CREE

by LaShawn Vasser

  This was what Cree needed. She needed him to take her hard. He stretched and filled her so completely and the pleasure was intense almost to the point of pain. Her leg went over his shoulder which gave him a deeper penetration. He held on to it for leverage as he continued to pummel her.

  Cameron felt Cree start to pulse around him. She was close…again. Her core got tighter and tighter, faster and faster around him. He threw his head back and growled like a wild animal as sweat poured off of their bodies. He managed to increase his pace while he continued to drive himself deeply inside of her matching the rhythm of her orgasm.

  She screamed out his name. A moment later, he emptied himself completely inside the love of his life.

  Their breathing was harsh, and it took several minutes for them to calm down. Cree’s legs were like jelly as she slid the one from over his shoulder and back down onto the mattress.

  Still trying to get control of his breathing and holding himself up on his elbows, he kissed her softly on the lips. When he pulled away, he asked the question. “Forgive me?”

  Cree giggled. “I don’t know. Do that thing you did again and maybe I’ll know for sure.”

  Cameron smiled. “Hmm…you need more convincing? Okay, I can do that.”

  They spent the better part of the morning making up.

  Chapter 9

  It was early afternoon when Cree and Cameron finally emerged from the bedroom, completely spent and hungry for food.

  Cameron wore a pair of basketball shorts, and Cree couldn’t help but think it was a shame to cover up a body like his as he pulled a t-shirt over his head.

  Starving, they went into the kitchen. When he opened the refrigerator, Cameron wrinkled his nose. “We should probably pick up a few groceries, there’s not much in here.”

  She frowned. “There should be something in there. I picked up a few things the other day. I can make you a ham and cheese omelet.”

  Cameron closed the door. “Hmm…I’ve tried to change up my diet a little bit. There are quite a few things I just don’t eat anymore. It’s no biggie. We can just go out and grab something.”

  Cree was a little surprised, most of the items she’d bought were things she remembered were some of his favorites. “Really? Like what? Tell me, so the next time I go shopping, I can make sure to get some of the things you like.”

  He shrugged nonchalantly. “It’s no big deal, but I don’t eat or drink dairy anymore. If I want milk or something, I’ll drink almond.”

  “I…didn’t know that. When did you give it up?”

  “A few years ago.”

  Cree was pretty shocked she hadn’t known that, but thinking back she wondered, “When was the last time I saw him drink milk?” She spoke aloud, “But, every time you came home, I’d make you omelets, and you’d eat them.”

  Cameron felt her getting tense, but there was no need for it. He pulled Cree to him and wrapped his arms around her waist. “I ate them because you made them, and because eggs are cheap and filling. Now, that I’m making a bit more money, we can afford to do a little better.”

  “How did you afford it then?”

  “My food vouchers that were part of the scholarship; plus they had more healthy food choices at the dining hall. It was a medical school after all.” He said with a smile. “Seriously Cree. It’s no big deal. I’m starving. So, let’s grab a bite to eat and then stop off at the store later. Maybe, we can even enjoy some of this day.”

  He nuzzled her neck and Cree relaxed somewhat.

  How could she not know what her man liked to eat? Cameron said it was no big deal, but it was a big deal. She’d let it go for now. Cree exhaled. “Alright, just let me get my purse.”

  As Cree walked past in a pair of yoga pants and a matching t-shirt, Cameron couldn’t resist smacking her on the behind. He loved her ass. Any man would. It was a great ass, and it was all his.

  Quickly, she spun around and responded saucily. “Hey! Don’t start anything you can’t finish.”

  He lifted an eyebrow. “Oh…I can finish. You want me to prove it to you…again?”

  “You are insatiable Dr. Jacobs. As tempting as that sounds, I’m starving too. But, I’ll definitely take a raincheck.”

  *****

  Cameron took Cree to a little vegan restaurant around the corner from their apartment. “So, how’d you like it?”

