by Kristen Echo
Cameron extended his hand, and they shook. “It’s a pleasure to meet you sir. And Mrs. Rylen, I see where your daughter gets her beauty.” He shook her mother’s hand and then leaned back again.
“I’ll be honest with you Mr. Smith, it’s not appropriate for Meagan to work for you. She’s young and impressionable. With your track record, we—”
“Meagan is a grown woman capable of making her own decisions,” Cameron interjected.
“With all due respect, you don’t know our daughter like we do,” her mother chimed in. “From where we stand, you should concentrate your efforts on your daughter. Keeping her safe. Something you’ve failed to do in the past.”
Cameron stiffened, but he stayed quiet.
“I don’t want my daughter around drugs. Are you still affiliated with gangs?”
Until this assignment, she hadn’t been the captain of her own ship. Every move she made, other than not enlisting, was their decision. From the toothpaste she used to the color of her underwear, she’d let them dictate her life. Even her job with Connie Northcote had been their choice. It was easier to go with the flow than to fight with them. They’d been through so much, losing a son and having another child in harm’s way. She wasn’t meek or scared of them, she did it out of love. After Denis died, they needed control and she let them control her decisions, but she couldn’t sit by and let them do it any longer.
“Enough. Cameron, can you please leave us alone? You don’t deserve the third degree.”
He nodded and left without saying anything. She couldn’t believe her parents could be so mean and ignorant.
Her father looked at her and let out an exasperated sigh. “Meagan, you—”
“No. You two know nothing.” She stood and tossed her hands in the air. “He’s not a gang banger for crying out loud. Cam’s a good man and an amazing father. Loving and everything he does is for his little girl. One look at her and you’d love her to pieces like I do. If you saw them together, you’d take your words back.”
“I don’t appreciate your tone,” her father said, crossing his arms over his chest. The only thing missing was his jacket of medals. They didn’t think she was smart enough to make good decisions, but that was their issue.
It pissed her off. “I don’t need or want you here. I love you both, but I am capable of running my own life. Believe it or not, I have a head on my shoulders with a brain full of knowledge. You’ve taught me how to decide what’s right for me. Being here with Cameron and April is the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”
“This will be over in a matter of weeks. Don’t let him get you hooked on anything. That man is bad news.”
They were so wrong. Meagan walked to the front door and opened it. “I’ll decide what to do. Not you. I’d like you both to leave. And I won’t be coming over for Easter. That’s a time for families and right now the only family I want to be around is in this house.”
Chapter 15
Cameron had crawled into bed with April, making it impossible to talk with him. Meagan had wanted to apologize for her parent’s rude behavior. There was no excuse for the things they’d said, but she hoped he wouldn’t hold it against her. Their beef wasn’t with Cameron, but with her. She’d been pulling away more and more, asserting her independence. Something most teenagers do long before nineteen.
The morning came within the blink of an eye. It had taken her forever to fall asleep and the small amount she received wasn’t restful. Meagan rubbed her tired eyes and stretched. It was early, but Cameron was an early riser. She climbed out of bed, expecting to catch him before April got up. The house was quiet. After a quick search, she realized her apology would have to wait. He had gone for a run.
No coffee had been made, and she desperately needed a caffeine injection. She filled the pot and added the beans. A few minutes later, she sat at the kitchen table and held onto a steamy cup. She blew on the hot liquid as April pranced into the room. Her blonde curls were matted on one side where the pillow creases lingered against her cheek.
“Morning. I’m hungry, she said while rubbing her belly.
Meagan stood up before the first sip hit her lips. “Do you want me to cook something or is cereal good?”
“Cereal, please.” She settled in at the table and placed her face in her hands.
“You seem glum. What’s up?” Meagan asked heading into the pantry for the box of cereal.
“What does glum mean?”
She grabbed the milk from the fridge and set it on the counter. “A mix between sad and deep in thought. Do you have something on your mind?”
April pointed at her chin while she considered her answer. “If Daddy’s team wins the playoffs, do we get to keep the big cup?”
