Down on My Knees

by Samantha Conley

  “What’s the matter?” I ask, concerned she may be sick.

  “I’m not crazy about flying.” She offers a weak smile.

  “It’s a long flight if you don’t like flying, Red.” Reaching over, I wrap her delicate hand in mine and give it a squeeze.

  “Once we’re in the air, I’m fine. It’s the takeoff and landing that get to me.”

  “Want to watch a movie to kill time?”

  At her slight nod, I drag my iPad out of my backpack and pick one of the moves I downloaded earlier. “We’ll have to share my ears buds,” I say, thinking quickly and not pulling out my Bluetooth headphones. “I forgot the wireless ones.”

  “That’s fine.” Handing her the blue wire, her body shifts toward mine, the floral smell of her shampoo filling my nose. Being this close to her brings me a sense of peace I didn’t know existed. If she thinks I’m going to let her go without a fight, she has another thing coming.

  She stirs against me where she fell asleep on my shoulder a couple hours ago, her hair tickling against my neck.

  “Hey, sleepyhead, we’re landing in about fifteen minutes.”

  “How long have I been asleep?” she asks, a yawn stretching her mouth wide before she covers it with her hand.

  “A couple hours.”

  “Sorry, that makes for a sucky travel companion. No one to talk to.”

  “I just watched movies. You still working too hard? I’ve never known you to take more than a twenty-minute cat nap.”

  “Something like that,” she answers, looking down at her lap. “We’ve had to put in a lot of hours for the past few months. I guess it’s catching up with me.”

  The captain’s voice comes over the intercom, announcing we’ll be landing soon and interrupting our conversation.

  “What do you mean my room’s not going to be ready? Like, in the next couple hours, or at all?” Camryn’s voice carries over the group, and I do my best to hide my grin. Luckily, I made it into the hotel first and paid off the hotel manager to put Camryn’s room out of commission permanently for the rest of this trip and…whoops, there are no other vacancies.

  “I’m sorry, miss, but a pipe burst in your room last night, and we have not yet been able to repair it. Unfortunately, the repairs require items not readily available on the island and will not be able to be here until tomorrow at the earliest. Then the carpet and tiles will have to be deep cleaned before the room is able to be used.”

  “So, where the hell am I going to sleep? On the beach?” she asks, frustration clear in her voice.

  I walk up behind her and place my hands on her shoulders. Shooting, the manager a wink, I apply pressure to get her attention.

  “What’s the matter, Red?”

  “Apparently something happened to my room last night, and it’s uninhabitable. And there are no other open rooms available.”

  “I have two bedrooms in mine. You can stay there if you want.” I hold my breath, waiting for her answer. Out the corner of my eye, I see Jason’s smirk and the small shake of his head, as if he knows exactly what I’m up to.

  “Miss, there are rooms available at another hotel, but they’re not nearly as nice, and they are a couple miles away.”

  “Stay with me, Red. You’ll be right here with the rest of us and won’t have to worry about going back and forth.”

  “Are you sure you don’t mind?” She looks up at me while chewing on her bottom lip.

  I want to slap myself across the forehead when she asks me that question, and the insecurity laced in her tone makes me want to hit something. Reaching my thumb out, I pull her lip out from between her teeth and trace the redness. “You don’t even have to ask. You’re always welcome wherever I am.”

  Her small hand wraps around my wrist before she presses her cheek into my hand. She takes a deep breath, closing her eyes and when they open, their golden brown depths sparkle. “Okay, I’ll stay with you.”

  Step one of getting Camryn back completed.

  Now, for step two.

  Making our way down the wooden pier to our villa, I watch the sway of Camryn’s hips as she walks in front of me. Finding the door, I usher her inside.

  “It sure is getting warm out there,” she states, lifting her hair away from her neck to let the breeze cool her. It’s getting warm in here too. “I think I’m going to change. Which room do you want?” She gestures to each of the doors.

