“You have no idea.” Cameron shook his head, disgusted with himself. That was nothing he should be admitting to. She was all that mattered, not his desire to be there for her in every way or how much he cared for her. His focus was on helping and protecting her. His spine straightened, and he knew this job would take as much strength as any job he’d had in the military. “I’ll be fine,” he said. “All that matters is protecting you.”
She stared at him as if trying to see past his military veneer into his heart. Maybe someday he could allow that. Not today. Not in the foreseeable future. He’d give up anything to be close to her, to protect her, but he would honor her marriage to Jacob and he would honor the instruction Jacob had given. Even after their friend and boss passed, Cameron would be strong until the time was right. He sure hoped Jacob would come back as an angel and inform him when that time was, because as much as Cameron wanted to be close to Kaytlyn, he feared Jacob wouldn’t even be cold in the ground before he made a play for her heart. That was horrible to even think, so he forced it away.
Kaytlyn finally stepped back, and a professional shutter went over her blue gaze. She was sweetness personified, but she could be tough when she needed to be. “I’ll be in my office.”
She spun on her heel and walked away. Cameron followed.
They got down the grand staircase and went across the foyer toward the large office off the entryway. The windows stretched from floor to third-story ceiling, and they were framed with wood timbers in the foyer. Though the four-story mansion was sprawling and massive, it had a warm, cozy feel with all the wood and a distinctive Sun Valley flair.
Kaytlyn whirled on him, placing a hand on her hip and tossing her long blond hair. “Does guarding me night and day mean you’re my shadow now?”
Cameron let a small smile escape. “Yes, ma’am, it does.” Dang, this was going to be tough. She was just too cute and appealing.
“Well, you’re going to be very bored as I sit in my office hour after hour.”
“I’ve dealt with boredom before.” He’d been in the military. She had no clue how often he’d had to sit and watch and wait in situations much more uncomfortable than this one.
“Fine.” She sashayed into the office.
Cameron watched her go, then scrubbed at his eyes with his fists. If he was supposed to watch Kaytlyn night and day and then not act on the desire inside of him, maybe his boss could’ve poked his eyes out first to make it easier on him.
Chapter Five
The next two weeks went by in a blur for Kaytlyn. She worked long hours getting everything in place with their businesses and especially her foundation, as she wanted focus on her future baby and spend time with her husband before he passed. Just as Jacob had said, they were married that night with his friend Larry as the clergy—he was a leader in his local church—and Cameron as the witness. Cameron’s jaw had been so tight, it looked like it was carved from granite. Kaytlyn tried to avoid looking at him throughout the short ceremony, but she could feel his eyes burning her from behind.
In some ways, nothing had changed, yet everything felt new. Cameron was less than ten feet away everywhere she went, and her baby was growing within her. Her baby. She wanted to dance, laugh, and cry all at the same time when she thought about it.
She had gone to the doctor, done a test to determine if the baby was truly hers, and heard the baby’s heartbeat. Miraculous. She should hate Peter and Jessica for tricking her, but she felt like she’d been given a gift, no matter who the father was. She could honestly say she was more excited about her baby than anything she’d ever anticipated, and she often found herself touching her abdomen or imagining what the baby would look like. Hopefully nothing like Peter.
She wasn’t quite as excited about her current circumstances. Cameron’s constant presence was driving her crazy. They used to have a comfortable relationship, some teasing and flirtations, and a lot of significant glances. Now he’d become a statue, shadowing her but rarely speaking to her or showing any emotion at all. She missed the old Cameron, but she didn’t know what she expected. She was married, pregnant, and would soon be the recipient of billions of dollars in businesses and properties. Of course things would change between them.
