Callum (The Murphy Boys Book 3)

by Holly C. Webb

  Georgie slowly lifted her head and looked up into his eyes. She had no idea what she was supposed to say to him.

  Suddenly, he leaned forward, softly pressing his lips to hers.

  For a moment, Georgie didn’t do anything. She could barely think, much less breathe.

  Callum let go of her hand, but quickly slipped his arm around her, pulling her closer to him, as his kiss deepened.

  She closed her eyes for a moment, letting him kiss her, but something stopped her from kissing him back. A fear deep down in the pit of her stomach, but she had no idea what it was she was afraid of.

  “I can’t,” she cried as she pulled back abruptly.

  “Georgie,” he said, giving her a pleading look.

  “I’m sorry,” she whispered as she took a step back. “I can’t. Besides, you’re drunk, Callum. You should go to bed.”

  “Georgie,” he repeated, grabbing hold of her hand, stopping her once more. He tried to pull her back, but she yanked her hand free.

  “NO!” She exclaimed. “Please. Just stop!”

  Without saying another word, she turned, hurrying out of the kitchen, then across the living room, and up the stairs.

  It wasn’t until she reached her room that she released the breath she was holding, but it came out as a sob, as tears quickly pooled in her eyes. She covered her mouth with her hand, trying to muffle the sound of her sobs.

  What the hell had just happened? How would she ever be able to face him again?

  She pressed her back against the bedroom door, and slid down to the floor, burying her face in her hands. She cried until her tears stopped, and tiredness claimed her once more.

  “Georgie,” Macy’s voice crashed into her dreams. She blinked open her eyes and was surprised to see Macy sitting on the floor beside her.

  “Hey sweetie,” Georgie said as she pushed up from the floor, surprised that she had slept all night down there. “Are you okay?”

  “I’m hungry,” Macy said, giving her a funny look. “You fell asleep on the floor. You’re silly.”

  “I know I am, Sweetie,” Georgie replied, as the events of last night crashed into her mind.

  “Are you sad?” Macy asked, giving Georgie a worried look.

  “No, Sweetie,” Georgie assured her with a smile. “I’m not sad, just tired.”

  She climbed up from the floor, smiling at Macy before picking her up from the floor too, sitting her down on the bed.

  “I’m just going to use the bathroom real quick,” Georgie said looking down into the little girl’s big blue eyes, smiling once more. “Then we’ll go make some pancakes. How does that sound?”

  “Yum!” Macy exclaimed, this time rewarding Georgie with a smile.

  Georgie walked to her wardrobe, grabbed a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, then hurried into the bathroom.

  Less than ten minutes later, she emerged to find Macy sitting at her dressing table, playing with her make-up. Her face was covered in blusher, and she was now trying the put on some lipstick.

  Georgie smiled to herself before she closed the distance between her and Macy.

  “I’m sorry, Madame,” Georgie said with a grin. “But have you seen a little girl anywhere. She’s got dark curly hair and beautiful blue eyes. Her name is Macy.”

  “IT’S ME!” Macy exclaimed with a giggle.

  “So it is,” Georgie said, picking her up, hugging her tightly. Inside her heart was breaking, knowing that this could be her last morning she would spend with this amazing little girl. “I almost didn’t recognise you with all your beautiful make-up.”

  Suddenly the front doorbell sounded. Georgie knew that Annie wasn’t there, and there was no way Callum would be in any fit state to answer the door, so it fell to her to open the door.

  Picking Macy up, she headed out of the bedroom and down the stairs. Setting Macy down, she told her to go colour a picture while she went to see who was at the door.

  She then hurried down the hallway, to open the front door. She had barely turned the latch when the door was pushed opened from the outside, and Camilla hurried in past Georgie, making her way down the hallway.

  “Excuse me!” Georgie called after her, reaching her before she reached the stairs. “Where the hell do you think you’re going?”

  “I want to see Callum,” Camilla said, pinning Georgie with a stare that warned her not to mess with her. She slipped off her floor-length, cream coloured coat and threw it with her bag, on the armchair, before she turned back to Georgie.