  “Take your pick, Red.” With a quick once-over of my body, she licks her lower lip. As if sensing what she did, she startles and grabs her bag out of my hand. “I’ll…uh, I’ll take this one over here,” she stutters before hurrying off, rollers clacking on the wooden floor.

  Hurrying into my room, I remove my jeans and Henley before throwing on a pair of low-riding basketball shorts she loves. As soon as I’m changed, I head out onto the deck and look out over the turquoise water while taking in the island in the distance.

  Time for Operation Seduction to be set into motion. Instead of the usual deck chairs or loungers, there’s a sunbed. Perfect. The umbrella is placed just so to keep the tropical sun from blazing down on her sensitive skin. Remembering the manager was supposed to have some champagne and orange juice delivered to the room before we arrived, I walk back inside to retrieve them along with two flutes. As I get the items situated on the small table, I hear the near silent opening of her door. Standing in the middle of the open balcony doors, I reach up and grab the framing, trying to tempt her into looking. As she walks out of her room, her white top billowing around her, I can help but notice how she glows.

  “Hey, why don’t you come out here and check out this view,” I say, catching her attention. When her breath hitches as her molten gaze rakes over me, I can’t help but preen.

  “Nice view?”

  “Not as gorgeous as the one I’m looking at right now.” I chuckle at the blush taking over her face. Reaching out, I leave my palm face up, waiting for her to put her hand in mine. As soon as our skin touches, the rightness of it settles in my soul. “Come on.”

  The breeze catches her hair, and when she raises her hand to wipe it out of her face, the white material of her top pulls taut against her chest. And holy shit, are her tits bigger? Maybe it’s just my imagination since I haven’t seen them in months. Breaking my stare, I gesture over to the sunbed while checking to make sure I haven’t started drooling.

  “Sit down. Relax.”

  She balks slightly, then climbs up and nestles against the pillows.

  “You need anything?” When she shakes her head, I climb up beside her, close, but not quite touching. “Thirsty?” I indicate the champagne and juice.

  “Please. Just the juice, though.”

  “I thought you loved Mimosas.”

  “I do, you’re right, but if I drink alcohol, I’m libel to pass out.”

  I pour two glasses of juice, then hand her one before settling back against the pillows. Sitting there, we talk about safe things—her work and the big case they have going on, my working with Keith and writing some songs while we’re on break.

  “Do you enjoy it? The writing part, I mean?” she asks, her eyelids drifting closed.

  “I really do. And I’ll be able to help Keith get more of his work out there too. He already has two songs written that we may put on the next album.”

  “When are y’all going back on tour?” Her head becomes heavier, and I place my arm around her shoulder as she curls up next to me like a kitten.

  “Nothing’s set in stone right now. I think we all needed this break. It seems like we’ve been touring nonstop since Brian discovered us.”

  “Just be home in May, okay?” she murmurs before she falls asleep.

  Placing a kiss on top of her head, I reply, “I’ll be home whenever you need me to be, love.”

  This is what I want—everything right here in my arms.

  Camryn

  After sleeping so well on the flight and most of yesterday, one would think I would be raring to go today, but wi
th the sun beaming down, warming my skin, I just want to close my eyes and sleep some more. This baby is sucking all my energy. Mallory has been fidgeting in her chair for the last few minutes, as if she’s antsy to do something, while the hot waiter refills our drinks and flirts with us. Yeah, he’s working on a big tip.

  “Are we ready to get in the ocean? It’ll be a shame if we let this beautiful water go to waste,” Mallory says before taking a sip of her drink.

  “Hell yeah. We have about an hour before we need to head up to the spa for our makeovers,” Kris replies as she stands, removing her hat and throwing it on the lounger.

  “Makeovers? I thought we were doing massages and facials?” Mallory asks as she and Kristen walk toward the water. “Camryn, are you coming?”

  “Uh…yeah. Just give me a second.” Looking down, I try to decide whether to take off my cover-up, delaying the inevitable. Maybe they’ll be so wrapped up in the water and makeovers, they won’t notice how massive my breasts are. And pigs will fly out of my butt.