  “It was different. And, something I would have to get used to. But, I don’t think I could give up meat entirely.”

  “Understandable, especially for the first time, who knows maybe we can grow into it.”

  Cree shrugged. “I’m not sure I want to.”

  They walked out of the restaurant hand in hand. Just as they were about to turn the corner, Cameron and Cree bumped into Robert and Gwen.

  Robert and Cameron stood almost the same height however, where Cameron was blonde, Robert was dark. He was attractive too. Of course, Cree didn’t think anyone was as beautiful as Cameron. Also, the few times she had been around Robert, he was much too serious. He came across as the brooding type. He and Cameron seem to be as different as night and day.

  When they realized it was Cameron and Cree, Robert spoke. “Hey! You guys just coming out of Veg’d?”

  Cameron nodded. “Yeah. First time bringing Cree here.”

  Gwen laughed. “We used to come here all the time when we first started medical school. Did you like it, Cree?”

  Another reminder of things he shared with his friends that she hadn’t. Nevertheless, Cree didn’t want to disappoint anyone. She couldn’t imagine coming to Veg’d on a regular basis. She believed in eating healthy, but a vegan lifestyle just wasn’t right for her. “It was…um…a surprisingly pleasant experience.”

  Robert blurted out. “So, what happened to you and Cree last night? You guys left a little early.”

  Cameron squeezed her hand as he gazed into Cree’s eyes. “We don’t spend nearly as much time as we should together, so we didn’t stay too long.”

  Gwen smiled. “My goodness. Cameron, if we had known that Cree would have this kind of effect on you, we would have tried to convince her to move to New York well before now.”

  Robert turned to Cree. “He’s been smiling from ear to ear ever since you said you’d relocate to New York.”

  Gwen agreed. “Yes. Cameron is always so serious. I don’t think I’ve seen him smile this much in all the time I’ve known him.”

  Surprised, Cree responded. “Really now?”

  Robert bobbed his head up and down in agreement. “Definitely. Gwen and I were just about to head inside and pick up our order. Then, we were going to go over to the park? If you’re not doing anything, why don’t you two join us?”

  Cameron looked to Cree to try and gauge her reaction. After last night, he just wanted an easy day. He also knew if she would just give his friends a chance, she would really like them. However, he wouldn’t rush it.

  It wasn’t until she nodded her approval that he realized how much he wanted it. Cameron answered, “Umm…yeah. Sure. We’ve got a couple of hours to kill.”

  Robert nodded. “Cool, we’ll just run inside and grab our food. We’ll be right back.”

  Like clockwork, Gwen and Robert returned just a few short minutes later.

  As they made their way over to the park, Robert and Cameron started talking about work.

  Gwen rolled her eyes. “You guys do that up there. This is my day off, and I don’t want to talk about the hospital. I’m just going to hang back here with Cree.”

  Cree remarked, “It’s probably a good thing you don’t work there too.”

  “Oh god no. Can you imagine? I went to school with these clowns. I couldn’t imagine doing my residency with them. Although Bellevue Hospital is only fifteen minutes away, it’s still too close.”

  Robert and Cameron were deep in conversation. So, Gwen thought this would be an excellent opportunity to talk to Cree.

  “You know…about last night. I can’t even begin to tell you ho
w sorry I am.”

  Cree didn’t know what to make of her apology. “Sorry?”

  Gwen bit her lip. “I probably shouldn’t say this because Delia is my friend, but she was wrong last night. So, I completely understand why you left early. But, honestly, I’ve never seen her act this way with Cameron. I mean… I’ve always had my suspicions, but she’s never…I don’t know. I just want you to know that Delia really is a good person and last night she showed a side of herself that I’ve rarely seen. It was mean, disrespectful, and I told her about it. I would have been pissed had she behaved that way with Robert.”

  Cree gave her a half smile. “Thank you for that. I’m glad I’m not crazy for being upset about it.”