The first six weeks of her pregnancy hadn’t been physically taxing, though emotionally she was overwrought. She worked long hours at their home office, conducting numerous video chats with their managers. Her and Jacob trusted their managers and had great people in place, but she wanted to make sure everything was ready so she could take time off when she had the baby. Jacob grew frailer every day as she visited him morning and evening, but he constantly expressed how grateful he was for her, even though they were both still sick about Jessica’s duplicity. They still were able to hash out business ideas and problems, and though he was already months past the doctor’s prediction of his mortality, she didn’t feel like he would leave her any time soon.
The middle of July grew warmer and even more beautiful in their little valley. She’d cut back on lifting weights, and she missed the times when she and Cameron used to run into each other in the mansion’s nicely furnished basement weight room. Cameron must be waking early to fit his own workouts in, because he shadowed her whenever she was awake. He’d moved his things into the suite next to hers and she swore he had a beeper on her, though she couldn’t find it.
Often in the afternoon or evenings, she’d go on hikes up the mountain trails, and of course Cameron would come. She loved being out in nature and Cameron’s presence offered stability, safety, and an excitement she couldn’t dismiss. Sometimes on their walks, Cameron would relax enough to talk with her; they’d share childhood stories, or he’d give her some insight into military life, or she’d tell him about a touching email she’d received from their charitable work or some new idea she had to help a group or person.
She didn’t feel like she was in any danger. Jessica had called Jacob a few times, acting as if she hadn’t had her breakdown fit, but she hadn’t so much as texted Kaytlyn. It shouldn’t still hurt but Kaytlyn had once believed they were close friends. When Jessica found out about the change in the will, the marriage, and that Kaytlyn was going to fight for her baby, she would go nuts.
Kaytlyn woke up toward the end of July with her stomach churning. She couldn’t swallow down the nastiness in her mouth, and she was afraid to move. The doctor had warned her that morning sickness might be coming soon, and she’d felt a little bit of queasiness in the past few days, but she hadn’t realized it could hit so strongly. She groaned, rolled onto her side, and tried not to move further, afraid she’d vomit.
Her phone started ringing, and she ignored it. Even the slight movement of answering it might be too much. She drifted back off to sleep but awoke to a tap on the door. She stared blearily at it, hoping the person would go away and leave her to her misery.
“Kaytlyn?” Cameron called through the door.
She knew she should respond, but if she did, she might lose whatever was in her stomach.
“Kayt?” His voice grew more concerned, and she couldn’t help but notice that he’d used her nickname. He’d never done that before. He turned the doorknob and swung the door open. His eyes landed on her curled in the bed, and then they widened. “I’m sorry. Do you want me to leave, or do you need help?”
She swallowed hard and shook her head slightly; the tiny movement made her stomach pitch. She didn’t want him to see her like this, but she couldn’t remember the last time she had felt this miserable. How long was morning sickness supposed to last, and who was going to deal with all the work she had laid out for today if she didn’t get her rear out of bed?
He approached the bed slowly, apprehensively. Kaytlyn wanted to reassure him that she would be okay, but she was afraid to open her mouth for fear of vomiting all over him. The little one growing within her had felt like a thrilling, mystical, far-off dream; now it was the source of a nauseating nightmare.
Cameron stopped a couple feet shy of
the bed. “Jacob’s really concerned about you. He said he’s called and you’re not answering, and you’ve never slept in this late before. Is it the baby?”
“Morning sickness,” she managed to get out. “Baby’s fine.” She remembered the doctor saying that morning sickness was a good sign that the pregnancy was going well. Right now, she couldn’t say she agreed.
Cameron eased closer and squatted down next to the bed so he was eye level with her, and much too close for the awful state she was in. Even in her misery, Kaytlyn was humiliated that he was seeing her like this, but it was nothing compared to the fear of spewing chunks all over him. She imagined she looked and even smelled disgusting.
“But you’re not fine,” he said softly. “What can I do for you?”
She loved seeing him so concerned for her, but she couldn’t dwell on all the things she loved about him. Nervous sweat beaded on her brow as she swallowed down the nasty taste in her mouth again.