  “Okay, as soon as Cam moves her ass!” Kristen’s voice carries over the sound of the wave, drawing me out of my reverie. “And take off the cover-up. You won’t have anything dry to put back on.

  “Fine.” I begin to pull the white material over my head before checking to make sure the swim top is still containing the girls. Jesus, one strong wave and I’ll be flashing the whole damn beach. I make my way into the water, both staring at my chest. There goes any chance of sinking beneath the water before they notice.

  “Camryn, is there something you want to tell us?” Mallory asks, mesmerized.

  I look over the beach, wondering what I can use to distract them. Damn, where’s a hot lifeguard when you need one?

  “Because your boobs are huge!” Kris blurts out.

  “Subtle, Kris. Yea, Cam, we have noticed you’re a little bustier than usual.”

  Under my breath, I murmur, “That’s the understatement of the year.”

  “Cam, look at us. What's going on with you?” The concern written on their face breaks the dam of my emotions. Freaking pregnancy hormones.

  “I’m pregnant.” Tears flow down my cheeks while they stare at me in disbelief. A heartbeat passes before they surround me, arms wrapped tightly, holding me together when all I want to do is fall apart.

  “Camryn, it will be okay. We'll get through this together. Have you told Isaac?”

  “Why would I tell him?” The words slip out of my mouth without thought.

  “Because he’s the father?” The confusion in Mallory’s voice makes me cry harder.

  “And then what? Huh?” I cross my arms over my stomach as if to protect the baby. “He runs in the other direction. That’s what.”

  “You can’t keep this from him,” Mallory reasons with me. “And if he does puss out, we’ll still be here.” Reaching out, she places her hand on the slight curve of my belly. “I can’t wait to be an aunt.”

  “Me either, Cam. That baby is going to be spoiled rotten. As for Isaac, he may surprise you. You just have to give him a chance,” Kristen pipes in.

  “After the trip, I’ll tell him.” I wipe the tears from my face.

  “Why wait? Tell him this weekend. That way y'all can talk without everyday life getting in the way,” Mallory encourages.

  “I don't want to take away from Kristen's weekend since I’m pretty sure we aren’t just here for a vacation.” I cast a quick look over at Kristen as a blinding smile lights her face.

  “Spill. It,” Mallory orders.

  “Derek and I are getting married!” she squeals, happiness radiating from her.

  “Congratulations! So, this whole trip is to celebrate?” I inquire.

  “No, we’re getting married here. Tonight. That’s why we’re getting makeovers.”

  “Holy shit, Kris. That’s awesome,” Mallory cries out.

  “Now that it’s out of the bag, let’s talk about that rock on your finger, Mallory,” I say, the light catching the stone.

  “Jason asked me to marry him last night!”

  “Oh. My. God!” I cry out in shock.

  “It was so perfect. He did it at sunset on the beach. There were candles everywhere and champagne. I’ve never been so happy. But I think it freaked him out when I started to cry.”

  “I would have loved to see the look on his face before you put him out of his misery,” Kristen laughs.

  Laughing back, Mallory tells her, “Damn, you’re mean.”

  Seems like we’re all full of surprises today. I just pray mine has the same happy ending as my friends.

  Isaac

  We’re all standing on the beach, waiting for the girls to make their appearance. Derek can’t seem to keep the shit-eating grin off his face. When the music starts, my eyes are drawn to the end of the makeshift aisle where Camryn is starting to make her way between the rows of chairs. My jaw drops at the sight of her. The setting sun turns her porcelain skin golden and the dress she’s wearing flutters around her in the gentle breeze. Her hair is pulled away from her face, but one fat curl is laying over her shoulder, teasing her chest where her tits are about to pop over the top of the material. The ceremony is over before I even realize it started, my eyes never leaving Camryn. As we make our way back up the aisle trailing behind Mallory and Jason, she glances up at me from under her lashes and smiles.

