. Sure enough, he’d left them on the floor by the door. And I’m still holding them now.
“I need to drop these off,” I say to Cam.
“No problem.” He turns with me toward my office, calling over his shoulder to his cousins. “We’ll meet you in five.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
My sisters handle meeting the Wilds far better than I did. I can’t say the same for their husbands; Brad and Pru practically throw themselves at Dylan and Colton, clapping them on the back and congratulating them on their success. And Molly fangirls her way through an enthusiastic handshake, followed by a request for a hug with first Colton and then Dylan.
They’re both super nice about it, and I admire how relaxed they are at handling all the attention. I suppose they would have to be used to it by now, but I can’t even begin to imagine all those eyes on me.
Between her couple of beers at the game and whatever she’s drinking now, Molly’s obviously long past sober because she starts giggling and muttering something about someone named Allie.
“Who?” I ask.
“Her crush,” Celie answers for her.
“You never mentioned her name,” Nadine says. “All I heard was how you told Daddy you met someone.”
“I’m mentioning it now,” Molly says. “I was thinking of inviting her to join us. But it might be weird.”
“Invite her!” Bella and Olivia say at once.
“Totally do it,” Jasalie agrees. “That way, if things don’t go well, you’ll have a built-in escape route.” She grimaces. “I wish I’d had a few more of those over the years.”
Dylan kisses her head. “You don’t have to worry about escape routes anymore,” he tells Jasalie as Molly, Celie, and Nadine all swoon.
Pru immediately grabs Celie’s hand like she might have forgotten she was married. Brad does the same with Nadine, and I shake my head, smiling over at Cam.
“Ladies go crazy for Dylan,” Cam whispers in my ear.
“Not me,” I say to him. “I’ve only ever been crazy for one guy.”
He nibbles my earlobe. “You have no idea how much I love hearing you say that. Want to go home right now?”
I laugh and catch Dylan and Colton watching us. In fact, Ayden, Jenson, and Brayden are looking in our direction also.
I tense at the attention, but before I can get too stressed, Molly pulls her phone out and starts rapidly typing. “I’m inviting Allie,” she says out loud.
“This is so exciting,” Olivia says, and I smile at her enthusiasm. Her hair is jet black and super shiny, and it swings back and forth as she talks. “I love seeing couples find each other.”
Cam kisses my cheek. “Do you want a drink?”
“A beer would be great,” I say.
He pecks my lips and says he’ll be right back.
When I turn back around, the Wild men, plus Jenson, are staring at me again. They’re so handsome and friendly, but the way they’ve been watching Cam with me, like they’re trying to make sure they can trust me…it unnerves me.
To my relief, Celie steps in. “You all are looking at my sister like she’s got two heads. What’s the problem? You don’t think she’s right for your cousin? Because I can tell you right now—you’re dead wrong.”
“Shh. It’s okay,” I say to Celie.
The five guys burst out laughing.
“I like you,” Colton says to Celie. “And I like you too,” he says, turning to nod at me. “I apologize for our shitty manners. I assure you our staring has everything to do with our cousin and the fact that he’s kept you a secret.”
Celie smiles. “I get it. Cam usually tells you everything, right?”
Ayden shakes his head. “Not really. He’s just had a rough go of it the last few years. We’ve been looking out for him, and he shocked the hell out of us at the rink.”
“I know about Amy,” I say.
Jenson nods at me. “Good. I’m glad he told you.”
“That whole thing became a fucking nightmare,” Colton says as Cam reappears with two beers.
He hands one to me and then turns to Colton. “Shut up about Amy. That topic is way outdated.”
“Agreed,” Dylan says. “Subject change?”
We chat about Climax and what it’s like compared to the small Montana town Brayden and Leleila live in. I’m so interested in learning more about Montana that I forget my shyness and tell them about the dance studio in Missoula.
“I know that place!” Leleila says. “I’ve heard good things about it.”
“You guys should move out by us,” Brayden says enthusiastically.
“Maybe we will,” Cam tells him.
I’m trying to process that news when a blond woman touches Molly on the shoulder.
“Allie! I’m so glad you came!” Molly stands up and hugs her.
Allie looks about Molly’s age but is much taller than her. She’s also thin, like model thin. I wonder if she smokes to look like that or if it’s just God’s gift to her. Like Molly said, she’s gorgeous, and she smiles at me like we’re old friends.
“I’ve heard so much about the three of you,” she says to Nadine, Celie, and me.
I go into my socially awkward routine, the same one I pulled the first time I met Brad and then Pru. But Molly’s more sensitive than my other two sisters, and she’s eyeing me suspiciously.
“Hi, Allie,” I say in a forced polite tone. “It’s so great to meet you.”
Nadine breaks the awkwardness more easily than I ever could have by inviting Allie to join us for a drink. And while Molly’s introducing Allie to everyone else, Nadine pulls me aside.
“You need to make an extra effort tonight to include Allie. This is really hard for Molly—she’s so nervous. Did you see her shaking? Remember what it’s like to go on a date for the first time!”
“Of course I remember,” I murmur. “I just entered that jungle a few weeks ago.”
“So use your experience to help Mol,” Nadine says. “I know you’re naturally shy, but put on your big girl pants, and be sociable.”
“I’m going to need another beer,” I say to Celie.
“Way ahead of you,” she says as she beckons to her husband. “Pru will help us out.”
Cameron
“I had no idea you were so into someone,” Ayden says to me a couple of hours later as we stand apart from the rest of the group.
Like they’ve been waiting for this chance all night, Jenson, Brayden, Colt, and Dylan amble over just as Ayden’s finishing his sentence.
“I would never have pu
t you with her,” Colton says. “You’re such opposites. But now that I see you and Savannah together, I can’t imagine you with anyone else. She really cares about you.”
I look from one to the other of them—my best friends, the people who’ve been there for me through all the shit with Amy and all my crap with my dad. And I stop holding back.
“I’m going to marry her.”
Dylan spits out the sip of whiskey he just took.
Colton drops his beer onto the bar counter, and Ayden grins. Jenson lets out a low whistle and Brayden just studies me, his expression neutral.
“Christ, Cam,” Dylan gets out. “Give us a chance to realize she exists for five minutes, would you?” He pulls me in for a hug. “Bray predicted this, you know.”
I glance at Brayden, my oldest cousin and the guy I’ve leaned on for so much throughout my life. He’s been my hero for so long, I take it for granted more than I should. I can always call him, can tell him anything, and he never judges me or tells me to be anything other than exactly who I am. While Declan and I have grown closer as adults, Brayden was always like a big brother to me.
“What did you predict?” I say to Brayden, my lips twitching as I try to hold back my grin.
He taps my shoulder with his fist. “That you’re the wild-card Wild, and you’d be the one to shock the shit out of everybody when you met the one. That you’d give us no warning, and we’d be lucky if we met her before you tied the knot.”
I tilt my head in Savannah’s direction where she’s laughing with Jasalie and Leleila. “Consider yourselves warned.”
Brayden lifts his chin at me. “I’m proud of you, little cousin. You did good.”
His praise means so much, and I nod at him before saying to them all in a low voice, “And just between the six of us—nobody else but Savannah knows yet—I’m quitting hockey after this season. For real this time. I’m ready to go into business for myself. I’ll fill you in more later.”
“Finally,” Brayden says, his expression softening into relief.
Cameron (Wild Men Book 7) Page 18