  “No, you’re not crazy. Not that you need reassuring or anything, but I’ve known these guys since the beginning of medical school. Cameron has been one hundred percent focused on finishing so that he could be with you. If Delia’s attracted to him, I’m sure it’s because of the way he treats and talks about you. Who wouldn’t want their man to look at them the way Cameron looks at you.”

  “Really? Cameron has a look?”

  Gwen laughed. “Only that his entire face just lights up. You both do. There are these unguarded moments between you two that I think most couples would give a body part for.”

  Although it shouldn’t have been, it was comforting to know that Cameron didn’t forget about her while he was away at school. It was also a little uncomfortable talking to Gwen about it. After all, she was Delia’s friend.

  She decided to change the subject. “How long have you and Robert been dating?”

  The sparkle in Gwen’s eyes was unmistakable too. “We’ve been together about three years. I’m hoping he’ll pop the question soon now that we’re finished with school.”

  Cameron turned around. “What are you two back here talking about?”

  Gwen touched Cree’s arm. “None of your business but if you must know, the differences between men and women.”

  He wrinkled up his nose. “Yeah…I don’t want any part of that conversation.”

  Robert frowned. “Me either. But, I would like to sit down under that tree over there and eat.”

  Cameron slowed down so that he could walk with Cree. Gwen walked ahead so that she could be with Robert until they made it to the tree and sat down.

  The afternoon went by fast, but, for the first time while being in New York, Cree was actually enjoying herself.

  Chapter 10

  Over the next several weeks, Cree could count the times on one hand that she’d spent with Cameron. That day in the park with Robert and Gwen had been one of the highlights. Their routine consisted mostly of work, sleep, eat, and repeat. Well, at least for him. Cree filled her days trying to make up little projects for herself. No one anywhere was more thrilled about going back to school than Cree. She would finally feel as if she had a purpose. However, for now, she was excited that Cameron was finally getting a day off. Cree was hopeful that tomorrow, they could spend some quality time together.

  She was already in bed by the time Cameron made it home. He moved around in the darkness not wanting to wake her up.

  Cree spoke. “Hey.”

  He yawned. “Hey. I thought you would be sleeping.”

  She turned over on her side, rose up on her elbow and rested her head in her hand. “Couldn’t sleep.”

  Cameron undressed. “Everything alright? What’s on your mind?”

  “No. Just excited you’re off tomorrow. I feel like a kid on Christmas Eve.”

  He was quiet for a second or two. “I…um…forgot to mention it, but Freddie was able to get free tickets to the baseball game tomorrow. It’s been a while since the guys and I have hung out.”

  Was he serious? They see each other every damn day! Cree was pissed or was she over-reacting?

  She did her best to remain calm. “A baseball game?”

  “Yeah. One of Freddie’s patients has a Box, and he gave him three tickets.”

  Her voice was tight. “I hoped we could do something fun.”

  He could hear her anger. “Come on Cree. I don’t want to argue. Am I not allowed to hang out with my friends from time to time?”

  His response almost pushed her over the edge. “Baseball games last all damn day!”

  “I knew you would do this.”

  She sat up, “Cameron, you’ve had one day off in weeks, and you’re choosing to spend it with your friends. How am I supposed to feel?”

  “You’re overreacting. None of the other girlfriends are going. It’s just us guys.” He stalked off to the bathroom. “It’s a few hours in the damn afternoon, Cree!”

  She responded as he walked away. “What am I supposed to do while you’re at the game?”

  He threw back over his shoulder. “Hell, I don’t know? You’re a grown ass woman, find something to do.”

  Cree was angry and hurt.

  *****

  Cree got up early the next morning to go for a run. Cameron was still sleeping when she’d left. She needed to clear her head and run off some of her anger and frustration. By the time she came back, Cameron was in the kitchen making breakfast. Cree took her earbuds out as she silently walked over to the refrigerator to get bottled water.

  Nope. The run didn’t help. She turned the bottle up for a long drink.