Forcing a smile she didn’t feel, she managed to say, “I don’t know.” She spent so much time working and researching the best spot for a new women’s shelter or orphanage, how to get supplies to an area after a disaster, and teaching teenage girls and young moms how to improve their skills and become more marketable for a job, yet she hadn’t stopped and researched what she might need on hand if she got morning sicknesses. If the doctor had given suggestions for feeling better at her last appointment, she couldn’t remember them.
“I’ll go talk to Cathy and research it,” Cameron said decisively. “You’ll be okay for a few minutes?”
“Yep,” she mumbled.
He smiled and reached out a hand, as if he would smooth the hair away from her face or something. Kaytlyn literally ached to feel his touch, and she felt herself arching toward him.
Cameron froze, and his concern for her turned to a look of almost horror. His hand dropped away, and he straightened and marched from the room.
Kaytlyn watched him go. He was so strong, attractive, and perfect, and she wished their situation could be different. She usually kept herself busy enough to shove the feelings for him to the back burner. Lying here miserable and wanting to concentrate on anything but the unsettled feeling in her stomach, she couldn’t stop the memories of him smiling at her, saying something funny, and doing something thoughtful for her or Jacob.
Jacob. As she thought about her friend, her worries about Cameron fell into perspective. She’d done this to herself, married Jacob of her own free will to protect her child, his businesses, and their foundation. It didn’t matter that it wasn’t a real marriage; she was committed to it now for reasons so much bigger than her selfish desires. She could not allow her mind to wander toward Cameron.
She hadn’t moved when Cameron appeared at the door, with a food tray in his hand and a triumphant smile on his face. Unfortunately, the latter made him even more handsome. “Did you know Cathy is a mother of nine and grandmother of twenty-five?” he asked.
Kaytlyn tried to nod.
“Of course you did. You’re more thoughtful than the rest of us.”
Kaytlyn appreciated the compliment, but she didn’t dare voice her gratitude.
Cameron set the tray on the bedside table. “So we need to get some crackers or a few bites of toast in you and this ginger tea. Can you sit up?”
She really didn’t think so, and even the smell of toast turned her stomach. Please don’t vomit. “Maybe.”
He came close enough for Kaytlyn to catch a whiff of his clean, crisp scent. Why didn’t it turn her stomach like the toast did? His brow furrowed as if he wasn’t sure how to help her. He reached out, then drew back, then reached out again. Kaytlyn would’ve found it comical if she weren’t so miserable.
Finally, with his face settling into determination, he slid one hand underneath her while putting his other hand on her bare arm. He gently lifted her up and then settled her against the headboard. His hands on her skin felt so good that she was almost able to put her revolting stomach out of mind, but the slight movement to sitting wasn’t good for her nausea. She took slow breaths, praying she wouldn’t lose it as Cameron carefully lifted her forward to position pillows behind her back.
Straightening, he watched her for a few seconds, then asked, “Better?”
Kaytlyn was surprised to find that sitting up was a little better now. She relaxed into the pillows and nodded. “Thank you.”
“My pleasure.”
The way he said those words sent awareness coursing through her, especially when his cheeks darkened and he looked away quickly. He’d acted so stoic around her since she’d married Jacob. Not that she blamed him, but sometimes she wondered if the pull between them was one-sided now. If he was so strong that he could simply shut off his feelings, maybe he wouldn’t want to date her when she was able to. That day seemed too far in the future. She had a legacy to protect and a baby to raise.
“Toast?” he asked brightly, lifting a piece off the tray.
Kaytlyn nodded and reached out for the toast, but he brought it right to her lips. She nibbled at it, chewed, and swallowed. When that didn’t make her vomit, she tried a little more. Cameron watched her steadily as he held the toast for her. When she’d eaten several bites and her stomach felt a little more settled, she murmured, “Thank you.”