Meagan laughed as she brought over the breakfast. “I don’t think each player gets to bring it home, but I don’t know. We can ask your dad when he returns from his run.”
“Okay.” April picked a spoon from the caddy on the table and attacked the bowl. Milk spilled over the edges, but most of it ended up in her mouth.
The cup of coffee sat within reach, but a knock at the door prevented her sip. “I’ll go see who it is. Wait here.” She walked to the door and opened it. “Hello, can I help you?”
An older woman in her early fifties with silver highlights through her dark hair took a step back. “Good morning. I’m here to see my granddaughter. Is April home?”
The woman looked nothing like Cameron. She was much shorter, had a round face and dark features. She looked familiar and Meagan suspected she’d seen her picture with April somewhere. “I’m sorry. What’s your name?”
“I’m Theodora Rollins and you are?” She walked past Meagan in to the house.
“I’m Meagan Rylen. I didn’t see your visit on the schedule. Are they expecting you?”
“Ah yes. The nanny. Cameron mentioned he’d found someone to help while we were on vacation. I don’t need an appointment, dear. I’m family.” Her eyes roamed Meagan’s body, and she wished she’d worn something other than a tattered tank top and sweatpants. At some point she had to make shopping a priority.
April came running into the room and hugged her grandmother. “Hi. Did you bring me something from Mexico? Where’s grandpa?”
“I’d never come empty handed. Grandpa’s tired, but he sends his love. I couldn’t stay away from my favorite grandbaby. He’ll be by to visit soon. I want to hear everything you’ve been up to this past month.” Mrs. Rollins clutched her large purse and took April’s hand, leading her over to the couch. She removed her coat, and they settled in.
“What did you get me? Is it a hat or a dolphin?” April’s excitement made both women laugh.
“Would you like a cup of coffee? It’s freshly brewed,” Meagan offered.
“I’d love a cup. Two milk and two sugars,” she replied, digging into her bag. Mrs. Rollins pulled out three wrapped presents. “The big two are yours and the other one’s for your Daddy. Where is he? I figured he had the day off.”
“You got that right, he’s off today. Cameron will be back soon.” The hopeful tone of her voice was impossible to mask. Mrs. Rollins narrowed her eyes and Meagan turned towards the kitchen. “I’ll be right back.” As she walked away, it felt as if eyes were burning holes in her backside.
She raced to her room and changed into a baggy sweater and jeans. When she returned to the kitchen, she poured the coffee and added the milk and sugar. Meagan peered up as Mrs. Rollins entered the room. Her eyes did not look friendly which made no sense.
“We need a pair of scissors to open the package.” She opened the correct drawer and pulled out the sharp object. “You’re here for a short time, is that correct?”
“Um, I suppose. Yes, I’m looking for a full-time caregiver for April,” Meagan replied, leaning against the counter.
“Good. You seem too fond of my son-in-law. Your eyes lit up when you said his name. For your information, the position is only temporary until my daughter returns. Nicole wil
l be back to take care of her daughter and her man. Don’t get too comfortable here.”
“I… what?”
“You heard me. You may have my daughter’s figure, but you’re not her. This is her family and the sooner you find a replacement the better. You’ll never be April’s mom.” She gripped the scissors tighter. “Take the morning off, I’ll be with April.”
“Here’s your coffee.” Meagan pushed the cup towards the woman and backed away. “I… enjoy your visit.”
There were so many things she could have said but bit her tongue. Arguing with angry people always ended up in a loss. Being around hot-headed military men all her life had taught her when to keep her mouth shut and walk away. Meagan double checked the approved visitor list and Mr. and Mrs. Rollins were on it. Sticking around like a chaperon was out of the question. The way she’d left things with her parents meant she couldn’t go there. She pulled on her coat and hat then laced up her sneakers. After that conversation, she needed a good long walk more than she needed a coffee.