  He watched her from the moment she came into the kitchen. “Good morning.”

  She mumbled underneath her breath. “Morning.”

  Cameron knew she was still pissed. “Do you want a chickpea pancake?”

  She almost choked on her water. Chickpea? Buttermilk…yes. Blueberry…maybe. But, who the hell has a Chickpea pancake? Cree rolled her eyes.

  “I’ll make me something later.”

  Cameron shook his head out of frustration too. “Cree. I’m going to the game. The silent treatment and your attitude are not going to work. And, I’m not going to feel guilty about it either.”

  There was so much Cree wanted to say. She was afraid if she started talking she might kill him with the pan on the stove. Instead, with Herculean strength, she responded with controlled anger. “You said that last night.”

  Cree walked out of the kitchen to take a shower. It helped to take some of the tension out of her body, but she still needed to get her mind together.

  The apartment was too small. There was no room to get away from Cameron when she was angry. The one thing that was guaranteed to help her clear her mind was sewing. The damn machine was in the living room with him. Cree picked up her mp3 player and put her ear buds back on. Yes, she was being a little childish but she wanted to completely tune Cameron out. When she went out into the living room, Cameron was watching television. He ignored her too. The tension in the room was thick.

  After an hour or so at her machine, Cameron got up and went into the bedroom. Cree was so frustrated she wanted to cry, but she’d wait. She’d wait until he was gone. The material she’d been sewing suddenly became blurry. Angrily, Cree wiped away a tear. She’d be damned if she allowed him to see her cry.

  Cree happened to look up at the same time Cameron came out of the bedroom, wearing a New York Yankees t-shirt and baseball hat. Since when had he become a Yankees fan? Another thing she didn’t know about him. She shook her head as she re-focused on the sofa cover she was making.

  Cameron came and stood in front of her. She felt his presence but didn’t look up.

  He knew she was ignoring him, but he was standing his ground too. He worked hard and was young. He shouldn’t feel guilty about wanting to spend some time with his friends.

  Cameron pulled one of her ear buds out of her ear. “I’m leaving. I’ll have my phone if you need to reach me.”

  “Yep.” Cree wouldn’t look at him. She knew she would cry.

  “You know this is silly right?”

  Cree pressed the pedal of her machine. The sound drowned out his voice.

  Cameron pulled his bottom lip into his mouth with his teeth. He gave her a har
d stare before turning on his heel and slamming the door behind him.

  *****

  As soon as he left, Cree picked up her cell phone to call Melody. She got out of her chair and started pacing back and forth.

  Melody picked up on the third ring. “Hey, Cree.”

  “Hey, Mel. I need your opinion. I’m so angry I can’t see straight.”

  Melody laughed. “Oh boy, what did Cameron do?”

  “I’m just so frustrated. I don’t know what to do.”

  “Again, what did Cameron do?”

  Cree continued pacing. “You know that he logs a lot of hours at Presbyterian.”

  “Yeah?”

  “And, he hasn’t had a day off in weeks!”

  “Okay.”

  “Well, he finally has a day off and guess what he does?”

  Melody knew better than to respond. She just listened.

  As if she hadn’t asked Melody a question, Cree went on. “He spends it with friends that he sees almost every day at work!”

  “I guess…I can see how that would piss you off.”

  Cree exhaled loudly. “It’s not just that. It’s not even half of it. Melody, I’ve uprooted my life…my life, to be here with him. I don’t have any friends here, and I hate the city.” Everything she’d been afraid to put a voice to flowed out like running water. “I look around this apartment, and this is Cameron’s apartment. I mean, I’ve added my own little touches here and there, but everything is about him. Everything! My whole life has been about him!”

  Melody remained quiet as she continued to let Cree vent.

  “Did you know Cameron’s a vegan and that he likes the Yankees? I mean…the Yankees! I’m like since when? It’s like I don’t….” Cree stopped mid-sentence.

  “You don’t what?”