  “Is Callum expecting you?” Georgie asked, glancing over at Macy, who looked beyond terrified of this loud, arrogant woman standing in front of her.

  “I don’t see how that’s any of your damn business,” Camilla hissed, “Now, get the fuck out of my way.”

  Georgie was about to argue the point with her, but she glanced over at Macy once more, and when she saw the look on her face, she knew the right thing to do was step aside, and let her pass, instead of causing a scene.

  As Camilla hurried up the stairs, Georgie walked over to Macy, smiling at her.

  “Are you okay, Little Woman?” Georgie asked, crouching down in front of her.

  “The mean lady said bad words,” Macy replied, her bottom lip quivering.

  “I know she did, Sweetheart,” Georgie said, smiling at her. “But she’s gone now, so you’re grand.”

  Macy glanced up toward the stairs once more, before she turned to Georgie, returning her smile.

  “How about I go make them pancakes?” Georgie continued and was greeted with a wide smile. She leaned forward and kissed her on the forehead before she turned, heading into the kitchen.

  Georgie set about making the mix for the pancakes, then slicing up some fruit for Macy to eat on the side.

  She was just about to make the first pancake when she heard Camilla yell, and it sounded like she was back in the living room. Georgie picked up a tea towel and wiped her hands, as she headed for the living room.

  Suddenly she heard Macy cry. Georgie picked up speed and reached the living room, just as Camilla was about to spank Macy.

  “JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH! WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU’RE DOING?” Georgie yelled, as she rushed to Macy, scooping her up in her arms. Macy instantly buried her face in Georgie's neck and sobbed. “Don’t you ever put your hands on her again.”

  “The little brat went through my bag,” Camilla explained, angrily. “She had my make-up. Look at my coat; it’s destroyed.”

  “So you were going to spank her?” Georgie hissed back at her, holding Macy close to her. “She is four years old.”

  “She’s a fucking brat,” Camilla spat back,

  “And you’re a mean lady!” Georgie retorted, using the words Macy had said before, wishing more than anything that she could just slap this bitch across her face. “And a crazy fucking bitch. Now get the hell out.”

  “I beg your pardon!” Camilla replied, looking completely stunned.

  “You heard her,” Callum said suddenly from the staircase. “Get the fuck out of my home, and never come back here again.”

  Camilla turned and stared at Callum in disbelief. She opened her mouth to speak, but closed it just as quickly.

  “I said get out of my house,” Callum repeated, coming down the rest of the way.

  Camilla, turned and picked up her coat and bag, then turned, heading straight for the door, slamming it behind her.

  Chapter 14

  Callum stood there, staring at Georgie, with Macy in her arms, sobbing her little heart out. He wasn’t sure what had happened exactly, but he’d heard enough to know that Georgie was right to have told Camilla to get the hell out of the house.

  “Hey, Mace,” he whispered softly, walking towards Georgie, holding out his arms to his daughter, trying desperately to ignore the fact his head felt like a grenade had gone off. “Everything is okay.”

  Macy lifted her head, then reached out her arms to Callum. She quickly curled into his bare chest, as she cried once mo
re, her little heartbreaking.

  Walking to the sofa, Callum sat down, and Macy held tightly. He hated to hear her so upset. It broke his heart too.

  As he sat there, he could feel Georgie watching him, as the memories of the night before played over and over in his head. Callum knew he needed to make this right; he just didn’t know how. He was beyond mortified, and completely ashamed of his behaviour.

  He glanced up at Georgie, but the moment his eyes found hers, she turned looked away.

  Damn! He thought to himself. I really have fucked things up.

  When he woke up a short while earlier, his head hurt like a son of a bitch. He couldn’t even remember coming home, much less coming to bed. He reached up and scrubbed his face with his hand, but winced as soon as he did. He had no clue what had happened to his hand?

  He tried to recall the night before, but all he remembered was bits and pieces.

