by T L Swan
I laugh. This woman kills me. “How about I take you home where I know I can give you a ten?”
She licks her lips and smiles up at me, with those big beautiful eyes shining.
I need to bury myself deep inside this woman tonight.
Fuck. I can’t get enough.
I can’t get close enough.
I push my hips forward so she can feel how hard I am for her.
“Do you want to fuck me, Cam?” she whispers sexily.
“You know I do.”
She smiles as her eyes drop to my lips. “My body is yours. You just have to take it.”
I raise an eyebrow. I want her body. I want all of her body. That beautiful fucking ass is on my hit list.
“We’re going home, Bloss. I need me some supper.”
I stand at the end of the bed. My cock is thumping at the sight of her lying naked and spread waiting for me. Only a small lamp lights the room. Ashley’s writhing around with arousal as she watches me slowly take my suit off. I undressed her first. I’ve been waiting to do it all night. I undo my bowtie as my eyes hold hers and she smiles sexily as I throw it aside. Then I open my shirt button by button, and then slide off my pants. I’ve never been so hard, so hot for one woman in my life.
This is as much mental as it is physical.
I drop to my knees at the side of the bed. I need to worship every inch of this woman who can make me feel this way. I open her legs and spread her pink flesh in front of me.
Perfection.
Unable to help it, I slide I finger in and feel her clench around me. My cock pumps in appreciation.
“Cameron,” she whimpers.
Our eyes lock, and in some unspoken way, I know she feels the same. “I know, baby,” I whisper. “I know.”
I drop my head and inhale her scent deeply, my eyes closing in ecstasy. My tongue darts out for a taste, just a taste of Heaven that only she can give me.
I lick deeper and then I have to suck. I can’t help it. I become almost violent as I take her hard. Her hands drop to the back of my head and she moans in pleasure.
I smile against her. It’s going to be one hell of a long, hard night.
Ashley
I sit at the table at my house with my heart hammering in my chest. It’s Monday night. We’re at my house and Cameron has just cooked us dinner. Owen gets home in the morning and I have to tell Cam now. We’re inseparable and I’ve never felt closer to anyone before. We flew in late last night, and then today we worked. He was in his surgery today, so I didn’t see him. The days are long without him. It’s just assumed now that we will spend every night together. It’s what feels natural—what feels right. My heart is about to escape my chest as I watch him over the table.
“Cam, I have to talk to you.”
“What about?”
I pause as I watch him. Please handle this well. Please, please handle this well.
“There’s something I haven’t told you about me.”
He frowns. “Go on.”
My mouth is suddenly as dry as sandpaper and I can’t speak. How do I say this?
“I want you to know that it doesn’t change who I am. Who… who we are?” I stammer.
“What are you going on about?”
“I have a son.”
His face drops. “What?”
“I said I have a son.”
His eyes widen in horror and he stands violently with his glass in his hand. “What the hell do you mean you have a son?” He growls. “Where is he?”
“He’s been at his grandmother’s for twelve days. He gets back tomorrow,” I push out in a rush.
He runs his hand though his hair. “How old is he?”
My eyes tear up. “He’s four.”
Fury fills his face. “You had a fucking child after we were together?”
I nod.
He throws his wineglass at the wall and it smashes everywhere.
“Cameron, calm down,” I whisper through tears. I’ve never seen anyone so furious.
He storms toward the door.
“Cameron, wait!” I cry.
“I don’t do kids, Ashley. How could you not tell me this?”
“This doesn’t change anything between us...”
He stops on the spot and screws his face up, as if I’m an idiot. “This changes every fucking thing.” He grabs his coat and rushes out the front door, slamming it behind him.
The tears run down my face in shock.
“Cameron,” I whisper in the silence. “Come back.”
18
Purpose is a funny thing. Last week I spent my time with a man and it felt like it was exactly what I was supposed to be doing—as if fate had stepped in and taken care of everything for me.
Yet this week, I will be spending my time with a little man who is the reason I am here.
He’s my purpose.
He’s my world. The make believe world I had up until yesterday was just a smoke screen, an optical illusion of happiness.
Cameron doesn’t even know who I really am.
Last week I arranged to take the day off work today. Now I sit in the crowded arrival lounge at LAX airport, deep in thought. I’m an hour early. I couldn’t sit still at home. Cameron didn’t come back last night and he didn’t answer his phone when I called him after a few hours, either.
The more I think about it, the angrier I become. He has no right to judge me the way he did.
He had no fucking right to smash a wine glass in anger because he wasn’t getting his way.
Distraught, disappointed, and unable to go to sleep in the coldest bed of all, I stayed up and cleaned my house from top to bottom in celebration for my two favorite people arriving home today.
My people.
My real people.
“Coffee for Ashley,” the girl calls.
I smile and step forward as I take my coffee, and then I go and sit near the window and stare out over the runway.
I need to talk to him. There’s so much to say. I take out my phone and stare at it for a moment. I’m not playing games. I was in the wrong and I know it. I should have told him, but I didn’t expect to fall in love, or that he would return my feelings. I didn’t know
the connection we had would escalate at the rate it did. We were together for a total of ten days, for Heaven’s sake. Every day I knew I had to tell him and every day I chickened out.