  The party after the ceremony is set on the beach under a pavilion, where the food and drinks are flowing freely. The only glitch in the night may be how hard Brett is hitting the bar, but it’s understandable seeing how his best friend just married the only woman he loved. He may be more accepting of their relationship, but it still has to hurt. I can only imagine how much it would suck to see Camryn with someone else, much less someone I think of like a brother.

  Keeping an eye on Brett as he waltzes over to the table from the bar, I cringe when he taps a knife on a glass he swipes from a table. I scoot my chair back and place my napkin by my plate just in case I need to run interference.

  Casting a quick glance at Jason, I see he’s ready too if Brett makes an ass out of himself. When he starts to speak, I sigh, knowing our worries were for nothing.

  “Tonight, we celebrate the marriage of my best friend to a woman who will always hold a special place in my heart.” He pauses to clear his throat. “I have known Derek since high school. He is the closest thing I have to a brother. His family is my family…” he trails off and looks over to Kristen. “Kristen has been in my life for six or so years. And for the most part, it was the happiest time of my life. But I screwed up and lost that happiness. Fortunately, that happiness was again found by Derek and Kristen. I wish you both years of happiness and love. If I had to relinquish her heart to someone, I could not think of a man more deserving than my brother. I know the past few months have been rough between us, but we will always be brothers. Always,” he directs at Derek. “Now, raise your glasses and let’s toast to this happy occasion. To Derek and Kristen.”

  “To Derek and Kristen,” the crowd intones, glasses raised. I down the last of my champagne and direct my attention to Camryn. She’s been sitting beside me most of the night, picking at the food on her plate.

  “You don’t like the shrimp?” I ask, knowing it’s one of her favorite things to eat. She’s been acting strange ever since the ceremony.

  “No, it just tastes off.” She wrinkles her nose.

  Spearing one of her shrimps, I pop it in my mouth and don’t notice anything wrong. “Tastes fine to me. Want to try my fish?” As soon as I mention it, she looks a little green. “Are you okay?”

  “I’ll be fine. Just an upset stomach.”

  “Food poisoning?”

  “No. I’m fine, Isaac. I just need a Sprite or something.”

  “Did you get too much sun today?”

  “No…”

  “Something is going on with you. What the hell is it?” I huff out, throwing my napkin on the table.

  “I’m pregnant, you dipshit!” she blur
ts out, then freezes in shock. Which makes two of us. Before I can utter a word, she’s walking across the room and out onto the beach. I stand to go after her, but my feet don’t move.

  “Go after her!” Mallory magically appears at my side.

  “Did she say what I think she said?”

  “Yes. You’re going to be a daddy. Now, man the fuck up and get out there. Her biggest fear is you would run. If you want to be with her, don’t prove her right.”

  Run? Hell no. Running was never even a thought. She’s just tied herself to me for the rest of our lives. Now, more than ever, I must show her we’re meant to be together.

  My feet are moving before my mind catches up. I see her walking on the beach, the moonlight caressing her like a lover. Her head is bowed, arms wrapped around her waist as if trying to protect herself. The sand slows me down as I run to her.

  “Camryn, stop!” I call out when I’m a couple feet behind her. “Please.” Reaching out, I place my hand on her upper arm, drawing her to a halt.

  “I’m sorry,” she says, her voice watery. My stomach sinks at the thought of her crying.

  “Sorry for what? Sweetheart, look at me.”

  Her head rises, and the moonlight shimmers off the tear tracks on her cheeks. “I didn’t want to just blurt it out like that.”

  Gathering her into my arms, I hug her to my chest as her tears soak my shirt. “Why did you wait so long to tell me, Red?”

  “I just found out last month.”

  “Last month?”

  “Yeah. I passed out at work, and it freaked Sarah out. Called an ambulance and had me sent to the ER.”

  “ER? Is everything okay? With you? The baby?” I ask, gripping her arms and staring down into her glistening eyes.

  “I was just dehydrated. I’m fine. We’re fine.”

  “If you just found out last month…” I ask as my math finally adds up. “Red, is this baby mine?”

  Please say yes. Please say yes, I chant in my head. It will tie her to me forever. A little piece of me and her.