  When he had walked out of the apartment the night before, he was so angry, but he really didn’t know why. He just needed some time to think and a little bit of space.

  He climbed into his Aston Martin and drove for what felt like forever. Finally, he found himself sitting on a bar stool, staring into a glass of liquid amber.

  He hated that seeing Georgie with Liam had bothered him so much, but it had. Every time he touched her, every time she smiled at him, Callum got this knot in the pit of his stomach.

  He was jealous. Pure and simple.

  As they were driving home, he knew he was being ridiculous. He was angry with her, even though she hadn’t done anything wrong. He was just about to talk to her, to try and clear the air when her phone rang. When she didn’t answer it, he was surprised.

  “Don’t you want to get that?” He asked surprising himself as much as Georgie with his question.

  “Not really,” she replied.

  Maybe it’s Liam calling her? He thought miserably. He released a sigh but decided not to push it more. When the phone rang a second time, and once more she didn’t answer it, Callum felt angry.

  He knew he was being unreasonable, but he also knew that he couldn’t help whatever it was he was feeling.

  Reaching for the drink in front of him, he brought it to his mouth, lowering it back in just one gulp. He needed a distraction. He stood up from his stool, heading for the exit.

  Climbing into his car, ignoring the fact he had been drinking. His mother crashed into his head, as a wave of guilt washed over him. He knew she detested drinking and driving.

  Shaking his head, he started the engine, pushing his mother, Liam and even Georgie from his mind.

  Ten minutes later, he was climbing from his car, then climbing the front steps to Camilla’s townhouse.

  “Cal!” She exclaimed with surprise when she opened the door and found him standing there. “What are you doing here?”

  Callum didn’t reply. Instead, he stepped forward, slamming his mouth against hers. Pushing her back into the house, he kicked the door closed behind him.

  “I need you, now!” He growled against her mouth, moving until he had her pinned against the wall.

  Camilla didn’t hesitate. Reaching up, she grabbed hold of his hair, pulling him close to her, kissing him passionately.

  This is what I need, he told himself silently. I need to fuck that girl and this stupid, whatever it is, out of my head!

  Camilla reached for his belt, making short work of it, before she reached into his pants, taking hold of his cock in her hand.

  “Fuck me, Cal!” She moaned against his mouth, her hand working up and down his shaft, making his erection harder. “Right here, right now!”

  Callum reached down, pulling up her dress. Then, reaching for her panties, he grabbed the delicate lace between his fingertips, pulling it hard, Callum could hear the lace rip, and he smiled against her mouth.

  “FUCK ME, NOW!” Camilla screamed with excitement, biting down on his bottom lip.

  Reaching between them, Callum pulled his arousal from his trousers knowing that this wasn’t going to last long.

  He looked down into Camilla’s eyes, and for some reason, Georgie crashed into his mind.

  It was at that exact moment he realised that he was falling for her; which he knew was stupid because he barely knew her. Still, he was falling for her hard.

  He closed his eyes, trying desperately to push her from his thoughts, but she was all he could think about. Her perfect smile, her beautiful eyes, the smell of her perfume.

  No matter how much he tried to push her from his mind, she was there.

  He opened his eyes and looked down at Camilla once more. Callum knew there was no way he could ever have sex with her now.

  “I can’t do this,” he whispered as he released her hands, stepping back. Reaching for his pants, he pushed his cock back inside, quickly fastening them up. “I’m sorry.”

  “You’re sorry?” Camilla exclaimed, giving Callum a look of disbelief. “Are you fucking kidding me right now?”

  “This was a mistake,” Callum said as he turned towards the door. “I’m sorry.”

  “You do not walk away from me, Callum,” she demanded as she followed him to the door, stepping in his way before he could get it open. “You finish what you fucking started.”

  “It’s not happening, Camilla,” Callum said, giving her a look that told her he meant every word. “You and I are done.”

  “We are done when I say we are done!” Camilla exclaimed.

  “Get out of my way, Camilla,” Callum growled, reaching for the door. “I said, this is done.”