I deserve this.
I click on his name and hit call. It rings and then goes to voicemail. I close my eyes, knowing he rejected the call.
I leave a message anyway. “Cameron, it’s me.” I pause for a moment as I look around. “I need to talk to you, Cam. I need to explain a few things.” My eyes tear up. “Call me back… please,” I push out over the lump in my throat. “Can you come over tonight after work?” I glance around and then realize where I am and swipe my tears away angrily. “See you later, I hope.” I hang up. I blow out a deflated breath.
I did it. I just hope he comes over tonight before I have to see him at work tomorrow.
“Mommy!” Owen calls as he runs and jumps into my arms. I laugh as he nearly knocks me off my feet, and I squeeze him tight.
“Oh, baby. I missed you so much,” I whisper as I start to kiss him all over his face and hold him close.
I feel myself instantly relax and I know I’m going to be alright… because the only man that matters in my life is Owen.
I stand and grab Jenna in an embrace. “Oh, I’ve missed you, Jen.” I smile through tears.
She stands back and cups my face as she studies me. “Are you okay?” she asks.
I smile through my tears. “I will be.”
She frowns.
I take Owen’s bag from him and sling it over my shoulder. “We got a lot to talk about, kiddo.” I smile as I take his hand. “Let’s go get your suitcase.”
It’s 3pm and I lick my ice cream as I walk down the street holding hands with Owen. I’ve just dropped off Natasha’s dress at the drycleaners she
told me she uses. I may as well get that out of the way.
Owen and I are eating our way through the city this afternoon, and I can’t stop smiling.
He’s home. My little man is home.
“Ashley?” I hear a woman’s voice call.
I turn and see Margaret, Cameron’s mother standing behind me.
Fuck.
My face drops. “Oh, hello, Margaret.”
She fakes a smile as her eyes drop to Owen and then back up to me, and then back to Owen. Oh damn it. Of all the people to see.
“I thought that was you.” She smiles. “What are you doing in this neck of the woods?”
“Ah…” I hesitate. “I just dropped the dress from the weekend at the drycleaners.”
She smiles as she studies Owen, her calculating eyes rising back up to me. “Yes, that’s where I am heading, too.”
“Nice to see you, Margaret,” I lie. I’ve got to get away from this bitch. She gives mother-in-law from hell a whole new meaning.
“And who is this?” She smiles down at Owen.
I swallow the lump in my throat. “This is Owen.” I hesitate. “My son.”
Her mouth drops open as she frowns. “I didn’t realize you had a son.”
I fake a smile. “Yes.” I look down at the little angel looking up at me. “I have the best son in the whole world.”
Owen beams as he looks between us and swings our linked hands in glee.
“How lovely,” she replies falsely.
“Nice to see you, Margaret, but I’m in a rush. Sorry.” I smile and I nearly pull Owen’s arm out its socket.
She stands still on the spot as she watches me walk away. I get around the corner and practically run to the car with my heartbeat ringing in my ears.
That woman is pure evil.
Cameron
I sit in my parked car at the hospital. I’m just getting back from the children’s hospital. I click on the voice message I rejected this morning and listen.
It’s Ashley. The sound of her voice brings with it a heavy feeling. “Cameron, it’s me.” There’s a pause. “I need to talk to you Cam. I need to explain a few things.” I blow out a breath as I listen. “Call me back please.” She’s crying, I can hear it in her voice. “Can you come over tonight after work please?” I listen as I pinch the bridge of my nose. I can’t stand to hear her upset. “See you later… I hope.” The line goes dead.
I blow out a deep breath and drag my hand down my face.
I’m gutted.
I had plans for us. Plans for us to have a future… and then she just throws it in that she’s done it all already with someone else and there’s a kid as evidence.
I shake my head and with renewed determination, I get out and slam my door shut.
I’ve had a shit day. I had to work with Amber who is now openly flirting and laughing at everything I say in front of patients. I’m about to grab her in a chokehold. I’m not in the mood for her shit. I’m her fucking boss for Christ’s sake.
I walk through reception and see Mia. I quickly turn to go into the elevator, but she sees me.
“Cameron?” she calls.
Shit. I stop and turn to face her. “Hi.”
She’s all flushed with big tits in my face wearing that tight nurse uniform. “Where have you been? I haven’t heard from you in a couple of weeks.”
I scratch my head awkwardly. “I’ve been busy.”
“Too busy for your favorite girl?” She smirks.
I smile. Mia is the most uncomplicated woman I know. We fuck. We’ve fucked for a long time. No strings. No feelings… just as it should be. “Never.” I smirk.
“Do you want to catch up later?”
I purse my lips as I consider her offer. “I’m not in the mood, Moo,” I reply.
She frowns. “Since when are you not in the mood?”
“Since today.” I sigh.
“I can put you in the mood. I’m an excellent stress reliever.”
I smile as my eyes drop to the floor. Maybe that’s just what I need?
“We’ll see. I might call you later,” I reply as I walk into the elevator.