He set the toast down and brought the teacup to her lips. She sipped some of the fragrant ginger tea. She couldn’t force her eyes away from his handsome face, as it was so sweet that this tough, larger-than-life man was feeding her. She’d been on her own for over ten years and couldn’t remember the last time someone took care of her. She and Jacob were great partners and friends, but even though he’d treated her almost like a daughter he’d never ministered to her like this.
She waved the tea off; her stomach felt remarkably better.
“Better?” he asked, setting it down on the tray.
“Yes. Thank you so much.”
“It’s what I’m here for.”
She smiled. “I thought you were the tough military man who was here to knock heads through the wall if they got out of line.”
He chuckled. “That’s my favorite role, but feeding toast to beautiful ladies is right up there too.” His face blanched as he realized that he’d complimented her. He’d been so careful since she’d married Jacob and she admired him for it, but she didn’t care if he slipped up.
“I can’t possibly look beautiful right now,” she said.
His eyes swept over her and he said quietly. “You always look beautiful.” He backed away. “I’ll just … go tell Jacob you’re all right. I’ll be back to check on you soon.”
“Thanks.” Kaytlyn watched him go. He gave her one more smile as he softly shut the door.
It wasn’t easy being married to a dying man twice her age to prevent his fortune from falling into his sadistic son-in-law’s hands. Yet Kaytlyn couldn’t imagine anything as miserable as how much she ached to be near Cameron Bodily and how she couldn’t let herself dream of him.
Cameron hurried from Kaytlyn’s suite. Being so close to her was torture. Even when she was sick and disheveled, she was so appealing that it about killed him to look at her and not declare his undying devotion. When he’d touched her smooth skin to reposition her in the bed and her silky hair had brushed his arm while her sweet vanilla scent had washed over him, he’d about lost it and pulled her close.
She is married, she is married, he repeated over and over in his head. Usually it cooled his ardor, but usually he didn’t let himself get close enough to touch or smell her. Even though he was her protection and went everywhere with her, he was able to stay back and keep his emotions in check. Feeding her like that was too much.
He hurried through the wide halls and rapped on Jacob’s door, heard a muffled “Come in,” and swung it wide. He strode to his friend and boss’s bedside. He and Jacob had grown even closer lately.
“How is she?” Jacob asked.
Cameron shook his head. “She’s really sick.”
Jacob cursed softly.
“My thoughts exactly,” Cameron muttered.
Jacob stared up at him. His cheeks were gaunt, and his eyes were sunken. “I’m holding on as long as I can …” He drew a few steadying breaths, then continued, “But I’m afraid you’re going to be on your own soon.”
Cameron sank into the chair next to the bed. He couldn’t stand the thought of Jacob dying. He had a question he had to ask, though. “You still feel we need to wait to inform Jessica and Peter about the transfer of your business and assets, the new will, your marriage, and Kaytlyn’s claim on the baby?”
Jacob nodded.
“But what if …” Cameron hated to say it.
“I don’t want to give them any extra time to assemble their case.”
“I just hate to have her face them alone.” He studied his hands as he twisted them.
Jacob placed a hand over his. “She won’t be alone. She has you.”
Cameron stared steadily into Jacob’s blue eyes; they were still clear, despite the pain on his face. It broke Cameron’s heart that Jacob and Kaytlyn, once such powerful friends and business partners, were now married yet living on opposite sides of the mansion, sick and miserable, with him as the liaison. His role here was tough and sometimes weird.
“Are you still my man, Cameron?”
“Always, sir.” Those words might sound cheesy, but Cameron felt them deeply and he knew the older man did as well.
“Thank you. Go watch over Kayt, please. Tell her I’m praying she’ll feel better soon.”
“Okay.” Cameron stood and strode from the room. Watch over Kayt. The job should’ve been easy, as there was no immediate danger, but it was the hardest job he’d ever had in his life. He had to fight to stay detached from the incredible woman he was assigned to. He’d take fighting terrorists in Kuwait over being so close to his dream woman and yet so far away.
Chapter Six
Her Loyal Protector Page 4