The cold air did little to cool her down. Each block she walked got her more heated. She wasn’t trying to replace Nicole. A woman who’d abandoned her child. She wasn’t sure what she was doing, but it wasn’t for anyone to decide, except for her and Cameron. Everyone else could butt the heck out. Her blood pressure continued to rise and there was no sign of Cameron. She had no clue what his running path included, but she figured she’d have bumped into him after an hour. It never happened.
The chip on her shoulder had grown into the size of a boulder by the time she returned home. She entered through the back door and took off her coat and shoes. Cameron had beat her home. They needed to talk and clear the air, but that wouldn’t happen with April and Mrs. Rollins around. She smiled and waved as she entered the living room.
“Dora told me you took the day off,” he said, as he tickled April on the floor.
“I went for a walk. I wasn’t sure if you need me.” Her voice sounded so needy; she hated that. She squared her shoulders, waiting for his response.
He looked at Mrs. Rollins who shook her head and then back at her. “We’re all good. Enjoy your time off.”
Meagan left before she said something she’d regret. There was no place she’d rather be than with them, but they didn’t want her. She had plenty of things to do even if nothing specific jumped into her mind. The dismissal cut deep, but she had no intention of sitting around licking her wounds. She wasn’t a dog waiting for scraps of his time, or some pathetic girl who couldn’t take the hint and get lost. She packed a bag for the day and left.
Being without a car sucked, but it’s not like she was in a rush. The service in his sub-division was garbage, and she waited for over an hour for the first bus. Meagan didn’t even care where it was headed as long as it took her away. That turned out to be a mistake, and she ended up downtown. Late morning on a weekday shouldn’t have been a big deal, but within minutes of getting off the bus she saw two drug deals go down. She clung to the straps of her bag and jogged to the library.
She played with her phone, checked emails and returned calls. Three friends offered to meet her for lunch, but she turned them all down. Meagan wasn’t in the mood to gush about the hockey star and his daughter. Her friends would ask too many questions and she didn’t have any answers, or none she could share. Telling them she loved Cameron Smith would be a mistake. Part of her wondered if giving her heart to him had been the same.
The day ended up being productive. She held four interviews for her replacement. The sooner she found someone to take her job the sooner she’d find out where she stood with Cameron. Three of four weren’t suitable, but the last one was really nice. Meagan liked her background in caring for children with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. The woman was in her mid-forties and had no children. Her husband worked in the oil fields and only came home a few times a year. She was an excellent option and the top contender at that point. Meagan still had a few more interviews scheduled before she presented her top picks to Cameron.
As much as she wanted to stay away, she didn’t feel safe staying downtown after dark. She grabbed a bite to eat at the mall and then took the bus back to his place. When she arrived, Mrs. Rollins had left, and she breathed a sigh of relief.
“You’re back,” April said, skipping towards her and giving her a big hug. She smelled like cinnamon and sunshine. Meagan breathed her in.
“I am. What are you still doing up? Your bedtime was over thirty minutes ago.”
“She insisted we wait for you. I couldn’t say no.” Cameron leaned on the wall and smiled. His shirt hugged his thick arms like a second skin. He wasn’t trying to look sexy, but he pulled it off.
Meagan set her backpack down by the door and removed her jacket and shoes. “I’ll help tuck you in, but I’m not in the mood for a story tonight.”
“We have a new book,” April said, grabbing her hand. “You have to see it. Daddy made it.”
Cameron held up a book with a picture of her and April on the cover surrounded by stars. “It’s not a big deal, but I found this place that makes custom books. Figured it would be cool. April’s been pestering me to read it since she found it. Your delay has really caused some mayhem.” He laughed.
Her heart melted into a puddle. “When did you do this?”
“This afternoon while Dora and April played together. All right, everyone into bed.” He waved his arms, and her and April walked past him into the little girl’s room.
They snuggled on the bed and Cameron opened the storybook. The book was filled with pictures of them from the trip and he’d turned it into a fairytale. The adventures of Princess April and Princess Meagan. April loved it and so did she. It was the most thoughtful and caring gesture. She was speechless.
