by Lyssa Layne
Evan nods, taking my hand and walking us to a pair of chairs. We both take a seat and Evan drops my hand. Suddenly, I feel more lonely than ever. Evan moves his elbows to his knees, staring at the floor.
“You knew he’d been drinking,” he states and I nod slowly. “He shouldn’t have been playing today.”
“I kno—”
Evan cuts me off, holding up his hand. “No, Cami, you don’t know. I dealt with my mom for years. It’s inevitable that Blake and I are going to end up the exact same way if we don’t do something about it. I stopped by his place and he was drinking by himself but I just left, didn’t do anything, just left him like I left our mom. How can you think you can be with either of us when all you do is cover things up? We don’t need that, we need someone who can call us out on our shit and help us be better men.”
Tears fall and I shake my head. “Evan, I don’t want to be with Blake, I just want you.”
Evan looks at me, pushing my hair out of my eyes. “Well, we’re a package deal, Camila. You don’t get to choose.”
My stomach flips, he’s talking nonsense. “Wh-what do you mean?”
“I mean that you, Blake, and I are family and we’re not going to be the fucked up family that we were with my mom. We’re going to support each other, make each other better, and not sweep shit under the rug.”
I sit up a little taller. “So that’s it? That’s what we are?”
Evan runs his hand over his scalp. “Camila, I don’t know. I want you, I want us, but I’m just still not convinced that you two are over each other.”
“But—” I start to object and Evan puts his finger to my lips.
“Give me time, Cami.” His hand slides down my arm and tugs at it. I stand and he pulls me in his lap. With his arms around me, I finally feel at home. Patience is a virtue that I’ll have to learn if I want any chance at all with Evan.
Chapter 28
Camila
“Hey, Kip. Blake’s out of surgery. We won’t know more until he starts physical therapy.” Three hours after the blowout on the field and Blake’s resting in his hospital room. Evan sits in the corner of the room, keeping a watchful eye on his brother, but he hasn’t said a word to him. Both of them are sitting silently watching the highlights on Sportscenter so I stepped outside to give an update to the Seawolves and also my co-worker.
“Evan with you?” Kip asks, cutting right to the chase.
I sigh. “Yes, he refuses to leave his brother’s side. I’ll take care of it, Kip. Please don’t stress about it.”
“What about you, Camila? How are you doing?” Kip asks, satisfied that I’ll pick up the pieces and now playing the friend card.
“I’ll be fine. We’ll all be fine.” I bite my lip, recalling Evan’s words that we’re family.
“Alright, well, call if you need anything and I’ll do what I can to keep the press away.”
Telling him thanks, we end the call and I watch the Purser brothers inside the hospital room. The men are quietly talking which brings a smile to my face, the first of the day. Evan is right. Time, we all need time to figure things out. I would do anything in the world for either of these two men in front of me. Dare I say that I love them both, but in very different ways. The thought more than frightens me, but I know there’s truth to it.
“Camila! Camila! Is he going to be okay?”
I spin around to see who is yelling at me. My jaw drops when Molly Feiser runs into my arms, a blubbery mess.
“Moll, what are you doing here?” I look up and down the hallway to see who’s around. “How did you get past the reporters outside?”
Molly wipes her eyes and shrugs. “I don’t care anymore. When I saw that hit on T.V. I had to make sure he was alright.”
I stroke her long hair and nod. “He’s going to be fine, not sure about football, but he’ll get through it.”
She hugs me tightly and peeks in the room. I take her hand and lead us inside, closing the door behind us. Both men turn their attention away from Sportscenter and Blake shakes his head.
“I thought you were done with me,” Blake says coldly, crossing his arms. I’m at least a head taller than Molly so from my position I narrow my eyes at Blake. We make eye contact and without saying a word at all, I know not to mention the state I found him in before the game while his shoulders relax and he drops the attitude.
Molly runs to the bed, throwing herself over Blake’s chest and sobbing hysterically. She’s much more dramatic than anyone I know, but Blake thrives on being her hero. He holds her close, consoling her, trying to reassure this woman that loves him that he’s going to be alright.