  “Is this because of your fucking brat?” Camilla hissed, as Callum struggled to keep a lid on his temper. “You are throwing your life away for some kid you didn’t even know existed a month ago.”

  “Her name is Macy,” Callum spat back, pinning Camilla with an angry glare. “And this has nothing to do with her. Don’t you ever talk about her like that again!”

  “Oh my, God!” Camilla exclaimed with a laugh of disbelief. “It’s the girl. The little snowflake you have playing Mommy to that stupid kid of yours.”

  “Just leave it, Camilla,” Callum said as he made to push past her once more.

  “Oh, God, I’m right,” Camilla replied, looking completely stunned. “It is about her. You… you’re in love with her.”

  “Stop talking nonsense,” Callum laughed, refusing to admit anything to Camilla. She was the last person that he would tell how he felt about Georgie too.

  “OH WOW!” Camilla laughed, but her laughter was filled with spite. “She doesn’t know you love her. You’re afraid to tell her.”

  “Yes, Camilla,” Callum laughed sarcastically, but inside he was freaked she had seen right through him. “I’m madly in love with a girl I don’t even know, because even a fucking stranger, is a better choice than you.”

  Camilla drew back, then slapped Callum across the face.

  “Get the fuck out!” She hissed, reaching for the door, pulling it open.

  “My pleasure,” Callum growled, before storming out of the door, down to his car.

  As he climbed in behind the wheel, he sat for a moment trying to calm his ragged breathing, but inside he fumed. He knew that Camilla was never going to let this go.

  “FUCK!” Callum yelled as he punched his steering wheel. This was a fucking nightmare. He had feelings for a girl. The same girl that had somehow changed his daughter’s life, but he was fairly sure she liked his brother.

  This is a fucking mess; he thought to himself, miserably. And now Camilla knows too. This can’t end well.

  He started his engine, and fifteen minutes later he was back on a stool, in some bar he had never even heard of before, getting as drunk as he could, as quickly as he could.

  Callum had no recollection of getting home, and looking at the bandage on his hand, he had no clue what had happened his hand. But suddenly Georgie crashed into his mind, and flashes of the night before came to him.

  Then he remembered, he’d kissed her. Sh
e had fixed his hand, and then he kissed her. But she hadn’t kissed him back; she had pulled away. For some reason, he remembered her being scared. She had been scared of him.

  “You fucking idiot!” He groaned as he rubbed his face again, and once more he winced with the pain in his hand.

  He pushed up from his bed, unsure how he had ended up completely naked. He walked into his wardrobe, each step he took hurting his head more. He reached for a pair of tracksuit bottoms. He was going to go talk to Georgie and fix this before it was too late.

  He was just pulling on the bottoms when the doorbell sounded. The sound was piercing, as his head felt like it was about to split in two. He crashed down onto the bed.

  Why the fuck did I drink so much? He thought to himself as once more he pushed up from the bed.

  Suddenly the door to his room burst open and in stormed a very angry Camilla.

  “You piece of shit!” She hissed as she stood there looking at him, her eyes filled with rage.

  “How the hell did you get in here?” Callum asked, pinning her with a stare, trying hard to focus on not throwing up. “How did you get past the front desk? I left instruction last week that you were not to be allowed come up here.”

  “Like there is anything you can stop me from doing,” Camilla smirked as she stepped closer to Callum. “And if you think I am going to stand by, while some Irish Julie fucking Andrews steps into my place, you have another thing coming.”

  “There is nothing going on between Georgie and me,” Callum replied, as his head ached as he had never imagined it could. He sat down on the bed, burying his head in his hands. “I just think you’re a crazy fucking bitch, and I don’t want you anywhere near my daughter.”

  “And you think it’s that simple?” She asked with a laughed that cut right in to Callum's brain. “I am Camilla Elizabeth Gibson III; do you really think I’m going to let you humiliate me like this?”

  “Right now, Camilla,” Callum said as getting up from the bed once more. “I don’t give a fuck what you think, now get the hell out.”