She kissed April goodnight and left while Cameron rubbed her back until she fell asleep. Meagan collected her bag and returned to her room. She left the door open and sat on the bed dumbfounded. He wouldn’t have made a book with pictures of her if he didn’t want her around; if he didn’t care. Those pages were filled with love.
“Hey, can I come in?”
Meagan patted the bed next to her and nodded. So many things rushed through her mind. The apology for her parents, questions about the Rollin’s family, but the most pressing was how he felt about her. That book had to mean something; she wanted it to mean something.
“Did you like the story? I might be able to get April into fairytales after all.” His soft chuckle sent a rush of heat through her.
She nodded, gripped his shirt and kissed him. All the insecurities disappeared when their lips pressed together. This man was too much for words. For once, she felt the best way to express herself would be to get physical. Leave the words and the rambling behind and tell him with her mouth how much she liked the book. Use her tongue to express her love.
Her hands roamed the flat planes of his stomach as she lifted his shirt. He helped her by pulling it over his head. By the time he had his shirt off his jeans were around his ankles. She couldn’t get him naked fast enough.
“What’s the rush?” He moved into the middle of the bed and laughed as she struggled with his socks. “I guess you liked… Fuck, yeah!” He stuttered as she swallowed the head of his penis. His hands gripped her head as he fed her more inches.
She sucked on as much as she could and used her hand to stroke the rest. Her tongue wiggled from side to side as she bobbed on his cock. Slurping sounds filled the quiet room, and it wasn’t long before Cameron’s moans and grunts joined in. She loved watching him come undone. His eyes scrunched together the moment before he erupted.
“I’m coming,” he announced, as if his flavor hadn’t already blasted her tongue.
She swallowed and licked him clean, not stopping until he was hard again. Then she crawled on top of him and sank onto his cock. She had no idea what came over her, but she couldn’t stop. The stretch and the fullness he provided her was what she craved. Meagan rode him hard, bouncing up and down unti
l they were both panting and dripping with sweat. She came the second he touched her clit, but they kept going all night. They didn’t stop until she passed out.
When she woke up in the middle of the night, he was still there. His arms wrapped around her middle, holding her tight. She smiled. This was the most content she’d ever been. Being with him made her happy. Judging by the half-smile on his sleeping face, he was happy too. The difficult part would be finding a way to keep that going. To move them past the job, the secrets, and into something real.
She’d taken the easy way out and she couldn’t continue doing that. That was falling back into an old pattern. The same routine she’d followed her whole life. When faced with a difficult choice, Meagan would let her parents decide. Rather than fight, she’d walk away. If she felt uncomfortable, she’d ramble and change the subject. It was time for change. She wanted a relationship with Cameron and she was willing to do whatever it took to make that happen.
Chapter 16
The days blended together and Meagan lost track of time. Every day was filled with hockey, playing with April and sex with Cameron. Her nights were more of the same. It felt like the most intense relationship she’d ever been in yet they weren’t even in a relationship. Not really. When she finally put on her big girl panties, she’d asked him what they were. Cameron called it an exclusive, mutually agreeable companionship. That bothered her, but she tried to let it roll off. They didn’t need to be boyfriend and girlfriend, but she’d hoped to hear the word relationship. At least he’d called them exclusive.
Besides all the sex, she’d wrapped up the last of the initial interviews and Cameron had met with both her top picks. He didn’t like either. He didn’t trust them and told her to go back to the drawing board. His trust issues were going to make it harder than she imagined. Not being able to use the largest agency, severely limited their candidate pool.
Another dark cloud on an otherwise perfect week were the constant calls from her father. He demanded her attendance at Easter dinner. She’d never missed a family function. With Hailey home she wanted to go, but only if they apologized to Cameron. They weren’t prepared to do that, so she still wasn’t planning on attending. There was always so much food and laughter. She would have loved to have Cameron and April see how much love her parents had to share. She debated asking him if he’d consider going with her, but she’d chickened out.