With tears in my eyes, I fold my arms, hugging myself as I watch the two of them, feeling a bit of melancholy myself. Then a set of thick, muscular linebacker arms are around me and Evan is pulling me to his chest. Nestling his chin on my shoulder, he whispers in my ear. “There’s nothing romantic between you two.”
I shake my head, tears falling down my cheeks. “He loves her, Evan, just look at them.”
He presses his lips beneath my ear. “I’m a fuckin’ idiot.”
I nod and turn to face him. “But you’re my idiot.”
Evan takes a second then slowly lets a smile take over his face. “That’s right. I’m your idiot, Cami.” His hand moves to my hair and he runs his fingers through it. “Forgive me?”
I shrug. “Maybe…” I say playfully.
Evan instantly moves his hands to either side of my face and smashes his lips to mine. Hungrily, I open my mouth, inviting him in, wanting him more than ever. His hands slip down my body until he firmly holds my waist and I moan.
Then in true Blake fashion, he ruins the moment by yelling, “Hey, get a room!”
Evan growls while I laugh and look over at the lovebirds. “Moll, you’re on duty. We’ll see you in the morning.”
Evan doesn’t waste a second picking me up and carrying me away from anymore distractions.
Evan
Camila takes her time inspecting my old room at Blake’s place. She walks her fingertips across the wooden dresser, picking up a picture of my mother and me when I was in high school. Her lips turn up as she inspects every inch of it and sets it back down. Slowly, she turns to me.
Lying naked in bed, I pat the mattress. “Get your ass over here,” I demand. I’ve already had her twice since we got back to the house, but I’m not finished with her yet.
She takes her time, swaying her hips, licking her lips, and doing anything and everything to tease me as she sashays toward the bed. When she’s within reach, I grab her with one arm and pull her on top of me. Giggling, she collapses and rolls to her back after a quick kiss. I move to my side, tracing her curves with my index finger. She watches my finger work, not saying a word.
Leaning down, I kiss her stomach. “Anymore secrets? Exes, kids, anything I should know about?”
Camila’s hand caresses my scalp and she shakes her head no. “Only exes I still talk to regularly are Blake and Gregg. I’ve dated others and promise to point them out if we ever cross paths with them. Deal?”
“Sounds fair enough, but please don’t make me point out every one night stand I’ve ever had.”
Camila grins. “I’m sure I could guess—fake hair, fake boobs, and probably blonde.”
Chuckling, I nod. “Looks like you proved my type wrong.”
She leans up, sucking on my ear. “Good…”
Gently, I push her back and move on top of her. Each of my legs on either side of hers, I slowly slip my hands down her arms, pinning them above her head. Camila wiggles under me, inhaling in anticipation. She pushes up, kissing my chest and I grin.
“I love that I can take my time with you. Tease you, tickle you, and explore every inch of your body,” I say, taking a nipple in my mouth. My tongue rolls in a circular motion and I graze it with my teeth before lifting my head.
Beneath me, Camila moans and mumbles, “I just love you.” It’s so soft that it’s barely audible, bu
t the second the words are out, we both freeze. I lean back, resting on her thighs, most of my weight on my calves and my hands resting on her stomach.
“I—I’m sorry, Evan, I—”
“Do you mean it?” I keep my eyes trained on hers, taking in her every movement.
Her head moves up and down. “I’ve known I have for a long time.” Her hands anxiously rub my thighs and my manhood jumps. Sliding them higher, she guides me to my back and reaches into the nightstand for a condom. Slowly, painstakingly slow, she sheaths my ever growing erection, taking turns guiding the rubber on with her tongue and her fingers.
“Damn, Cami, you’re going to have me come before you even get this thing on.” Seriously, I can already feel my cock pulsing, ready to explode. My comment doesn’t speed her up, instead she slows even more. Grabbing her by the arms, I easily lift her up and position her so that the head of my erection is ready to enter. Camila flips her long, dark hair and smiles at me.