She smiles and goes up onto her toes with excitement. “I’ll look forward to it,” she calls after me.
I get into the elevator and I’m grateful when the doors close on her. At the back of the elevator an elderly couple holding hands smile, and I nod in acknowledgement. Great. Old people. Happy, in love old people. Just what I fucking need.
I want to go home and get to the gym. This day can’t end soon enough. Now I know why Ashley had to have today off. She had to pick up her son from the airport. I feel the fury boil in my gut.
I’m so angry with her, I can’t see straight. I don’t even know her. I haven’t the slightest idea who she really is. There I was being all soppy and honest and fucking pathetic, and she’s been lying to me through her teeth.
The elevator opens and I walk down the hall to my office. Well, I gave the relationship thing a crack for the first time and got burned and that’s it. I’m not doing that again.
Sex is a lot easier than this bullshit.
I walk into my office and sit down. My phone rings and I glance at the screen. Joshua.
I answer. “Hey.”
“Hey, mate. Can you swing past my office on your way home?”
I frown. “Why?”
“I got some shit I need you to sign for the settlement.”
“Fuck, man. I’ve had a prick of a day. Can’t it wait until tomorrow?” Joshua and I are co-investing in some property.
“What’s up your ass?” he asks.
“Nothing. I’m tired,” I snap.
“Just come in for two minutes. I’ll have the paperwork ready.”
I roll my eyes. “Fine.” I hang up.
Two hours later, I walk into Joshua’s office on the top floor.
It’s just after six and most of the staff have gone home for the day. He’s sitting at his desk when I walk in.
“Where’s this document that couldn’t wait a fucking day?” I roll my eyes as I sit at his desk.
Joshua fakes a smile and holds his pen in his hand as he gestures to the leather sofa in the corner. My mother is sitting there. I didn’t see her as I walked in.
“Mom?” I frown. “Sorry, I didn’t see you there.”
She stands, walks over and kisses my cheek. “Hello, darling.” She puts her hands on both of my cheeks and looks at me. “Are you alright, dear?”
My stomach drops. I never could hide my emotions from her. “Yes, fine.” I sigh.
She walks over and stands near the window and looks out. I frown at Joshua. What’s she doing?
He shrugs.
“I ran into Ashley today, Cameron.”
My jaw clenches and my eyes flicker to Joshua. “Did you?” I reply flatly.
“Yes. She was dropping off Natasha’s dress at the dry cleaners.”
I stay silent as my eyes drop to the floor.
“She had a child with her. Her son.”
I roll my eyes. Here we go.
Joshua frowns in question. “Ashley has a son?”
“Yes. I only found out last night,” I reply.
He widens his eyes. “Fuck,” he whispers to himself.
“How well do you know Ashley?” she asks.
“Not as well as I thought, clearly. I didn’t know she had a son.” I walk over and look out the window at the street way below.
“The child is yours, Cameron.”
I turn to her. “What?” I frown.
She raises her chin defiantly. “I’ll bet my life on it.”
“He’s not. No way. That’s ridiculous—” I huff.
“What the hell are you on about, Mother?” Joshua interrupts.
“You met her before?” she asks.
“Yes, but...”
“The child would be four or five then? And he just so happens to be the spitting image of you at his age.”
I frown as the room starts to spi
n beneath me.
“It’s… it’s not possible,” I stutter.
“I’m telling you. He is the spitting image of Blake.”
“Well, then maybe he’s Joshua’s, because I wore a condom,” I yell.
She withers and folds her arms. “You’re upset.”
“And why the hell do you think that would be?” I yell. “You trick me over here to tell me I have a son I don’t know about.” I shake my head and throw my hands in the air. “I’m fucking thrilled.”
I turn to Joshua. “Do you have something for me to sign or not?”
Joshua shakes his head as he stares at the floor, stunned. He’s as rattled as I am.
I shake my head in disgust. “See you both later.” I walk out and head down to my car in the underground parking lot. The sound of furious blood pumping hard throughout my body is deafening and I rest my head in my hands as I sit in the darkened car, trying desperately to calm down.
When did I meet her in Vegas exactly?
I try to do the math and work backwards. I’ve no idea how long ago it was. Years, I know that much. How will I find out? I think for a moment, but my brain is so rattled, I can’t think straight. I get out my phone and flick through to the advertisement in the classifieds when I was searching for her. The date was 2012. Nearly five years ago, exactly.
I frown. Mother said Ashley’s son was four or five.
I stare into the darkness for a while as I think.
Fuck.
I start my car and slowly drive from the parking lot to end up sitting at the end of the driveway.
What now?
Ashley
I pace in the lounge room as I glance out at the street. Owen, Jenna, and I have just had dinner and I’m wondering if I should call Cameron again. My son is playing Lego in the lounge room and Jenna is reading a book beside him. I feel sick to my stomach.
Why won’t Cameron just call me?
A car pulls up outside the front of the house, and I peer through the sheer curtains to see the familiar Aston Martin parking.
My heart beats faster. Holy hell.
I quickly walk out the back to the lounge room and I tap Jenna on the foot. She looks up from her book.