Now it’s my turn. Gradually, I lower her onto me, her fingernails digging into my thigh, only causing me to want her even more. Once I’m fully inside, I hold her on me, letting her get used to my girth. She closes her eyes, moaning low and purring like the sex kitten that she is. My hands wander across her torso, memorizing each freckle and every detail of her perfectly natural breasts.
When she opens her eyes, I move my hand to her cheek and a grin takes over her face, causing me to do the same. She leans forward, twisting me inside her and I groan. Her hips swivel side to side and without notice, she switches up directions and I cry out in pleasure. She squeezes my manhood, milking it for everything it has and I let loose. My hand slips between her legs, rubbing her hot spot until she experiences the same ecstasy. Falling forward, I hold her as close as possible, wishing she could be even closer.
My mouth in her hair, I softly whisper, “I love you, Camila Lemos.”
I feel her lips curve against my chest and she mumbles, “I love you more.”
Laughing, I shake my head. She can claim that she loves me more, but this woman is my world. She’s my brother’s past, both of our present, and she’s my future. The only woman in my future is Camila Lemos.
Epilogue
Camila
The Trans-Siberian Orchestra plays overhead while I put the finishing touches on the codfish that’s baking in the oven. Humming with the music, I smile as I set the table for four. Evan’s apartment is decked out with red ribbon, silver tinsel, twinkling lights, and everything else that defines Christmas. The only thing missing is a Christmas tree which should be delivered any minute.
The timer on the stove beeps, letting me know that the panettone is ready. When I open the oven, the sweet chocolate scent hits the air and I inhale deeply, savoring the smell and excited for the traditional Brazilian Christmas Eve feast I’ve prepared. I set the cake on the counter and grin. Finally, I can have my cake and eat it too. No more hiding from relationships for fear of what the public eye will think. I love Evan Purser and I’m going to let everyone know.
There’s a dainty knock on the front door and I go to see who it is, already knowing it has to be Molly. I don’t think Evan or Blake could knock that lightly if they tried. Swinging open the door, Blake’s girlfriend greets me, handing me a bottle of wine with a kiss on the cheek.
“Mmm, what is that? It smells delicious!” Molly asks, shrugging out of her grey wool peacoat.
I take it from her and hang it up, listing off the menu. The second we hit the kitchen, she’s dipping her finger in the bowl and sampling the passionfruit mousse. Licking her finger, she looks at me with big eyes.
“Sorry,” she mumbles around her hand.
I laugh and toss her a towel. “Guess you’re hungry?”
She stares at the terry cloth in her hand. “Well, I am eating for two.”
The bowl in my hand slips and the chocolate dessert flies in every direction. “What?!”
Molly nods, still a little apprehensive. “Blake doesn’t know, please don’t say anything.”
Leaning over, I pull her into a hug. “That’s great, Moll! And don’t worry, I won’t say a word.”
She returns the embrace, squeezing me tightly and hanging on just a second longer. Her actions make me wonder what else is going on, but I don’t have the chance to ask when the front door flings open. Blake maneuvers the evergreen carefully while Evan brings up the rear. He’s still recovering from his knee surgery so it’s nice that Evan gave him the light end. While this season is out, we’re all crossing our fingers he’ll be back for the next. Both the Pursers have started attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings which will hopefully help them both extend their careers even longer without booze in the picture.
“Wow! The tree is beautiful,” I comment, following them into the living room where they place the tree in its designated spot.
The tree in place, Evan turns and kisses my cheek. “Nothing’s as beautiful as you, Cami.”
My stomach flips at his compliment. With a wink, I excuse myself to finish dinner while the guys straighten out the tree so we can decorate it after our meal. I pull the turkey out of the oven and yell for one of the guys to come cut it. Blake appears, his cheeks rosy from the cold air.
Handing him the electric knife, I comment, “Can you believe this is our first Christmas with other people around?”
Blake laughs. “Yeah, crazy we found two people who could love us, huh?”
I hug him from behind as he works on the turkey. “Nah, I’m more surprised that both of us let our guard down long enough to let them love us.”
Blake pats my hand. “Good point.”
I begin to set the food on the table while I watch Blake, trying to picture him as a father. “Things going well with Molly?”
Carrying the turkey to the table, Blake shrugs. “Pretty good. I love having more free time to spend with her, but nothing’s changed. We still have to hide our relationship because of her father. Is it bad I almost wish this injury would’ve taken me out of the game for good so I could just be with her?”
“Is it bad that you’re willing to sacrifice for love? Absolutely not.” My sacrifice walks into the room. Evan slips his arms around my waist and his lips skim over my neck. In the past month, we finally went public with our relationship. Technically, he’s not my client anymore, but that hasn’t stopped the other agents in the field from giving me plenty of grief. If I had to do it again, no questions asked, I’d give up everything for Evan.
Evan lifts his head and sniffs the air, making an unpleasant face. “What are you cooking?”
I laugh and step away from him. “It’s a mix of my Brazilian heritage and your traditional American Christmas meal. I’m serving turkey with dressing and gravy, codfish, potato salad, steamed veggies, and plenty of desserts.”
Evan’s nose crinkles and it’s obvious he’s not thrilled with the menu, but he kisses my cheek. “Sounds, uh… great.”
Shaking my head, I point to the stove. “And your mother’s macaroni and cheese.”
Blake and Evan fist bump with a small cheer and I roll my eyes. Boys will be boys and nothing will be better than mom’s home cooking. The four of us sit down to enjoy our meal then move to the living room to trim the tree. One side of the tree decorated, we begin to discuss Christmas traditions.
“When we have kids, we’ll let them help decorate while we bake cookies and sing Christmas carols,” Molly says in a dreamy voice as she admires the homemade ornament one of the Purser brothers made in elementary school.
Blake shakes his head, reaching to place an ornament high on the tree. “No way! Santa brings the tree on Christmas Eve so when the kids wake up, they’ll be surprised.”
Molly looks up at Blake, her hands on her hips. “That’s ridiculous! Why would you only put a tree up for one day?”
“It’s the magic of Santa, Moll. Chill, trust me, it’s awesome. That’s what our mom always did.”
“No disrespect to your mother, but we’re not doing that. I w
ant to be able to enjoy the tree for the entire month.”
“Fine then we just won’t have kids,” Blake states, picking up another ornament.
I turn to Molly who has tears in her eyes. When I reach out to put my arm around her, she shrugs me off.
“Fine then let’s not even be together,” Molly says stubbornly, grabbing her purse and coat and walking toward the door.
Both Blake and Evan stand in shock while I chase after her, but she refuses to speak to me and slams the door as she walks out. When I turn around, Blake is standing behind me.
“GO!” I open the door pointing and he grabs his coat, following her.
I close the door, leaning against it and closing my eyes. Blake better get his shit together before this baby comes. Likewise, Molly better drop the dramatics or it’s going to be a long nine months.
A pair of thick hands are on my waist and when I open my eyes, Evan is shaking his head. “What the hell just happened?” he asks with a laugh.
“Don’t ask,” I mumble, leaning up and kissing him softly. “Just promise me that we won’t do that.”
Evan returns the kiss, but pulls away to ask, “Do what? Have kids or you run out on me like a crazy woman because we don’t agree on something?”
I laugh and wrap my arms around Evan’s neck. He easily lifts me up, my legs latching behind his back. “We are not having that conversation right now,” I inform him, ending the debate that hasn’t even started.
“Fair enough.” His lips are all over me as he walks us back to the living room. He dims the lights and the room is only lit up by the twinkle of the white Christmas lights. Gently, he lays me down on the rug in the center of the room.
“Can I get my Christmas present now?” he asks, his lips turned downward slightly as he pouts.
He tugs at my blouse, pulling it over my head. I sit up and unbuckle his belt, sliding the zipper down on his jeans. Glancing up at this linebacker above me, I grin. “Baby, you can take your present any time you want.”
